Episodes
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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: 142
Bangladesh: 999 (Emergency)
Belgium: 1813
Botswana: 3911270
Brazil: 188 (Emergency)
Burkina Faso: 17 (Emergency)
Canada: 1 (833) 456 4566
China: 800 810 1117
Colombia: (575) 372 27 27
Congo: 117 (Emergency)
Cyprus: 8000 7773
Egypt: 131114
Finland: 010 195 202
France: 014 539 4000
Germany: 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: 810 352 869 090
Jordan: 110
Kenya: 722178177
Latvia: 371 672 22922
Mexico: 5255102550
Netherlands: 9000767
Niger: 112 (Emergency)
Nigeria: 234 809 210 6493
Norway: 5255102550
Pakistan: 115 (Emergency)
Philippines: 28969191
Poland: 527 0000
Russia: 007 820 257 7577
Senegal: 17 (Emergency)
Singapore: 1 800 221 4444
South Africa: 051 444 5691
Sweden: 463 171 12400
Switzerland: 143
Tanzania: 112 (Emergency)
Thailand: (02) 713 6793
Turkiye: 112 (Emergency)
United Arab Emirates: 800 46342
United Kingdom: 0800 6895652
United States of America: 988
Zambia: +2609 6026 4040
Zimbabwe: 08012 333 333Connect with Refilwe:
X (Twitter): @DrMpai_loading
Instagram: @freespirit_fee
LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai
Journey 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_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay -
Missing episodes?
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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 LinkedIn
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music 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 Race
4. 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_podcast
Music 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_podcast
Music 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_mpai
Instagram: @freespirit_fee
LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music 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_podcast
Music 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_podcast
Music 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_mpai
Instagram: @freespirit_fee
LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music 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_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay -
In 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 internship in psychiatry.
Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram: @kirsty_ghanie.
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay -
Happy 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 I ordered is no longer available. In the episode I mention that it is a UV lamp - I was wrong. It is UV-free!)
Connect with Refilwe:
Twitter: @fee_mpai
Instagram: @freespirit_fee
LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay -
In 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 Concordia University.
Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram: @temkhuleko.
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay -
In 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_mpai
Instagram: @freespirit_fee
LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay -
In 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 undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in African Studies at McGill University. He then went on to pursue a master's degree in Media Practices for Development and Social Change at the University of Sussex in the UK. He currently works at Bell as a Media Specialist. He is also the co-founder and a recording artist with Ice-Coast Entertainment.
Connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram: @superfreddy24.
You can find his music on Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you listen to your favourite tunes.
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay -
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 countries
The Vulnerable Scientist: 104 | Journey Abroad Podcast Host | Neuroscientist | Vulnerable Refilwe Mpai
Her Royal Science: 32 A Whole New World
Connect with Refilwe:
Twitter: @fee_mpai
Instagram: @freespirit_fee
LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai
Podcast Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Podcast Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixaba -
In 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, Massachusetts, and then pursued a bachelor's in psychology with a focus on health and development. She currently works as an early childhood educator in San Francisco Bay, California. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram: @marothodi_.
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay -
In 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, and automation engineering at Southwest State University (formerly, Kursk State Technical University) in Kursk Russia. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Instagram: @the_soul_engineer, Twitter: @thesoulengineer, and on his website: katlegokgosibodiba.com.
The Soul Engineer YouTube channel
Engineered Thoughts Podcast
The Global Runway
LinkedIn
Website: theglobalrunway.org
Podcast: The Global Runway
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay -
In 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 collaborate
Africans in STEM is hosting a hybrid symposium on April 26th. Register here!
Sandile is from Zimbabwe. She completed a BSc in chemistry at the University of Zimbabwe. She then went on to complete an MPhil in chemistry and is currently a PhD in chemistry both at the University of Cambridge in the UK. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Africans in STEM:
Website: africansinstem.co.uk
Facebook: Africans in STEM
Twitter: @africansinstem
LinkedIn: Africans in STEM
Simuka-Arise Initiative
Instagram: @simuka-arise
Facebook: Simuka-Arise Initiative
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay -
In 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 family and pursued a BSc in neuroscience at the University of Calgary. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in neuroscience at the Université de Montréal. You can connect with her on Twitter: @AdedipeIfe or on Instagram: @Ife_fe.
Black in Neuro:
Website: blackinneuro.com
Facebook: Black In Neuro
Twitter: @BlackInNeuro
Instagram: @BlackInNeuro
LinkedIn: Black In Neuro
YouTube: Black In Neuro
Black Women Support Network:
Instagram: @bwsnetwork
Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast
Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay - Show more
