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Journey AbroadEp 31: Remembering Justin SupernaultContent warning: The following episode discusses suicide and suicidality which I know can be distressing. If you want to avoid this content, skip this episode and join us again on the next episode of Journey Abroad. If you need support, I have added suicide crisis lines for as many countries as possible below. In loving memory of my partner and best friend, Justin Supernault.Suicide helplines worldwide: Argentina: 135 Australia: 131114 Austria: 142Bangladesh: 999 (Emergency) Belgium: 1813Botswana: 3911270Brazil: 188 (Emergency) Burkina Faso: 17 (Emergency)Canada: 1 (833) 456 4566...
2023-08-1845 minJourney AbroadEp 30: Hair Journey Abroad with Idai MakoniIn this week's episode, I chat with Idai Makoni about her experience abroad. Idai shares how she learned that she is more of a city girl than a small-town girl. A large part of this episode discusses both my and Idai's hair journeys through our lives, but also while living abroad. We talk about hair maintenance, assessing our relationships with our hair, and finally, Idai rounds off the conversation with some hair-related tips and tricks. Idai completed her International Baccalaureate at UWC Mahindra College in India. She then moved to the USA where she completed a BA i...
2023-04-281h 07Journey AbroadEp 29: Spiritual Grounding at Home with Mutsa MakufaIn this week's episode, I chat with Mutsa Makufa, host of The Forest Brothers Podcast. If you have not yet had the chance to check out that particular episode, or The Forest Brothers podcast, definitely do so. Mutsa shares his nomadic journey from Zimbabwe, where he grew up to Indiana where he currently is. A large part of this episode covers his recent trip back home to the Kingdom of Eswatini. We talk about the chaotic flight back and his reflections on being back home as an adult. Having experienced life both in our home countries and abroad, we...
2023-04-091h 23Journey AbroadEp 28: Community among fellow Africans with Diana SpencerIn this episode, Diana shares her experience moving from Senegal to South Africa, then to Indiana, USA, and finally to Utah, USA, where she currently lives. She talks about the difference in experiences between moving to a place where she was surrounded by other Africans and moving to a place where she was one of few. She also talks about rethinking self-care, especially when self-care is highly commodified. Diana completed her A-levels at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa. She then moved to the USA to pursue a bachelor's degree in International Economics at the University o...
2023-03-2457 minJourney AbroadEp 27: Fresh Starts with Olayemi AjalaIn this episode, Olayemi shares her experience moving abroad, not once, but twice! Her journey starts in Nigeria, then takes her first to Bristol in England, then to Montreal, QC, in Canada. We discuss the challenges she faced having to start afresh multiple times, including having to learn French in Canada. Olayemi highlights the importance of having a community to support you as you navigate life in your new home. Olayemi studied biomedical sciences at the University of the West of England. She then moved to Montreal where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in human relations a...
2023-03-1049 minJourney AbroadEp 26: HomegoingJourney Abroad is BACK after a brief hiatus. I finally got the opportunity to go back home to Botswana! I used this trip to fully disconnect from my responsibilities, including the podcast. It was a much-needed break. If you've been following the podcast and following me on social media, you know how eager I have been for my trip back home. In this episode, I share my experience going home after 4 years, the differences in culture that I noticed, and my thoughts and reflections now that I am back in Montreal. Connect with Refilwe:T...
2023-02-2457 minJourney AbroadEp 25: Mindset matters with Chazha SeboniOur mindset matters. How we go into a space or situation can shape our experience. In this episode, Chazha Seboni gives us ways in which her mindset shaped her reality abroad, especially in terms of adapting to change and making friends. We talk about Chazha’s journey from Botswana to Ohio in the US, where she is currently studying. Other things that come up in this episode are the benefits of being at a small institution, how to make meditation a habit, and working while studying, particularly in terms of knowing what you are allowed to do as per th...
