When you sit down with someone whose life has been shaped by travel, chance encounters, and a willingness to say “yes,” you know the conversation will be full of surprises. That’s exactly what happened when I finally had the chance to properly chat with Johan Arnberg. We’ve crossed paths for years in international education, but this was the first time to really dig into his story — and what a story it is.
Johan grew up in Sweden, spending school holidays jetting around the world thanks to his mum’s job at SAS. From Beijing in the early 90s to the islands of Venezuela, his early life was an immersion in languages, cultures, and sometimes uncomfortable contrasts. Add to that compulsory military service, years spent as a tour guide, and a chance meeting with an Australian postgraduate student, and you’ve got the makings of an extraordinary journey into international education.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore everything from life lessons in leadership to the art of running student ambassador programs — and the role that recognition, honesty, and paying it forward play in student success.
Highlights you’ll hear in this episode:
How Johan’s childhood of standby tickets and spontaneous trips planted the seeds for a global career.
What it was really like living and working in Venezuela during the Hugo Chávez years.
Why serving in the Swedish military gave him unexpected leadership skills he still draws on today.
The secret ingredients of a strong student ambassador program — and how recognition really matters.
Behind the scenes of shaping major scholarships at ANU, including the Tuckwell and Chancellor’s Scholarships.
Life now at UQ, working with mobility, partnerships, and Australia Awards.
There’s plenty in here for anyone working in international education, but also for anyone curious about how life’s detours and “side doors” shape the careers we end up having.
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 Angelo 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 podcast@globalsociety.com.au