Soaring to New Heights

In this episode of Soaring to New Heights, Joaquin, a full-time student at Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA) in Buenos Aires studying abroad at Boston College, joins Aaron, a BC student who spent a semester abroad at UCA. Together, the two reflect on experiencing each other’s universities and cultures from opposite perspectives. From adjusting to different academic environments and social scenes to navigating language and cultural differences, Joaquin and Aaron discuss the similarities and contrasts between student life in Buenos Aires and Boston, and how studying abroad shaped their personal growth and global perspectives.

In this episode of Soaring to New Heights, Andres Tobar Melo, an international student from Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) studying abroad at Boston College, joins Vanessa Espinosa, a BC student who studied abroad at USFQ in Quito, Ecuador. From navigating new education systems and cultural norms to building community in unfamiliar places, Andres and Vanessa share how studying abroad challenged their perspectives and deepened their understanding of both home and host institutions.

In this episode of Soaring to New Heights, Jedson Dimanche, a second-year student studying general business at Messina College, details his summer in Paris studying drawing and art history. Jedson discusses seeing his textbooks come to life, navigating linguistic challenges, and drawing inspiration from small wins. He also completed a service immersion program and discusses the value of truly taking the time to get to know the human side of a community.

In this special episode of Soaring to New Heights, Ryan Jacobson and Nia Mitchell share their unique experiences while having summer internships in Tokyo, Japan. From working in marketing at a software engineering company to diving into operational consulting tied to industries like Toyota, they reflect on navigating a new workplace culture, exploring the city, and building independence abroad. What started as an exciting opportunity quickly became a defining personal and professional experience through this Boston College program.

In this episode of Soaring to New Heights, Emma Castilla, a pre-health student, shares her semester abroad in Kisumu, Kenya, during Fall 2024. From the very start, her experience was defined by deep cultural immersion—exploring local restaurants, adapting to daily life in a new environment, and building meaningful relationships with her host family over shared meals. Academically and professionally, Emma had the opportunity to shadow doctors at a local hospital, gaining firsthand insight into healthcare in a global context and reinforcing her passion for medicine. What initially felt unfamiliar—from mosquito bed nets to the intense heat—slowly became second nature. By the end of the semester, Kisumu truly felt like home.

In this episode of Soaring to New Heights, Hudson DeLorme shares his semester abroad in Parma, Italy, where he studied at the University of Parma. As an Italian minor and lifelong soccer fan, the experience felt full circle—blending academic interests with everyday immersion in Italian culture. While abroad, Hudson interned with Parma Calcio 1913, gaining firsthand exposure to the sport he’s followed for years. Outside the classroom and internship, he spent much of his time biking through Parma, exploring the city, and experiencing daily life in Italy at a slower, more local pace. The episode highlights how studying abroad can align passions, academics, and career interests into one deeply immersive experience.

This episode of Soaring to New Heights features Isabelle Goldstein, who spent a semester studying at the American College of Greece in Athens. With no prior knowledge of Greek, she learned the language gradually throughout the semester while navigating daily life in the city. The episode highlights her experience living in dorms, taking classes abroad, and exploring Athens’ surrounding regions, including nearby islands and cultural sites. Izzy also reflects on traveling across Europe, adapting to a new academic environment, and building confidence through immersion in a completely unfamiliar place.

In this episode, Peter Coquillette shares his unforgettable study abroad experience in Kathmandu, Nepal. Living with a local host family, he immersed himself in Nepali culture, learned about Buddhism, and developed a deep sense of independence. From exploring the Himalayas to traveling across Asia, Peter reflects on how his time abroad challenged him, broadened his worldview, and shaped his perspective on life and community.

In this episode, Stella Rogers shares her study abroad experience in Perth, Australia, where she explored the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Western Australia. Inspired by an exchange student from the University of Western Australia whom she met at Boston College during her freshman year, Stella had dreamed of going to Perth ever since. As an International Studies and French student, she was drawn to the opportunity to immerse herself in a completely new environment—balancing her academic interests with hands-on cultural experiences, from working at a local coffee shop to living in a residential college community. Her time in Perth offered a deep appreciation for Australia’s diverse landscape, welcoming people, and distinctive way of life.

In this episode, William Kelly, a senior at Boston College, shares his experience studying abroad in Paris. Having grown up in a French immersion program, he reconnected with the language by living with a host mom in the 17th arrondissement and taking classes entirely in French. His semester coincided with the 2024 U.S. election, sparking a deeper global awareness that led him to pursue a minor in journalism. Now stepping in as host of Soaring to New Heights, William hopes to highlight diverse study abroad experiences and inspire others to explore new cultures.