2023-01-1350 minJourney AbroadBONUS EPISODE: Studying and Living Abroad with The Forest BrothersI collaborated with The Forest Brothers Podcast in this bonus episode to discuss life abroad. We talk about their respective journeys, applying for colleges, the pros and cons of studying in various countries and their experience, in general, being abroad, including the weird questions Africans in the diaspora get asked. About the brothers: All three of the brothers completed their International Baccalaureate at Waterford Kamhlaba UWC in Eswatini. They then did their undergraduate degrees at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Samson Masanga, from Kenya, studied computer science and is currently a front-end software...
2022-12-281h 51Journey AbroadEp 24: Navigating the Holiday SeasonYou made it to the end of the year! The holiday time can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful for students living abroad. In this final episode of 2022(!) I share my experience spending the holiday season abroad, and things that I have learnt over the years. Thank you for your continued support with this podcast! Happy holidays to you and your loved ones! Until 2023, byeeeee. Connect with Refilwe:Twitter: @fee_mpaiInstagram: @freespirit_feeLinkedIn: Refilwe MpaiJourney Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_Journey Ab...
2022-12-2327 minJourney AbroadEp 23: Pursuing a PhD with Ibi Max-HarryCurious about what it is like to pursue a PhD? In this week's episode, I chat with PhD candidate in molecular biology, Ibi Max-Harry. Ibi, a native of Nigeria, talks about her journey through undergrad which she pursued in Ghana, and how that led to her deciding to apply for PhD programs in the United States of America. She talks about the culture shock she experienced moving to Ohio, and what doing a PhD has been like for her. Ibi completed a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering at the All Nations University College in Koforidua, Ghana. She...
2022-12-0959 minJourney AbroadEp 22: Surviving Med School with Dr Tshegofatso GhanieIn this week's episode, I chat with Dr Tshegofatso Ghanie about her experience pursuing a medical degree in Grenada. She shares her experience applying to and surviving medical school. We discuss her adjustment to life in Grenada, including flying alone for the first time. Dr Ghanie also shares her experience seeking help for her mental health during her degree. Tshego was born and raised in Botswana. She completed her pre-med and medical training at St George's University on the island of Grenada. She is currently pursuing a master's degree at the same institution in public health and an...
2022-11-251h 09Journey AbroadEp 21: Fall FeelsHappy November! As beautiful as fall is, it is usually a period of increased anxiety for me; largely anticipatory anxiety for the long cold winter ahead. In this week's episode, I talk about the ways in which I have been trying to make the most of the fall season and how I am preparing for winter.Episode notes: The humidifier I use: ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser 400ML Therapy lamp: Verilux® HappyLight® Lucent - UV-free LED Light Therapy Lamp(Note: This isn't the same lamp I ordered, but it is very similar. The one...
2022-11-1239 minJourney AbroadEp 20: International Student Struggles with Temmy MthethwaIn this week's episode, I chat with biology and English literature student, Temmy Mthethwa. We talk about Temmy’s experience moving to Montreal in Canada. She also shares her experience living in residence at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, where she was forced to book a last-minute flight back home. Finally, she talks about immigration struggles - something most international students can relate to. Temmy is from the Kingdom of Eswatini. She completed her International Baccalaureate at Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in English Literature at Conco...
2022-10-2138 minJourney AbroadEp 19: Celebrating Achievements and Dealing with FailureIn this week's episode, I chat about the importance of celebrating success, ways we can go about celebrating success, and strategies for how I respond to failure.Connect with Refilwe:Twitter: @fee_mpaiInstagram: @freespirit_feeLinkedIn: Refilwe MpaiJourney Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcastMusic by: John_Sib from Pixabay
2022-10-0831 minJourney AbroadEp 18: Adapting to change with Freddy Detchou, SUPER FREDDYIn this week's episode, I chat with media specialist and artist, Freddy Detchou, aka Super Freddy. We chat about Freddy’s journey abroad to various countries including Canada where he currently resides. We discuss the language conflict in Cameroon, his home country, how he pivoted fields between undergraduate and graduate studies, and how he got started making music. Finally, Freddy reminds us of the importance of slowing down as a form of self-care. Freddy was born in Canada to Cameroonian parents and spent time in Canada, the United States, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom. He completed an unde...
