Linda Vaughn on being a stranger in your home country (and many other stories)

What happens when a Scotswoman with a love for adventure, international education, and the Tour de France ends up in Australia? In this episode, Rob Malicki sits down with Linda Vaughn — whose current role is heading up school sector international education for the Victorian Department of Education — to explore a career that has spanned continents, cultures, and the ever-changing global learning landscape.Linda shares stories of working in Zimbabwe during hyperinflation, navigating the complexities of international student mobility, and her unexpected (and slightly terrifying) live French-language radio interview in Mauritius. She also opens up about the personal side of international life—what it means to belong, the deep pull of home, and the landscapes that shape us.From Scottish highlands to Melbourne’s laneways, and from Pakistan’s diplomatic circles to standing ovations in theatres, this conversation is a wild ride through culture, resilience, and the enduring power of connection. Oh, and if you’re a cycling fan? You’re in for a treat.Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website.This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia’s unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected].