Tails from Abroad: IUP Hawks talk about transformations through travel.

After graduating from Ligonier Valley High School, PA, Ryan Redilla enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Hear his story and journey abroad with IUP ROTC for the Cultural Understanding Leadership Program in 2018. This IUP alumni BA '19, MA '20 is currently serving in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. Hear his plans for continued travel and service. 

Chad and Cheslea Buckwalter, both IUP alumni talk about their time in China. They didn't go together, but both spent a number of years there and rekindled their friendship upon returning to the US.  Hear where they are now and what their plans are.  Enjoy! 

Dan Wethli, IUP alum BA Philosophy '19 who studied abroad in China, awarded the country's top prestigious awards: Fulbright and Boren fellowships to continue his work and studies in China talks to us about what it was like going abroad and being in Wuhan, China in the Fall of 2019 and early January of 2020. Be sure to listen to the end to hear where in the world Dan is now, studying Chinese ... the answer may surprise you -- it's not China! 

Listen along as Dr. Nate McElroy, Chemistry Professor and IUP alum '94 (BS Chemistry), talks about his first study abroad experience as an undergraduate student in the '90s with IUP in Germany. Then listen to how this chemistry grad found himself living overseas and exploring all that France has to offer with his wife, Dana (nee Phillips) -- also an IUP alum '94 (BS Chemistry)! If you'd like to learn more about his projects with local distilleries and/or encourage him to offer that "tasty Chemistry course" you can write to him at [email protected].  Head over to @iuphawksabroad Instagram page to see photos from his travels discussed on the show.  

What is the favorite travel location for the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs? What does he have to say about studying abroad in general? What crossing made him seasick?  Listen as we hear from Dr. Moerland about his travels and how he feels international experiences and leadership go hand-in-hand. See photos from Dr. Moerland's travels on our Instagram page @iuphawksabroad. 

Devon and his parents talk to us about Devon's experiences in China Summer 2019 into February 2020.  Hear from Devon about how it was to study and learn in a global classroom and from his parents Michille and Robert who watched the transformation first hand...when they visited in January 2020.  Listen to hear the different perspectives on one student's journey.  

Join us as we listen to Marveta as she remembers and talks about her extensive travels in Mexico, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, and Cuba.  What ties them all together and what is the advice she gives for any traveler? Listen and find out! 

HEAR SOME FIRST-HAND ACCOUNTS OF HOW TRAVEL TRANSFORMED THE LIVES OF STUDENTS BOTH TO AND FROM INDIANA.  WE HEAR HOW COMING HOME PRESENTED CHALLENGES AFTER A HALF-YEAR OF SELF DISCOVERY ABROAD, HOW LEARNING TO ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES PREPARES YOU FOR THE WORKFORCE, AND HOW A SERIES OF FORTUNATE ENCOUNTERS AND KINDNESS WERE NOT FORGOTTEN. 

How did this artist end up in Thailand? List as we hear what she believes is the universal language that helps us all communicate. BONUS: hear the Litton Quartet recording on the show! Not sure who they are? Listen here and you'll be an instant fan! 

Listen (AFTER THIS PODCAST!!) to the IUP Music Department: www.youtube.com and subscribe to the IUP Music Channel - guaranteed to make your day better! 

Listen along and see just how many new species my guest has discovered - and how many more just might be out there? How did this biology professor get interested in studying in Honduras?  Why is he still there? And what is his favorite international experience? Hint: it's not in South America!  Go to our Instagram account to see photos of Joe in Honduras--and some snakes :)

AS DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: 

• YOUTUBE: CHECK OUT HIS Welcome to Fall Semester… from Honduras
• YOUTUBE: Virtual field trip to Uyuca Cloud Forest 
• [email protected]
• www.joetownsendlab.org
• www.instagram.com/townsendlab