Meet the Hosts!

Finding a sense of comfort and community can make all the difference in an international student’s experience. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Erica Estus who has built meaningful connections with international students, both inside and outside the classroom. Together, we explore how empathy, cultural appreciation, and intentional connection help students feel supported as they navigate life far from home. Through personal reflections and stories of community-building, this conversation highlights how URI fosters a welcoming environment where international students are seen, valued, and empowered to thrive beyond academics. 

What does experiential learning look like at URI? Join us as the Global Student Media Team (Bo, Sydney, and Megan) shares their journey documenting URI's South Korea Showcase in Seoul. They share their stories behind the lens: how this international experience shaped their skills, confidence, and future careers in media.

Recorded during International Education Week, this special live episode brings together two inspiring URI faculty members, Dr. Karl Aspelund and Dr. Soni Pradhanang, for a conversation about how global experiences shape academic journeys, research trajectories, and the classroom.Hosted in front of a live audience, this episode explores the impact of international education, the power of global connections, and the stories that inspire students and scholars alike.Join us as we celebrate global learning, share insights from our guests, and showcase the vibrant international community at URI.

In this episode of Rhody ’Round the World, we take a deeper look at what fellowships can unlock beyond the application. URI alum Tim Berard joins hosts Keegan Scott and Carolyn Chaves to share his journey of earning multiple fellowships and how a passion for language learning opened doors for global experiences and career growth. Together, they unpack the common misconceptions about fellowships, explore how these opportunities foster both personal and professional development, and highlight the transformative impact of connecting curiosity with purpose.

In this episode, we’ll explore Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and how it connects faculty and students with peers around the world through virtual, project-based collaborations. We're joined by Dr. Donna Gamache-Griffiths from URI's College of Business to discuss how COIL integrates global perspectives into coursework, making international education more accessible. Learn how these partnerships enhance cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, and global engagement—all without leaving the classroom!

Storytelling has the power to shift perspectives, inspire action, and connect us across borders. In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker, photographer, and URI professor Jason Jaacks, whose work explores the natural world and our place within it through science, history, and human experience. From producing films for National Geographic to documenting voices on the frontlines of conservation, Jaacks shows how stories can illuminate urgent issues while also sparking empathy and wonder. Together, we discuss the craft of telling stories that don’t just inform—but move us toward impact.

Studying abroad isn’t just about seeing the world—it’s about setting yourself apart. In this episode of Rhody ’Round the World, we dive into how international experiences give students a competitive edge in today’s global job market. From gaining cross-cultural skills to building confidence and adaptability, studying abroad helps students stand out in ways that go far beyond the classroom. You’ll hear stories of transformation, lessons learned, and how these experiences open doors to new opportunities both personally and professionally. 

Food is more than fuel—it’s culture, comfort, and connection. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brietta Oaks, Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Rhode Island, to explore how what we eat shapes identity and community, and how it also reveals larger systems of public health, sustainability, and equity. From her work on prenatal nutrition to studying oysters as a source of maternal nourishment in West Africa, Dr. Oaks shares insights into how food can be both deeply personal and profoundly global.

Welcome to Rhody 'Round the World! Meet your hosts, Carolyn and Keegan.