2022-09-2343 minJourney AbroadEp 17: Hello, Season Two!Welcome back to Journey Abroad, the show that highlights Africans studying and living abroad, their experiences, as well as tips and tricks on how to thrive in new environments.In this first episode of season 2, Refilwe Mpai shares her thoughts, feelings, and hopes for the new school year. She also shares her experience transitioning from the master's program to the PhD program. Podcast features: STEMing from Africa: Ep 9: Exploring neuroscience and navigating new countriesThe Vulnerable Scientist: 104 | Journey Abroad Podcast Host | Neuroscientist | Vulnerable Refilwe MpaiHer Royal Science: 32 A Whole...
2022-09-0917 min
Her Royal Science32 A Whole New WorldIn this episode, we speak with Refilwe Mpai, a Neuroscience PhD Candidate at McGill University. During our conversation, Refilwe shares personal anecdotes about her international path to present day, traveling from Botswana to Canada with a brief stint in the United States. We also discuss her ongoing doctoral research, which dives into the neuroanatomical manifestations of child abuse and depression. Specifically, she is interested in the dynamic nature of cerebellar perineuronal nets and how they may be altered in major depressive disorder and early life adversity. Lastly, we chat about Refilwe's growing podcast, Journey Abroad, where she creates space for...
2022-09-0631 minJourney AbroadEp 16: Choosing me: making the decision to take a gap year with Marothodi NtseaneIn this week's episode, I chat with Stanford graduate and early childhood educator, Marothodi Ntseane. We chat about her adjustment to moving to Massachusetts, and later to California, in the United States. We also talk about the factors that led to her taking a gap year during her undergraduate degree and the steps she took to make it happen. Marothodi reminds us of the importance of choosing you and following your own path. Marothodi was born in the United States to Batswana parents and raised in Botswana. She completed her high school at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield...
2022-05-2053 minJourney AbroadEp 15: Life in Russia with Katlego Kgosibodiba, The Soul EngineerIn this week's episode, I chat with mechatronics and robotics student, Katlego Kgosibodiba. We chat about his adjustment to life in Russia, including how he went about learning the language. He also shares the things he has come to enjoy about the country, including its variety in landscapes, culture, and climate. We further talk about his interests outside school which include photography, running a YouTube page as The Soul Engineer, and hosting two podcasts, Engineered Thoughts and The Global Runway Podcast. Katlego was born and raised in Botswana. He is currently doing his bachelor's in mechatronics, robotics...
2022-05-061h 02
The Vulnerable Scientist104 | Journey Abroad Podcast Host | Neuroscientist| Vulnerable Refilwe MpaiThe Journey abroad Podcast Host, Refliwe Mpai is a Neuroscientist from Botswana and is currently based in Canada. She has a Psychology background and now doing an MSc in Neuroscience. She shares her story though most of the recording was lost this will be redone. Meanwhile, this is a long teaser of the upcoming conversation.The Vulnerable Scientist is a Kenyan-based podcast that focuses on scientists' stories about their daily lives, work, and how they got to where they are. I am your host Sarah Nyakeri, a scientist, informal science communicator and a hiker. I am a...
2022-04-2948 min
The Vulnerable Scientist104 | Journey Abroad Podcast Host | Neuroscientist| Vulnerable Refilwe MpaiThe Journey abroad Podcast Host, Refliwe Mpai is a Neuroscientist from Botswana and is currently based in Canada. She has a Psychology background and now doing an MSc in Neuroscience. She shares her story though most of the recording was lost this will be redone. Meanwhile, this is a long teaser of the upcoming conversation.The Vulnerable Scientist is a Kenyan-based podcast that focuses on scientists' stories about their daily lives, work, and how they got to where they are. I am your host Sarah Nyakeri, a scientist, informal science communicator and a hiker. I am a...
2022-04-2948 minJourney AbroadEp 14: Amplifying Africans in STEM with Sandile MtetwaIn this week's episode, I chat with PhD student in chemistry, Sandile Mtetwa. She shares how she got into research, what lead to her decision to pursue graduate studies abroad, and what she is working on in her PhD. We also talk about the organizations she has helped create: Simuka-Arise which is a Zimbabwe-based organization that advocates for young women's empowerment academically, economically and socially, as well as Africans in STEM which highlights scientific contributions by Africans in STEM fields and provides avenues to connect, share ideas and collaborateAfricans in STEM is hosting a hybrid symposium o...
