In this episode we chat with Dr Brian Ridgers (Scholar, writer and faculty specialising in Literature) about exploring London as a text, asking questions about place and history and why Shakespeare is exciting and relevant for all regardless of our major or degree subject. We also discuss teaching as a collaborative experience between faculty and students and of course, Brian's  City Secret.

http://www.tidetablescafe.co.uk/hollyhock-cafe/

https://www.fie.org.uk/homepage/while-you-re-there/in-london/meet-your-faculty/18-brian-ridgers

In this episode, we explore first-year study abroad programmes, an innovative partnership model between universities and FIE. More than an opportunity to see the world, these programmes are becoming a strategic tool for institutions looking to boost enrollment, strengthen retention, and give students a transformative start to their college journey.
What does it look like when students begin their very first semester thousands of miles from home? How do universities build the systems, staffing, and support needed to make it successful? And who ensures students feel safe, supported, and fully seen while abroad?
Join us as we hear directly from the students who experienced it, the directors who design it, and the dedicated teams who bring these programs to life.

https://www.fie.org.uk/advisors-faculty/first-year-programs

In this episode we chat with Dr Elizabeth Cooper (Scholar, curator and faculty specialising in History) about education as a practice of liberation, how thoughtful curation of an exhibition can be a vital part of building community connections and histories, and the importance of fellowships in Academia. Not to mention Dr Elizabeth Cooper's inspiring City Secret.

https://gardenmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/sowingroots/

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/racism-racialisation/

In this episode I speak again to brilliant scholar and critic Ramzi Fawaz, this time we discuss why studying the humanities teaches vital skills and how learning to interpret and negotiate with differing perspectives produces not just creative and reflective students but better democratic citizens. We also talk about the teaching practices Ramzi uses in class to foster student resilience, curiosity and emotional regulation and how this impacts us all across all disciplines and subjects. 

Ramzi is a Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he currently holds a Romnes Faculty Fellowship for advanced research in the humanities. He is the author of two monographs, including The New Mutants: Superheroes and the Radical Imagination of American Comics (2016), which won the ASAP book prize, and Queer Forms (2022). Fawaz is currently at work on a new book project titled Literary Theory on Acid: Reading for Diversity in the Psychedelic Era, which argues for the necessity of literary and cultural studies approaches to the contemporary psychedelic renaissance. 

https://www.ramzifawaz.com

https://english.wisc.edu/staff/fawaz-ramzi/

In this short but sweet episode I get all the vital information on the SGLC 2026 from my colleagues, Rebecca Claris and Victor Mellors.

SGLC 2026
March 27-28 2026 | LONDON, UK & ONLINE

LEADING THROUGH UNCERTAINTY: NAVIGATING CHALLENGES WITH INTEGRITY AND PURPOSE

Call for proposals: Open
Registration opens: October 15
Scholarship deadline: November 3

https://www.fie.org.uk/sglcconference

In this episode we explore the role of internships in experiential education—especially within study abroad programs. Hear from former students Eliana Alzate and Mollie Richter about their international internship experiences, and from Renata and Danile of UK-based charity Little Village on what it’s like to host interns. Whether you’re considering an internship abroad or work with student interns, you’ll gain insights into how real-world learning shapes global perspectives and professional growth.

https://www.fie.org.uk

https://littlevillagehq.org

In this episode I discuss accessibility, scholarships and available supports to help students participate in Study Abroad with Angela Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Fund for Education Abroad. See link to the FEA website for more details:


https://fundforeducationabroad.org

In this episode I talk to three fantastic colleagues: Minaree Jayasena, Stephanie Brown and Pauline McKerrall and get their top tips and recommendations for getting ready for your semester studying abroad. We share advice on choosing the right courses for you, making the most of your classes and being successful, setting expectations and knowing what you need to thrive. Get ready for an incredible experience. 

In this episode we turn the tables on host Heidi James-Dunbar as Sanskriti Patidar (our brilliant Marketing Manager) asks the questions! We talk about memorable moments from season one and what's in store in season two. 

Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to the FIE Student Global Leadership podcast series. Today we’ll hear a panel discussion chaired by FIE faculty member, Graham Box to explore conversations around 'Rethinking Foundations of Leadership for a Diverse World'.

