Journey Abroad

Content 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 4566China: 800 810 1117 Colombia: (575) 372 27 27 Congo: 117 (Emergency) Cyprus: 8000 7773 Egypt: 131114Finland: 010 195 202 France: 014 539 4000Germany: 0800 111 0 111 Ghana: 2332 444 71279 Greece: 1018 (Emergency)Hong Kong: 852 2382 0000 India: 88888 17666 Indonesia: 1 800 273 8255 Italy: 800 860 022 Japan: 810 352 869 090Jordan: 110 Kenya:  722178177Latvia:  371 672 22922Mexico:  5255102550Netherlands: 9000767 Niger: 112 (Emergency) Nigeria: 234 809 210 6493 Norway:  5255102550Pakistan: 115 (Emergency) Philippines: 28969191Poland: 527 0000 Russia:  007 820 257 7577Senegal: 17 (Emergency) Singapore: 1 800 221 4444 South Africa: 051 444 5691 Sweden: 463 171 12400Switzerland: 143 Tanzania: 112 (Emergency) Thailand: (02) 713 6793 Turkiye: 112 (Emergency) United Arab Emirates: 800 46342 United Kingdom: 0800 6895652United States of America: 988 Zambia: +2609 6026 4040 Zimbabwe: 08012 333 333Connect with Refilwe:X (Twitter): @DrMpai_loadingInstagram: @freespirit_feeLinkedIn: Refilwe MpaiJourney Abroad on X: @journeyabroad_Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast

In 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 in economics at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. She is currently pursuing a masters in development studies at York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Connect with Idai on Facebook, or reach out to me for her WhatsApp/email. Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcastMusic by:  John_Sib from Pixabay

In 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 discuss our thoughts on where we would want to raise children and the challenges of dating while abroad. Mutsa completed his International Baccalaureate at Waterford Kamhlaba UWC in Eswatini. He did his undergraduate degree in economics at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He then moved to Washington DC where he worked as an administrative assistant. He is currently preparing for a move to Toronto, Ontario in Canada. Follow The Forest Brothers Podcast on Twitter or Instagram. Listen to The Forest Brothers Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to Journey Abroad.Connect with Mutsa on Instagram: @pinklippapi or on LinkedInJourney Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcastMusic by:  John_Sib from Pixabay 

In 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 of Notre Dame in Indiana. She is currently based in Salt Lake City, Utah, as an investment banking analyst. Diana's podcast recommendations:  1. Not Your Average Jo (Apple Podcasts link)  2. Code Switch 3. Kiffe Ta Race4. InPower (Apple Podcasts link) Connect with her on LinkedIn or contact Refilwe for her email address. Homebound Podcast details are coming soon! Stay tuned! Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcastMusic by:  John_Sib from Pixabay

In 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 at Concordia University. She is currently working as an administrative executive and a marketing support representative.  Connect with her on LinkedIn and on Instagram: @_horla Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcastMusic by:  John_Sib from Pixabay

Journey 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:Twitter: @fee_mpaiInstagram: @freespirit_feeLinkedIn: Refilwe MpaiJourney Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcastMusic by:  John_Sib from Pixabay 

Our 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 the terms of your student visa. Prior to her university degree, Chazha had the opportunity to travel to various other countries through study-abroad programs, including France, Brazil, Spain, and Costa Rica. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in International studies with a concentration in international business with a minor in management at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the United States of America.  Connect with her on LinkedIn and on Instagram: @chubbygalchaa. Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcastMusic by:  John_Sib from Pixabay 

I 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 engineer in the Washington DC area. Nkosi Mngomezulu, from Eswatini, studied data science with a minor in computer science and is currently a data analyst in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mutsa Makufa, from Zimbabwe, studied economics and then moved to Washington DC where he worked as an administrative assistant. He currently lives in the UK. Follow The Forest Brothers Podcast on Twitter or Instagram.  Listen to The Forest Brothers Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to Journey Abroad. Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcastMusic by:  John_Sib from Pixabay 

You 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 Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcastMusic by:  John_Sib from Pixabay 

Curious 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 is currently based in Athens, Ohio, doing her PhD in molecular biology at Ohio University. Outside school, she is passionate about outreach and communication, particularly science communication.  Connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram: @mercy__max, Twitter: @Ibi_MaxHarry and check out her YouTube channel. Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcastMusic by:  John_Sib from Pixabay