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Laura Kondourajian

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The Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad PodStudent Stories: Reaching for the Stars with Anastatia MayersAnastasia Myers, the youngest person to venture into space, shares her extraordinary story of resilience and ambition. From her childhood in Antigua to studying philosophy and physics at the University of Aberdeen, Anastasia’s path to joining the Virgin Galactic's Galactic 02 crew alongside her mom is nothing short of inspiring. Alongside Ashley and Emma, she reflects on the profound bond she shares with her mother, the challenges she overcame, and the invaluable lessons she learned. Learn more about:- Watch Anatatsia's experience into space.- Meet the Galactic 02 Crew.- Watch Anatatsia and...2025-04-1643 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad PodUCAS Explained with Felicity LloydFelicity Lloyd, international partnerships manager for UCAS, shares her journey in higher education with Ashley and Emma, emphasizing the importance of the international student voice in the UK education system. She covers the UCAS application process, the significance of targeted applications, and recent changes to the personal statement format. Felicity also provides valuable advice for US students considering studying in the UK, highlighting common mistakes and the importance of seeking help throughout the application process.Learn more about:- Connect with Felicity. - Explore UCAS. Send us a textD...2025-04-0938 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad PodBridging Borders: All Things UK Higher Education with Will AbrahamWill Abraham, Regional Manager at Goldsmiths, University of London, joins the conversation to explore the complexities of studying abroad, with a focus on higher education in the UK. Drawing from his own experiences, Will shares the moments that fueled his enthusiasm for international education while highlighting the unique benefits of studying in the UK, such as its affordability and cultural alignment for many students. Together with Ashley and Emma, he unpacks the UK admissions process, sheds light on academic structures, and examines the key distinctions between the UK and US education systems.Learn more about:2025-04-0238 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad PodDispelling the Misconceptions about Community College with Kristoffer ToribioKristoffer Toribio, a leader in international education and community college admissions, shares his personal journey, the challenges he faced in his career, and the misconceptions surrounding community colleges. He, along with Ashley and Emma, discuss the need for greater awareness and support for community colleges as vital institutions in the global education landscape.Learn more about:- Community college FAQs.- Orange Coast College's transfer pathways. - Orange Coast College + James Cook University's partnership program.Send us a textDon't forget to follow us on our socials! 2025-03-2636 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad PodStudy in Japan with Sophia University’s Dr. Thais FaveroHosts Ashley and Emma sit down with Dr. Thais Favero from Sophia University to explore what it’s really like to study in Japan. From the richness of the culture to the challenges of mastering the language, they unpack the unique allure of studying abroad in Japan. They discuss key aspects of life as an international student—touching on safety, cost of living, tuition, scholarships, and navigating the application process. With personal stories and thoughtful insights, Thais helps shine a light on the value of cultural integration and the life-changing experiences that comes from studying in Japan. Lea...2025-03-1940 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad PodStudent Stories: Molly’s Journey to the University of St. AndrewsMolly Keane, a current student at the University of St. Andrews, shares her journey from attending a California high school to studying biochemistry in Scotland. She helps break down her experience with the application process, cultural differences, and her own journey of becoming an international student. Learn more about:- University of St. Andrews Entry Requirements. -AIRR-NA contact for University of St. Andrews, U.S. based Admissions Representatives. -Start your application on UCAS. Apply by January 29th, 2025 for Fall 2025. Send us a textDon't forget to follow us o...2024-11-2034 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad PodMeeting Students Where They Are: Championing Access in International Education with Southampton’s Mubarik IbrahimMubarak ‘Mubzy’ Ibrahim, the International Regional Manager for the University of Southampton, shares his journey from the UK to the US and discusses the challenges and opportunities in international student recruitment. He emphasizes the importance of widening participation in education, the barriers faced by some North American students, and the need for a more holistic approach in admissions processes. Mubzy