Specifically, these themes will be examined in a panel session that brings together an exciting, accomplished
and, yes, diverse quartet to explore questions such as:
• How is the change to genuinely inclusive leadership possible when power currently resides
in traditional, exclusionary structures?
• What do we know both about the benefits of inclusive leadership and the obstacles to its
evolution and expansion?
• Which strategies are most likely to produce a more inclusive society and which strategies
will be most effective when confronting opposition to this imperative

Our panelists include:
Graham Box (moderator)
Ramzi Fawaz
Sarah Ann Filson
Ken Hassell
Nada Silman

Welcome back to the FIE Student Global Leadership podcast series. Today we’ll be hearing from Ngozi Cadmus, CEO of Happiworkers.

Ngozi is a TEDx speaker, social worker, psychotherapist, and CEO of the leading UK anti-racist, culturally sensitive workplace mental health solution. Her expertise is in creating anti-racist organisations through a racially informed mental health lens
and holding leadership accountable for their commitment to anti-racist practice. Lastly, she is nearing the end of her doctoral research, which focuses on the strategies black women use to reach the top.

Ngozi Cadmus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-cadmus-54986b247/
Happiworkers: https://happiworkers.health/

Welcome back to the FIE Student Global Leadership podcast series. Today we’ll be hearing from Ann Francke OBE, Chief Executive of CMI.

Ann Francke is Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute, the professional body for managers and leaders. She started her career at Procter & Gamble and has held senior executive positions at Mars, Boots, Yell and BSI. She is a regular columnist for The Times on management and leadership. In 2020 she was awarded an OBE for services to Workplace Equality. She authored ‘Create a Gender-balanced Workplace,’ and the ‘Financial Times Guide to Management’

Ann Francke OBE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-francke-obe-a1a87546/
CMI: https://www.managers.org.uk/

In this episode we hear from two of our esteemed panelists from the SGLC: Nada Silman and Ramzi Fawaz where we explore the questions of how is the change to genuinely inclusive leadership possible when power currently resides in traditional, exclusionary structures? And which strategies are most likely to produce a more inclusive society and which strategies will be most effective when confronting opposition to this imperative? 

Thinking of joing us next year? For information on SGLC 2026 and To learn more about our faculty, courses and programmes visit our website www.fie.org.uk

In this episode host Dr Heidi James-Dunbar reports back from the 12th annual Student Global Leadership Conference with interviews from student delegates and presenters. 

Thinking of joining us for SGLC 2026? See our website for more details.

https://www.fie.org.uk/sglcconference

In this inspiring episode we chat with Latoya Stroman (Executive Producer at HuLu, HBO Max and more, Founder of the women’s empowerment group, Girl Talk Global and FIE alum) about how sharing stories and having good mentors can save lives, how representation matters and how vital it is to make education (and travel) accessible. Link below:

https://www.girltalkglobal.org

In this episode we chat with Dr Jane Levi (Food Scholar, collaborator and faculty specialising in Food and Culture) about Utopian imaginings, why food is such an important subject for academic study, Fish and Chips and her recent collaborative work at the Gwangju Biennale (South Korea). Links for Jane's city secret below...

http://northseafishrestaurant.co.uk

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d718990-Reviews-or20-Fryer_s_Delight-London_England.html

https://regencycafe.has.restaurant

In this episode we chat with Dr Grahaeme A. Hesp, (FIE’s Senior Director of Institutional Relations) about the Conflict and the Struggle for Peace summertime program; the importance of intercultural connection, knowledge and competency; life changing experiences of living and learning in Dublin, Belfast and Jordan and the glories of swimming in the Dead Sea and visiting Petra.

https://www.fie.org.uk/peace-conflict-program

In this episode we chat with Dr Graham Box (Researcher and faculty member specialising in Ethics and Business) about ethical dilemmas in business, the importance of research and analysis especially for difficult and emotive topics, experiential education … and I learn about Korfball! And of course, Graham shares his city secret with us. Link below:

https://worldheartbeat.org

In this episode I talk to student, Evelina Khaybullina about her experiences studying abroad this semester, and enjoying London's special atmosphere during the holidays. See links below for our recommendations:

https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/christmas/best-ice-skating-rinks-in-london

https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/christmas-pantomimes-in-london

https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/christmas-lights-in-london

https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/christmas/best-christmas-carols-in-london

