University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Students Beyond Borders: Recent Episodes
USAC Marketing
What does it mean to be part of a global classroom? How does studying abroad change your life, expand your horizons, and better prepare you for the career world? Learn all things study abroad from USAC's U.S. and international staff, students, and higher education professionals.
In this episode, Tatiana Hughes, from Loyola University Chicago, talks with Rachelle Spencer from Washington State University about her study abroad in Nagasaki, Japan. Rachelle reflects on living with a host family, navigating language barriers, losing her luggage, and discovering confidence through everyday moments abroad. She also shares how that semester led her back to Japan via the JET program and shaped her current career in international education.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
In this episode, Shani Sullivan, a USAC study abroad outreach coordinator, sits down with Jeremiah Misreelal, a psychology major and content creator at Georgia State University, to discuss his study abroad experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Through meaningful friendships, cultural immersion, and finding community as a queer student abroad, Jeremiah reflects on the people, moments, and conversations that encouraged him to slow down, trust himself, and embrace new experiences.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
Allison from University of Kansas and Simran from Ohio Northern University join THE Study Abroad Pod to talk about the chaos, friendships, scholarships, and unforgettable moments that came out of studying abroad in Chengdu. What started as just a few weeks overseas turned into lifelong memories and the kind of stories that somehow get funnier every time they’re retold. This episode is all about friendship, personal growth, and why studying abroad in China gave them lore.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
Allison B., a University of Iowa student, shares how a stressful start in Montevideo turned into a defining experience. Hosted by Kiana Raiford, USAC’s Institutional Relations project coordinator, this episode explores host family life, gaining confidence in Spanish, and how study abroad helped Allison find her voice. Studying abroad shaped her path toward advocacy work in immigration, human rights, and Latin America.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
It’s Women’s History Month, and today we’re taking you to Viterbo, Italy. Long-standing Resident Director of the Viterbo program, Francesca Del Giudice sits down with Grace from the University of Maine to share some of the adventures stepping out of her comfort zone as a woman traveling solo abroad. From hiking up a mountain with a trombone to tasting Baci chocolate, it's a story of little steps empowering women to explore the world.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
Liam D., a junior at Seton Hall University, spent his fall semester living with a host family in Pau, France. He went from decoding French rap slang to learning the proper way to cut cheese at family dinners and quickly discovered why a portable charger is absolutely not optional. He celebrated his 21st in Paris, drank mint tea in Morocco, and can confirm the Sahara Desert is very real.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
Rokaya M., a civil engineering student at Boise State University, and Hodan M., a politics and international relations student at SOAS University of London, reflect on studying abroad in Seoul, Korea. From becoming roommates to finding confidence, routine, and belonging as Muslim women, both share how daily life, friendship, and identity shaped their experience at Yonsei University.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
This season took us everywhere. While we heard travel stories from Nagasaki, Prague, the Gold Coast, and beyond, the real journey was internal. In this year-end wrap, we revisit what we experienced along the way: messy language learning, identity shifts, found family, slowing down, and growing through discomfort. This finale is a reminder that study abroad isn’t just about where you go, but also about who you become.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
In this episode we’re sitting down with Zack Patton, a University of Houston student who turned one study abroad into three — learning Spanish, French, and German along the way. Joined by USAC Resident Directors David Gilland and LuisFernández, Zack reflects on language learning, idiomatic hacks, culture shock, and why fluency isn’t the goal: it’s connection.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
From the temples of Thailand to the vibrant streets and coastal calm of Spain, today’s episode brings together three University of Nevada, Las Vegas students whose experiences abroad were as diverse as they are. Angela and Nicole, both Mexican American, share how living in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Madrid, Spain challenged and enriched their sense of identity. Kathleen joins with her own stories from Alicante, Spain, reflecting on connection, independence, and growth abroad.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
Angela, Nicole y Kathleen, exalumnas de la Universidad de Nevada, Las Vegas, continúan compartiendo sus vivencias desde USAC Alicante, USAC Chiang Mai, and USAC Madrid. En esta segunda entrega, profundizan en cómo estudiar en el extranjero fortaleció su independencia, conexión y crecimiento personal, y cómo esas experiencias siguen influyendo en sus vidas y relaciones familiares hoy.
Parte 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1237037/episodes/18020658
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
Tres exalumnas de la Universidad de Nevada, Las Vegas - Angela, Nicole y Kathleen - comparten sus experiencias estudiando con USAC Alicante, USAC Chiang Mai, and USAC Madrid. y Nicole, ambas mexicoamericanas, reflexionan sobre cómo estudiar en el extranjero desafió y enriqueció su identidad cultural, con el apoyo constante de sus familias. En esta primera entrega, las tres hablan sobre identidad, amistad y los descubrimientos que marcaron el inicio de su aventura internacional.
Parte 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1237037/episodes/18020699
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
Two Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo graduates tell USAC's Emily Schmith how they turned their study abroad experience into a roadmap for others. Jessica Sharpe and Madison Somerday, authors of A Guide to Studying Abroad: What to Do, Where to Go, How to Do It, get real about budgeting and dating abroad, choosing travel partners, and how to bring the mindset of living in the moment home in their first book.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
En este episodio, escucharemos una conversación sincera entre una madre y su hija. Patricia Souza, egresada de la University of Nevada, Las Vegas, fue la primera de su familia en ir a la universidad — y en estudiar en el extranjero. Estudiando en USAC Lyon, Francia, hablan sobre cómo pasaron del miedo a lo desconocido a una confianza inquebrantable. Hablarán del choque cultural, la independencia y de cómo la distancia las acercó.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
What does it mean to be out and abroad? In this Pride Month special, Jeanine Martinez, a Northern Arizona University alumna, and Walker Dalton, a graduate of Appalachian State University, join Dr. Jeremy Doughty to talk queer identity, London life, and finding your people. From drag queen alter egos to dating tea, this episode is a celebration of growth, community, and showing up as your authentic self.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
In this episode, we’ll dive into the journey of two Asian American students — now best friends — who met during their study abroad in Nagasaki, Japan. Aolani, a University of Houston alumna, shares her experience reconnecting with her Japanese relatives and reflecting on her Japanese American identity. Gabby, an Indian American and senior at University of Nevada, Reno, recounts what it was like exploring Japan for the first time, being welcomed into Aolani’s family, and building a bond that crossed cultures and continents.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
Whether you're anxious about starting to explore your options or you're ready to depart from the gate, this episode will help you feel more confident, informed, and empowered. Three study abroad alumni, KayCee, now an enrollment specialist, Jonathan, an institutional relations officer, and Dominique, an experienced program advisor, will walk you through the steps you’ll take to start your journey, and highlight all the support systems from USAC available to guide you.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
Women can do it all: from isolating the chemical compounds in medicinal plants in Thailand, to advocating for abuse victims in India, there’s a place to practice your craft in a study abroad internship. This episode highlights Maggie, from the University of Idaho, and Haley from the University of Nevada, Reno, who saw firsthand the global impact of women forging their own pathways in their communities.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
In this episode, David Gilland, Resident Director for USAC Lüneburg, chats with Jorana and John, a couple studying abroad together in Germany. They share how they’ve grown together abroad navigating cultural differences, and David reflects on his own cross-cultural marriage to a German. Whether it’s discovering little quirks of German life or learning to balance different cultural values, this episode shares inspiring stories of the joys and challenges of life abroad with someone special.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
In this episode of THE Study Abroad Pod, Wright State University student Celeste Irwin shares her unique journey of playing Ultimate Frisbee in South Korea while studying abroad at the USAC Gwangju program. With USAC Verona alumna Sophia DeYoung as host, they discuss the thrill of connecting with a new culture through sports, balancing academics and athletics abroad, and the unforgettable friendships forged on the field. Whether you're an athlete, a student, or just curious about the intersection of sports and study abroad, this episode is for you.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