2022-04-2239 minJourney AbroadEp 13: Celebrating and empowering Black folks with Ifeoluwa AdedipeIn this week's episode, I chat MSc student in Neuroscience, Ifeoluwa Adedipe. She shares her love for neuroscience, how she got into this field, and her experience doing her master's in a foreign language. We also talk about the organizations she is a part of, Black in Neuro, a community that celebrates and empowers Black scholars and professionals in neuroscience-related fields, and Black Women Support Network, a community for the empowerment and upliftment of Black women in Canada.Ife was born and raised in South Africa, with ancestral roots in Nigeria. She moved to Canada with her...
2022-04-0849 minJourney AbroadEp 12: Let's Talk Mental Health with Tara Tumelo BogatsuIn this week's episode, I chat with mental health researcher, Tara Tumelo Bogatsu. She shares how intuition led her to Birmingham and further kept her there. Despite feeling a pull towards Birmingham, the adjustment to this new home was by no means easy. She deep dives into how challenging moving abroad is, especially if the culture you come from has a strong emphasis on community. We further discuss the work she has done looking at psychosis in Black and Asian folks, her intentional self-care practices, and the importance of slowing down. Tara was born and raised in Bo...
2022-03-251h 04Journey AbroadEp 11: Things you need to hear most with Samukele NcubeIn this week's episode, I chat with digital marketing and content specialist, and author, Samukele Ncube about her experience moving from her home country, Zimbabwe, to Canada. We further discuss her book of poetry, Things You Need to Hear Most, which is rooted in self-love. She shares her motivations behind this work and the process of bringing it to fruition. Samukele was born and raised in Zimbabwe and lived in Botswana for a few years. She moved to Canada for university where she studied International Business at Carleton University. Connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram @thesamukelencube, TikTok @t...
2022-03-1157 minJourney AbroadEp 10: Understanding the state of Africa with Trevor LwereIn this week's episode, I chat with final year student, Trevor Lwere. We talk about his experience moving to South Bend, Indiana, USA. Trevor mentions the healthy habits he is trying to adopt, the challenges he faced while adapting to life in the US, as well as his role as the previous president of the African Students' Association at the University of Notre Dame. Before beginning his tertiary education, Trevor studied at the African Leadership Academy in Roodepoort, South Africa. He then moved to the USA to study Economics, Global Affairs and Philosophy at the University of...
2022-02-251h 02Journey AbroadEp 9: Defining Success with Onalenna SebetlelaWho says going abroad solely means going overseas? In this episode, Onalenna Sebetlela shares her experience moving from Botswana to South Africa for university. She talks about how she rescinded her applications to American universities to study at the University of Cape Town and how that was the change of environment she was looking for. She further talks about the importance of defining success for yourself and using that to pave your personal journey.Onalenna earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Gender and Law, and then completed her LLB all at the University of Cape Town in...
2022-02-1146 minJourney AbroadEp 8: The Life of a Software Engineer with Furaha DamiénHappy 2022! In this week's episode, I chat with software engineer Furaha Damién. He talks about how he got into this field, how to land an internship as a computer science major, and what he does as a software engineer at Microsoft. Furaha is of Burundian descent but spent a large portion of his childhood in a refugee camp in Malawi. He recently graduated from McGill University in Montreal, QC, Canada, as a double major in computer science and biology and is currently employed at Microsoft in Seattle, WA, USA. Information on how you can connect with h...
2022-01-281h 10Journey AbroadEp 7: Feeling Black with Drea AsibeyIn this week's episode, I chat with Drea Asibey about her experience being and feeling black in predominantly white spaces. Drea shares her experiences living in the UK, in Trinidad and Tobago and in Canada and how she navigated race in these different places. A recurring theme of this episode is community. Drea talks about how she turned to community for support in order to thrive in these spaces.Drea is a Ghanaian-British-Canadian currently pursuing a Master's degree in Black Humanities at the University of Bristol. She also works in a museum as a Visitor Experience Assistant...
