First Public Podcast from the Founders

We’re convening online to align on next steps for UniversityTravel.com / UniversityTravel.org—bringing together educators, storytellers, and practitioners who care about study abroad as a human experience, not just an itinerary. In attendance are Prof. Charlotte Kunkel, Prof. Scott Hurley, Fethi Karatas, and Starre Tearney—along with co-founder Trevor Brown, who’s joining as a therapist and long-time Istanbul resident (and, happily, celebrating a brand-new baby today, Feb 12).

In attendance (brief introductions):

• Prof. Charlotte Kunkel (Luther College, Sociology) — A sociologist with a sharp eye for the cultural and social dynamics that shape how students learn, connect, and grow when they travel—especially across difference and unfamiliarity.

• Prof. Scott Hurley (Luther College, Paideia / Religion) — A Paideia and Religion professor focused on meaning-making, values, and big questions—bringing a reflective, interdisciplinary lens to what “educational travel” can truly offer.

• Fethi Karatas (The Other Tour, Istanbul) — Founder and lead guide of The Other Tour, known for designing experiences in Istanbul that foreground people, nuance, and real life—helping travelers move beyond highlights into understanding.

• Starre Tearney (Host, “Consciously in Business” podcast) — An intuition-led coach for entrepreneurs, blending intuitive guidance and consciousness-based mentoring to help founders build in alignment—with clarity, integrity, and deep inner leadership.

• Trevor Brown (Co-founder, UniversityTravel.org; Founder, The Other Therapy) — Istanbul-based psychotherapist and founder of The Other Therapy, supporting expats and internationally mobile people through change, identity shifts, and relationship dynamics—bringing a mental-health-informed perspective to student travel.