In this episode, hosts Mason and Isela will celebrate transformative student stories from 2024 and share a few of their own personal takeaways and memorable adventures. Ranging from Korean Frisbee tournaments to Italian Riviera tours, the alumni stories they will share showcase the growth students experience through navigating challenges abroad, and the joy they discover while exploring a new environment and forging new friendships. This reflective finale offers inspiration and practical advice for prospective and returning study abroad students alike.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
A reformed skeptic when it comes to studying abroad, University of Nevada, Las Vegas senior Cesia Cordies wasn’t sure she would go through with it until her visa was processed and she enrolled in her classes at the Université Catholique de Lyon in France. A double major in History and French language, all her classes will bring her closer to graduating — while she is the farthest she’s ever been from home. Now, living in a new city and constantly practicing her third language, she is building new relationships, studying, volunteering, and embracing a foreign culture wholeheartedly. Join Cesia as she chats with USAC Alumni Content Coordinator (and former USAC Lyon student) Colette Horton to discuss French culture in and outside of the classroom, and the beautiful balancing act of living like a local in Lyon.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
Becoming a world traveler means paying attention to how you interact with other people and cultures. Your values, goals, reactions — your identity — will affect your experience. To explain what that means, listen to an honest conversation between two friends: Rabiah, a Nigerian American and Muslim woman, and Thomas, an openly gay Puerto Rican man. These USAC Alicante alumni offer tips for energizing your identity.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
One of the biggest concerns for students who want to study abroad is the cost. This episode, hosted by USAC Italy alumni Sophia DeYoung and Danny Rhodes, reveals several insider tips on how you can minimize travel and living costs while maximizing your experience abroad. They cover everything from setting a budget, avoiding overlooked costs, and leveraging all the ways to make a term abroad just as affordable as one at home.
Listeners will hear essay writing advice from USAC Thailand alumnus Ricardo Estrada-Davila – a California State University, Chico student who earned not one, not two, but three study abroad scholarships. Plus, we’ll get a behind the scenes look at how to make your essay stand out from the rest from Ryder Hankins, a USAC Italy Alumnus and a former University of Nevada, Las Vegas, scholarship essay evaluator.
Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at podcast@usac.edu.
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email studyabroad@usac.edu for all the details!
It helps to be a part of a deep-rooted Italian community if you’re looking to be taught how to cook pasta the “right” way. Accepting new ways of doing things can also help you build the confidence to teach others about your own values as well. University of Nevada, Las Vegas graduate Ryder Hankins will walk us through the lasting impact of making good food and finding a friendly community as a queer person during his time in both the USAC Viterbo and USAC Torino programs. In this episode, we will also feature a segment of “You Belong,” a video presentation by USAC Chiang Mai alumnus Ami King, about his experience finding community as a queer person abroad. "You Belong" in it's entirety can be found on our YouTube channel.
Have an idea for a future episode or just want to learn more about study abroad? Email us at studyabroad@usac.edu.
Let's talk Study Abroad! From London bathrooms to Korean Fried Chicken, University of Nevada, Reno students and alumni Angelica, Dominic, Kaycee, and Olivia share their advice and most valuable study abroad experiences in France, Japan, Korea and the UK.
Have an idea for a future episode or just want to learn more about study abroad? Email us at studyabroad@usac.edu.
Ciao, hola, bonjour ... and welcome to our language learning panel! USAC alumni and staff — Smriti Chhabra, Brent Coulter, Simona Lai and Erin Whelchel — share their language learning experiences and reflections, as well as the benefits and challenges, opportunities and possibilities that knowing a second language offers.
Did you know that you can learn two years of language in a semester abroad? Explore 2023 study abroad programs and take your language skills to the next level.
Eric Torres Garcia — a Mexican American, two-time USAC Italy alumnus — shares how self-discovery abroad helped him embrace his identity as a gay man and gelato-making inspired his viral hot chocolate creation and business, Cocoa Bombs™.
Learn more about Cocoa Bombs™, study abroad in USAC Verona and Torino, and explore our LBGTQIA+ resources to help you find your ideal experience abroad.
Julia Ratti — USAC San Sebastián alumna, former Girl Scouts CEO and Nevada State Senator (D-Sparks), and current Director of Programs and Projects at the Washoe County Health District — chats about the impact study abroad had on her career and worldview. Julia shares her perspective on women in leadership, inequality and systemic issues, health and wellness impacts, and why she thinks study abroad should be accessible to all students. Learn more about our study abroad programs and scholarships.
In this episode with hosts Amber and Nicole, Brent Coulter, USAC Chengdu and San Sebastián alumni, shares his experiences as a gay man abroad, including how to find LGBTQIA+ communities, make connections and re-define identity, and how his study abroad opened doors to an unimaginable future.
Explore LGBTQIA+ study abroad topics and learn more about upcoming USAC programs.
About Brent
Brent has lived abroad for more than seven years and currently works as a Case Manager for Policy Violations at Meta. He studied abroad through USAC in San Sebastián, Spain and Chengdu, China where he later started his career as a U.S.-China policy analyst before returning to the U.S. to attend law school. His passions are languages, international mobility, and the globalization of communities.
In this episode, hosts Amber and Nicole chat with Jade Wright and Brendan Henry, Haifa alumni about their study abroad experiences, including common Middle East misconceptions, studying Arabic, how studying abroad contributed to their careers, and the Discover Middle East Scholarship Jade founded.
Find out more about USAC's Haifa program and learn about the Discover Middle East Scholarship.
During Black History Month, Amber Aiton, Students Beyond Borders co-host and Alumni Relations Officer, sat down with three USAC alumni to discuss their experiences as Black students abroad. With a spotlight on racial identity, overcoming barriers, and personal growth, our USAC alumni panelists share their honest reflections of their study abroad experiences in Korea, Thailand, and India and how their worldviews evolved.
This panel was offered as part of our Global Perspectives Program panel series. Stay up-to-date on upcoming USAC events by subscribing to our newsletter.
Congratulations! After months of planning, you are finally studying abroad. This time abroad is going to be filled with a ton of new and exciting opportunities, but if you don't find a balance, you may quickly find yourself burning out.
In this episode we talk about the importance of:
- A morning routine.
- Staying mindful and present.
- Drinking enough water and staying healthy.
- Dedicating spaces for study.
- Methods to help you reflect and share your experience.
And SO much more! Tune in to learn how you can find the perfect balance during your time abroad.
We have finally reached the end of the year, which means that thousands of students who studied abroad this fall will be returning home from their programs. A lot has happened to those students over this past semester and they've inevitably developed new perspectives of the world and their identities. For this reason, it is important that they understand how to integrate these new perspectives into their new lives!
That's why we invited Cate Brubaker to chat with us on the podcast. Cate, and her website smallplanetstudio.com, specialize in "Re-Entry" and have helped hundreds of people around the world deal with the psychological side of returning home.
In this episode, we explore the topics of reverse-culture shock, how to work with sudden emotions, goal setting, and more, to help students have a smoother transition returning home. For more information about re-entry, be sure to check out our alumni re-entry resources.
Welcome back to another exciting episode! In this special episode, three USAC alumni join us to share how studying abroad inspired them to live lives of adventure, entrepreneurship, and travel.
During this discussion, you'll learn how one alumnus started their own chocolate business from a viral video, how another became a YouTuber based in Mexico, and yet another went from being an archeologist to a major supporter of impactful NGOs.
Learn more about our upcoming 2022 programs and find out how study abroad can create life-changing experiences for you.
Alumni, this podcast is for you!
As a USAC alum, you will benefit from your life-changing study abroad experience AND from joining our diverse 61,000 alumni strong network! Our alumni have exclusive access to global job postings, webinars, panel discussions, and more!
In this episode, we have our fantastic Alumni Donations Officer, Amber Aiton, who will be sharing all of the incredible resources USAC shares with our Alumni.
This episode is easily one of our favorite podcast recordings to date! In this episode with Nicole, Amber, and Tyler, you'll be introduced to Monte and Gino, two USAC alumni who met in Torino Italy in nearly 17 years ago and have remained close friends to this day.
This episode is packed full of career advice (especially for those interested in having a career that allows you to travel), study abroad tips, and hilarious stories from being abroad.