2021-12-121h 02Journey AbroadEp 6: Funding in the Bag with Chinonye UdechukwuIn this week's episode, Chinonye Udechukwu shares a very unexpected story about how she ended up moving abroad. She shares her secret on how she has been able to secure funding throughout her graduate studies and how you can too. Chinonye was born and raised in Nigeria and now lives in Canada pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Ontario. She completed a Bachelor's in Pure and Industrial Chemistry at the University of Nigeria, and subsequently a Master's at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in Food Science/Biochemistry. Connect with...
2021-12-011h 03Journey AbroadEp 5: Studying in Europe and Navigating Multiple Identities with Bahumi Mogwe-JansenIn this week's episode, Bahumi Mogwe-Jansen shares her experience as a Dutch-Motswana connecting to her Dutch ancestry in the Netherlands. She shares very useful information about considering Europe as a cheaper alternative, compared to the USA, when making the decision to live abroad. She also talks about being mixed-race, and how that looks different depending on where in the world she is. Bahumi was born and raised in Botswana and now lives in the UK pursuing a PhD in Politics and International Studies. She completed a Bacherlor's in Governance, Economics and Development at the Leiden University with a...
2021-11-121h 03Journey AbroadEp 4: Working while studying with Nathaniel Idrissa MoussaLiving and studying abroad is very expensive! One way to support yourself while pursuing your degree is by working part-time. In this episode, Nathaniel Idrissa Moussa shares his thoughts on working while pursuing a degree. He talks about how you can use your work experience (no matter how small that experience may seem to you) to eventually land you your dream job. He also gives great insight into how you can boost your CV for graduate school applications. Lastly, through his story, he emphasizes the importance of advocating for yourself and the power of persistence. Nathaniel Idrissa Mo...
2021-10-2955 minJourney AbroadEp 3: Finding Your Community with Karim BotrosIn this weeks episode, I chat with Karim Botros about finding your community and making friends once you move to a new country. Karim opens up about how challenging it is to put yourself out there and make friends when everything around you has changed. Karim highlights the beauty in celebrating and embracing differences in backgrounds and culture. Karim was born and raised in Egypt and is now working as a physiotherapist in Canada. He completed his bachelor's of science in kinesiology at York University in Toronto, Ontario, and then went on to pursue a master's in...
2021-10-1559 minJourney AbroadEp 2: Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving Abroad with Divine-Favour OfiliPreparing to move abroad can be challenging. In this episode, Divine-Favour Ofili shares her thoughts on things she wishes she knew before moving abroad. She talks about culture shock, particularly the differences between her home, Nigeria, and her new place of residence, Canada. Divine-Favour also talks about preparing for the climate of your new place, as well as ways to meet people. Divine-Favour was born and raised in Nigeria and is now based in Canada pursuing a PhD in epidemiology. She completed her bachelors at the University of Calabar and her master's at McGill University, both in...
2021-10-0159 minJourney AbroadEp 1: Applying to Schools with Opelo MatomeThe process of applying to schools can be very intimidating. Many questions may arise during this process: Where should I apply? What should I consider when choosing schools and programs? How do I prepare for tests such as the SAT or GRE? Where do I start with my personal statement? In this episode, Opelo Matome shares her experience applying to schools, particularly in the USA. She shares insight about how you can use social media to get a feel of the culture of an institution, the importance of leaning into your weaknesses when preparing for standardized tests...
2021-09-171h 05Journey AbroadIntroduction: My JourneyWelcome to Journey Abroad, of Journey Abroad, the show that highlights Africans studying and living abroad, their experiences, as well as tips and tricks on how to thrive in new environments. In this trailer episode, Refilwe Mpai shares her journey from Gaborone, Botswana to Montreal, Quebec, the joys and challenges she experienced moving away from home, and her motivations behind this podcast. Podcast Twitter: @journeyabroad_Podcast Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast Refilwe on Twitter: @fee_mpai Refilwe on Instagram: @freespirit_feeRefilwe on LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai Music by: John_Sib from P...
2021-09-0609 min