What Travel Teaches Us About Culture, Confidence, and Connection w/ Dr. Ken Baron

In this episode of Culture Chronicles: Unpacked, Danielle Marshall sits down with Dr. Ken Baron to explore how study abroad, travel, and experiential learning shape leadership, culture, and how we see one another. Drawing from decades in higher education and advising, Ken reflects on why study abroad is one of the most powerful change agents in student success and adult development. Together, they unpack how curiosity, reflection, and cultural humility build confidence, psychological safety, and trust across difference. The conversation also explores re-entry culture shock, identity shifts, and what it means to carry global awareness back into leadership and work.If you want to connect more deeply with people who are different from you but feel unsure where to start, this conversation offers a grounded path forward. You will hear how curiosity, listening, and everyday moments can expand your sense of belonging and leadership capacity. This episode invites you to move beyond fear and toward connection, whether you travel abroad or explore culture right where you are.Guest BIoDr. Ken Baron is a nationally recognized leader in academic advising, student success, and experiential learning. He currently serves as Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Advising and Student Success at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. With a career spanning decades, Ken is a passionate advocate for study abroad, career development, and human-centered approaches to education and leadership.What You'll LearnHow study abroad and travel build confidence, self-awareness, and cultural humilityWhy listening and curiosity matter more than expertise when engaging across differenceHow re-entry culture shock impacts identity and leadership developmentPractical ways to explore culture without leaving your city or workplaceHow experiential learning strengthens decision-making, accountability, and trustResources MentionedRotary Ambassadorial ScholarshipUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore CountySemester at Sea programBBC World ServiceBaron Mentors website: baronmentors.org