In the FIEld: A podcast from FIE

FIE: Foundation for International Education

FIE provides life-changing study abroad experiences in the UK, Ireland and Spain. As a non-profit educational organization, we are passionately invested in making a difference for our students as the future global leaders of tomorrow and the field of international education as a whole. The FIE podcast shares industry insights and original research as well as best practices for internships, academics, leadership, and international mobility. Plus some insider tips on making the most of your semester abroad from our resident experts – our faculty, students and our FIE team in the FIEld!

  1. Episode 1

    Episode One: Life After London, In the FIEld with Jakob Leichtman

    Welcome back to series three! In this episode we are joined by Jakob Leichtman, an FIE alumnus, to talk about life after studying abroad. We talk a lot on the show about how studying abroad can be life changing, but what do we mean by that? If you’ve ever wondered whether studying abroad is “worth it,” or how it might impact your future, this conversation will give you a real, unfiltered look at what that experience can truly do. Jakob Leichtman is an international affairs and public policy professional with more than seven years of international experience spanning community development, education, research, public diplomacy, and global program coordination across six countries. He recently completed a Master of Arts in International Affairs with a concentration in Global Governance, Politics, and Security at American University, where he focused on public diplomacy, international communications strategy, and global policy analysis. His professional background includes work with the Peace Corps in Ecuador, international student engagement in the Czech Republic, counterterrorism research in Israel, and international development operations in Washington, DC. Jakob has experience in grant writing, stakeholder engagement, event planning, cross-cultural communication, and policy research, with a strong commitment to global cooperation and supporting underserved communities." https://www.fie.org.uk

  2. Episode 2

    Episode Two: What does Climate Justice in International Education Look Like? In the FIEld with Claire O'Malley

    In this episode, I'm joined by Claire O'Malley, our Resident Director in Dublin and advocate for sustainability in global education, to explore an urgent and vital topic: climate justice in international education. Climate change is often framed as an environmental crisis, but it’s also a matter of equity, power, and global responsibility. What does that mean for institutions engaged in global mobility, cross-border partnerships, and international programming? https://www.fie.org.uk

  3. Episode 3

    Episode Three: The Power of Storytelling in Study Abroad, In the FIEld with Dr. Maureen Manning and Chris Arnold

    This episode is all about storytelling; why it matters, how it influences student decisions, and how it can transform the study abroad experience. To discuss this, we're joined by two fantastic guests; Chris Arnold, Founder of Made Impact, who's on a mission to prove that international exchange is the world’s best strategy for prosperity, peace, & progress, and Dr. Maureen Manning, Founder of The Global Nexus Collective, a leader in international education with deep experience in shaping and amplifying the voices of the field. https://www.fie.org.uk

  4. Episode 4

    Episode Four: Faculty Spotlight; Curtain Up! Theatre in London; In the Field with Victor Mellors

    In this episode, we'll get to know one remarkable faculty leader, Victor Mellors, who leads our Theatre in London course, we’ll learn what inspires their work, and explore how their dedication enriches the study abroad experience for every student they teach. Victor graduated from University College London with a BA in Archaeology before completing an MA in Text and Performance at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Alongside teaching, he has worked across academic development, experiential education, student mentoring, and writing support. He also has professional experience as both an actor and director, with stage credits including Twelfth Night and The Cherry Orchard, and directing credits including Much Ado About Nothing.  https://www.fie.org.uk

  5. Episode 5

    Episode Five: Teaching Critical Thinking, Writing and Reading Skills in the Age of AI, In the FIEld with Dr. Kelly Hunnings

    In this episode we're joined by Dr. Kelly Hunnings to explore a topic that affects nearly every first-year university student, especially those studying abroad, how students learn to think critically, read deeply, write clearly, and navigate AI responsibly. We share teaching strategies and discuss how these critical skills are essential in every aspect of our lives, not just while we're studying.  Dr Hunnings is Programme Manager and Lecturer at Dublin Business School (DBS), where she is involved in academic delivery and student support within Arts, Languages, and Study Abroad programmes. In addition to her academic role at DBS, she acts as the Communications Lead for the Association of Study Abroad Providers in Ireland (ASAPI). Her interests include the first-year student experience, culturally-responsive curricula, and bridging norm gaps between international students studying abroad in Ireland. https://www.fie.org.uk https://www.dbs.ie

  6. Episode 6

    Episode Six: A Shared Mission: Philanthropy, Partnership, and the Future of Global Education; In the FIEld with Bill Gertz, Lamar Shambley and Shawn Wall

    In this episode I'm joined by three leaders; Bill Gertz, Lamar Shambley and Shawn Wall to discuss collaboration, philanthropy, and the shared mission to create opportunities and a more inclusive future for global education that connects organisations across the field of study abroad. Bill Gertz is Chairman of AIFS and served as the organization’s CEO from 2005 to 2022. A New Yorker with more than 40 years of experience in international education, he has played a key role in expanding AIFS and launching programs including Au Pair in America. A graduate of SUNY Binghamton, with additional studies at Harvard Business School, Bill is a longtime advocate for cultural exchange and global citizenship. In 2019, he received the Institute of International Education’s Centennial Medal in recognition of his contributions to international education. Lamar Shambley Lamar Shambley is the founder and executive director of Teens of Color Abroad (TOCA), a Brooklyn-based nonprofit expanding access to language learning and study abroad opportunities for high school students of color. A former high school Spanish teacher, Lamar was inspired by his own transformative experiences studying abroad in Spain. Since launching TOCA in 2018, he has helped more than 1,000 students across the U.S. access global education programs and scholarships, empowering the next generation of globally minded leaders. He holds degrees from the College of William & Mary and Relay Graduate School of Education. Shawn Wall Shawn Wall is the founder and executive director of World at Hand, a Denver-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to international education for low-income and underrepresented students. Inspired by his own life-changing experiences studying and traveling abroad, Shawn created World at Hand to help young people develop the skills, confidence, and global perspectives needed to become leaders in their communities. In 2024, World at Hand received the Institute of International Education’s Empower Award for its work advancing equity and access in global learning. https://www.aifs.com/about.asp https://www.teensofcolorabroad.org https://www.worldathand.org https://www.fie.org.uk

  7. Oct 5

    Bonus Episode: What Happens When Your Study Abroad Experience Doesn't End When You Return Home: In the FIEld with FIE's Alumni Ambassadors

    For FIE alumni, coming home can be the beginning of a new part of the journey. In this episode, we’re talking to Charlotte Acevedo and Derek Sadorra, FIE’s new Alumni Ambassadors at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for 2026/27, about their experiences abroad and what it’s like to share those experiences with students back on their home campus. From study abroad fairs and one-to-one conversations to events, social media and peer-to-peer advice, Alumni Ambassadors offer something invaluable: the perspective of someone who has recently been exactly where prospective students are now. Charlotte and Derek join us to talk about coming home, staying connected to FIE, and becoming the people answering the question, “Should I really go abroad?” https://www.fie.org.uk

See All Season 3 (7)

About

FIE provides life-changing study abroad experiences in the UK, Ireland and Spain. As a non-profit educational organization, we are passionately invested in making a difference for our students as the future global leaders of tomorrow and the field of international education as a whole. The FIE podcast shares industry insights and original research as well as best practices for internships, academics, leadership, and international mobility. Plus some insider tips on making the most of your semester abroad from our resident experts – our faculty, students and our FIE team in the FIEld!

Information

  • Creator
    FIE: Foundation for International Education
  • Episodes
    50
  • Seasons
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 In the FIEld: A podcast from FIE
  • Show Website
    In the FIEld: A podcast from FIE