In this episode we chat with Callum Watts  (Philosopher, entrepreneur and faculty member specialising in Diplomacy, ethics and leadership) about how philosophy and ethics can teach us essential skills that take us beyond the classroom and into our personal and professional lives. We also discuss the Student Global Leadership Conference and bread making! Links below:

https://www.thedustyknuckle.com
https://www.fie.org.uk/sglcconference

In this episode we chat with Dr. Rebecca Pollack, (Art Historian and Academic Faculty Director) about reading the architecture of a city as a text and understanding the complexities of society, history and power we might learn from the buildings that surround us. We also discuss art marking, the Great Fire of London and Christopher Wren's ambitious plan for rebuilding London, the importance of looking closely and, of course, she shares her city secret too.
Links to places and items discussed below:

https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum/online-collections/archive-gallery/soane-bank

https://mapco.net/london/1666wren.htm

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenwood/

In this special episode we give you the lowdown on the SGLC - who it's for, why attend and how to submit a proposal to present (plus all the details on where and when).

SGLC 2025 
APRIL 4 - 5, 2025 | LONDON, UK & ONLINE

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP: ESTABLISHING CULTURAL CONNECTIONS AND CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES

 Timeline

Open Registration - October 15, 2024

Scholarships Cycle - November 1, 2024 - March 16, 2025

Final Call for Proposals - November 15, 2024

Early Bird Registration Ends - January 15, 2025 

Registration Closes - March 23, 2025

https://www.fie.org.uk/sglcconference

City Secrets...

https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/va-cafe/?srsltid=AfmBOopDdCo9SWpMTc9Wu_WMasjW3P08UuBosVayeSXM40kNcaEpQi1d

 https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/kensington-gardens/monuments

In this episode we chat with Dr Joy Stacey, (collaborative researcher, filmmaker and faculty member specialising in Media, Film and Photography) about the importance of collaboration in research, art and teaching, what inspires her work and she shares her city secret too. Links below to the dresses discussed (and Gordon's wine bar) below.

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_As1969-08-5#:~:text=This%20dress%20is%20made%20of,and%20orange%20taffeta%20'heremzi'.&text=Embroidered%20dress%20made%20of%20textile,)%2C%20thread%20(silk).

https://www.gordonswinebar.com/

In this episode we chat with Rebecca Claris (Senior Director of Quality and Enhancement and faculty member specialising in Experiential and Work-Based Learning) about how to make the most out of your internship and what makes them so valuable; navigating British humour, timekeeping and making that all important cup of tea.  Links below:

https://www.horniman.ac.uk

In this special episode we chat with Carlos Nager Cobo, (FIE staff member, Translator and Madrid native) who tells us the top ten things to do in Madrid for under a tenner (10 euro), he shares his tips for learning a new language AND his city secret too. Links below to all the places discussed below. 

1st place: Retiro Park
https://www.esmadrid.com/informacion-turistica/estanque-grande-de-el-retiro
https://madridtraveling.com/what-to-do/retiro-park-boat-rental/
2nd place: El Parque de las Siete Tetas (Vallecas)
https://madridsecreto.co/parque-de-las-siete-tetas/
3rd place: El Círculo de Bellas Artes
https://tickets.circulobellasartes.com/en/
4th place: El Rastro 
https://www.esmadrid.com/noche/gilderia
5th place: Casa Museo Joaquín Sorolla
https://museosorolla.sacatuentrada.es/en/entradas/museo-sorolla
6th place: Mercado de San Miguel and Tiki Tako 
https://mercadodesanmiguel.es/en/
https://g.co/kgs/hqXN3CM
7th place: the Royal Palace and its surroundings
https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/visita/royal-palace-madrid
100 Montaditos, C. de Felipe V, 4, Centro, 28013 Madrid
8th place: la Gatoteca
https://www.lagatoteca.es/
9th place: la Cineteca 
https://www.cinetecamadrid.com/
10th place: Ocean’s bar
https://oceanrockbar.com/
https://madridsecreto.co/