also highlights the significance of building relationships with students and counselors, understanding financial barriers, and adapting to the changing landscape of education.Learn more about:-University of Southampton’s information for students from the USA. 2024-11-1335 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad PodNew Zealand Awaits with UoA's Ashley MonaghanAshley Monaghan, regional manager for North America at the University of Auckland, shares her insights on studying abroad in New Zealand. She reflects on her journey in international education, her own experiences studying abroad, and what makes New Zealand a distinctive destination for students. Monaghan also discusses the recruitment strategies she uses to engage North American students, the integration of Māori heritage into campus culture, the structure of New Zealand's degree programs, and the student experience at the University of Auckland.Learn more about:- Being an international student at the University of A...2024-10-3026 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad Pod'Paris Is Always a Good Idea' with AUP’s Amanda CarrollAmanda Carroll, Associate Director of Admissions at American University, Paris (AUP), shares her journey into international education and the unique offerings of AUP. She covers the application process for North American students, the familiarity of the liberal arts education model abroad, and vibrant student life in the heart of the City of Light. With a focus on transformative opportunities like internships and cultural engagement, she portrays AUP as not just an excellent choice for those pursuing international education, but also as a welcoming gateway and stepping stone for students who may feel apprehensive about studying abroad....2024-10-2323 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad PodHelping Students Take the Leap: A Conversation with Cosplay Counselor Irene YuHave you ever imagined combining the worlds of cosplay and international education counseling? Meet Irene Yu, a vibrant college and career specialist from Orange County, CA who does just that! Irene shares her journey into international education, her unique approach to counseling students, and the importance of studying abroad. She discusses the benefits of international experiences, the challenges faced in the application process, and the significance of counselor tours in providing valuable insights to students. Learn more about:- Irene's website. - Irene's Instagram.- Irene's Youtube.Send us a t...2024-10-1635 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad PodLess Barriers More Reef: Making Studying Abroad Easy with JCU Alumna Kaysha KenneyEmma and Ashley sit down with Kaysha Kenney, a recent graduate of James Cook University in Australia, to unveil her inspiring journey in the field of marine biology amidst the vibrant backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef. Raised in Southern California with a passion for the ocean, Kaysha shares how this love drove her to pursue both a BSc in Biology at California State University, Fullerton, and a Masters in Marine Biology in Australia. She delves into the motivations that took her Down Under, the intricacies of the application and visa processes, and the financial hurdles of scholarships and...2024-10-0935 minThe Go Abroad PodThe Go Abroad Pod‘Rising Tides Raise All Ships’ with AIRR-NA Co-Founder Jim PiersonIn the inaugural episode, hosts Emma and Ashley welcome Jim Pierson, Senior Manager at University College Dublin and co-founder of the Association of International Regional Representatives in North America (AIRR-NA). Together, they delve into the evolving role of international representatives and the pivotal mission of AIRR-NA while emphasizing the importance of fostering a robust community for both students and international representatives as they tackle the distinct challenges of the North American market.Learn more about: -AIRR-NA-The National Association for College Admission Counseling's (NACAC) Guide to International University Admission...2024-10-0228 minYou Have PermissionYou Have PermissionWho’s Afraid of Evolutionary Psychology? (#47)As it turns out, both conservatives AND liberals, depending who you talk to. But is it a valid field of research, and what do we learn about human nature from evolutionary psychology? Dan also talks with Dr. Justin Barrett (Fuller Seminary) about so-called “cultural evolution,” where the evolution of humanity moves at a much more rapid pace, and through the dissemination of information, values, stories, etc, rather than through genetic mutation and selection. And of course, they discuss what implications all of this might have for theology and Christian practice.Fuller Seminary’s Theology & Psychology Initiative: theopsych.comEdited by Laura Kondou...2019-12-091h 41You Have PermissionYou Have PermissionWho’s Afraid of Evolutionary Psychology? (#47)As it turns out, both conservatives AND liberals, depending who you talk to. But is it a valid field of research, and what do we learn about human nature from evolutionary psychology? Dan also talks with Dr. Justin Barrett (Fuller Seminary) about so-called “cultural evolution,” where the evolution of humanity moves at a much more rapid pace, and through the dissemination of information, values, stories, etc, rather than through genetic mutation and selection. And of course, they discuss what implications all of this might have for theology and Christian practice.Fuller Seminary’s Theology & Psychology Initiative: theopsych.comEdited by Laura Kondou...2019-12-091h 41You Have PermissionYou Have PermissionIs the “Supernatural” Actually Just Natural? (#42)Just in time for Halloween (not on purpose actually!)... What exactly is the "supernatural"? When God does something in the natural world, is that the same thing as saying that God broke the laws of physics? Theologian Thomas Jay oord helps Dan explore these questions, and whether or not it makes more sense to think of the “natural” and “supernatural” as essentially no different from one another. Or in Tom’s words, “For every event that happens in the world, there are both divine and creaturely causes.” They consider some possible ramifications of this move, including the resurrection of Jesus, miracles, the...2019-10-281h 43You Have PermissionYou Have PermissionIs the “Supernatural” Actually Just Natural? (#42)Just in time for Halloween (not on purpose actually!)... What exactly is the "supernatural"? When God does something in the natural world, is that the same thing as saying that God broke the laws of physics? Theologian Thomas Jay oord helps Dan explore these questions, and whether or not it makes more sense to think of the “natural” and “supernatural” as essentially no different from one another. Or in Tom’s words, “For every event that happens in the world, there are both divine and creaturely causes.” They consider some possible ramifications of this move, including the resurrection of Jesus, miracles, the...2019-10-281h 43You Have PermissionYou Have PermissionCognitive Science & Religious Belief (For Beginners) (#41)Philosopher Myron Penner (Trinity Western University) helps Dan think through some interesting but complicated and challenging findings from cognitive science (the study of the mind, not the study of the brain -- that's called neuroscience) and what they mean for our understanding of religions beliefs, behaviors and experiences. By explaining religious belief from a cognitive perspective, how does cognitive science of religion not *explain away* religion altogether? Does cognitive science of religion present evidence for God, for atheism, or neither?- “When God Talks Back” - https://smile.amazon.com/When-God-Talks-Back-Understanding/dp/0307277275/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia?keywords=when+god+talks+back&pd_r...2019-10-211h 25You Have PermissionYou Have PermissionCognitive Science & Religious Belief (For Beginners) (#41)Philosopher Myron Penner (Trinity Western University) helps Dan think through some interesting but complicated and challenging findings from cognitive science (the study of the mind, not the study of the brain -- that's called neuroscience) and what they mean for our understanding of religions beliefs, behaviors and experiences. By explaining religious belief from a cognitive perspective, how does cognitive science of religion not *explain away* religion altogether? Does cognitive science of religion present evidence for God, for atheism, or neither?- “When God Talks Back” - https://smile.amazon.com/When-God-Talks-Back-Understanding/dp/0307277275/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia?keywords=when+god+talks+back&pd_r...2019-10-211h 25You Have PermissionYou Have PermissionPsychedelics & Other "Spiritual Technologies" (#39)Why is everyone suddenly talking about psychedelic drugs again? What do we know about them, and what is their relationship to more “ordinary” religious experiences? Is taking a psychedelic as part of a worship service any different than dimming the lights and swaying together to worship music? What can we learn about human brains and religious experience in general from the research on psychedelics? Today we hear from theologian Sarah Lane Ritchie, who both works on these questions from a theological perspective and also has been a participant in a controlled psilocybin trial in the UK. And yes, she tells us a...2019-10-071h 20You Have PermissionYou Have PermissionPsychedelics & Other "Spiritual Technologies" (#39)Why is everyone suddenly talking about psychedelic drugs again? What do we know about them, and what is their relationship to more “ordinary” religious experiences? Is taking a psychedelic as part of a worship service any different than dimming the lights and swaying together to worship music? What can we learn about human brains and religious experience in general from the research on psychedelics? Today we hear from theologian Sarah Lane Ritchie, who both works on these questions from a theological perspective and also has been a participant in a controlled psilocybin trial in the UK. And yes, she tells us a...2019-10-071h 20