You won't want to miss it!
To learn more about 2022 USAC study abroad programs, visit our website for a list of key deadlines and program statuses.
In this special spooktacular episode, we will be showing you how Halloween is celebrated in other parts of the world! Spoiler Alert - most cultures don't celebrate Halloween the way we do in the United Staes, but they do have some very beautiful and spooky traditions of their own.
From "Dia De Los Mortes" (Day of the Dead) in Latin America, "All Souls Day" in the Czech Republic, to the "Hungry Ghost Festival" in China, we will be taking you on quite an interesting journey with this podcast.
Happy 39th Birthday USAC! As we wrap up September, we reflect on USAC's contribution to international education. In this episode, we chatted with some of our most cherished and long-standing members and asked them to reflect on how USAC has grown over the years.
We also invited them to share the many qualities about USAC that allow us to stand out from the rest. From affordable study abroad options in unique locations to the personalized touch of our Resident Directors, there are so many characteristics that make USAC a special organization. Give a listen to celebrate with us!
In this episode, hosts Amber, Nicole, and Tyler chat common study abroad myths and share their international experiences. Do you really know what really happens during a study abroad term? Maybe, you think it's too expensive and not possible for you? Or, maybe you're scared to leave your hometown, campus events, or friends?
Learn more about study abroad during this candid, personal chat, and then discover your dream study abroad by checking out USAC's programs and scholarships.
From Boise to Bilbao, Lindsay Woycheck is an amazing example of the life-changing effect that study abroad can have on your life. While studying Spanish in Bilbao Spain, Lindsay met her future husband, and now lives and works as a freelancer in Bilbao!
In this episode, you'll learn tips for studying abroad in the Basque region, how to leverage your professional skills learned from study abroad, and also learn the importance of making friends on the metro! Join us for another exciting episode.
In this episode, hosts Nicole and Amber chat with Tyler Moye, USAC Shanghai & Global Perspectives Virtual Intern Alumn, and USAC Marketing Communications team member. Learn how study abroad and interning during COVID-19 changed Tyler's life direction and what lasting impacts these opportunities had on his career.
To learn more about Spring 2022 in-person study abroad opportunities, or virtual internships, visit usac.edu.
In this episode, host Nicole Duxbury is joined by Amber Aiton and Tyler Moye, USAC staffers and Season 3 podcast co-hosts, as they all share their tips and tricks for studying abroad.
As students across the country begin studying abroad again, our hosts share their insights on how to best set a budget, what to include in your suitcase, the benefits of applying for USAC scholarships, ways to connect with USAC alumni, and more.
Ready to start your study abroad adventure? Learn more about what programs are scheduled to run in 2022, USAC scholarships and budgeting, and chat with a Program Advisor to find out more about your dream program abroad!
Join host Nicole as she chats with Christopher Knight, a USAC Alicante, Spain Alumn, who shares his experience studying abroad as a queer, trans student. Christopher discusses how identity can be viewed in global cultures, primarily Alicante, what his experience was being a queer, trans student abroad, and how language and authenticity played a part in opening doors to his current academic and personal endeavors.
To learn more about studying abroad as an LGBTQ+ student, check out USAC's Equity and Inclusion resources, and explore more student reflections on the USAC blog.
Thank you for listening to Season 2 of Students Beyond Borders. We will be back in July with Season 3 and even more episodes surrounding all things study abroad. Stay tuned!
In this special Pride Month episode, host Nicole Duxbury chats with Courtney Bauman, USAC University Relations Coordinator, and Jeremy Doughty, USAC England Resident Director, about studying abroad as an LGBTQ+ student.
Courtney and Jeremy share personal stories and keen insights surrounding self-discovery from their international and study abroad experiences, and provide valuable reflections on the impact international education can have on one's authenticity and identity.
For equity and inclusion resources, visit the USAC website and check out the USAC blog for student reflections on studying abroad as a diverse, LGBTQ+ or first-generation student.
In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, hosts Kate and Nicole answer the most frequent, relevant, and popular study abroad questions sourced from social media, study abroad fairs, and virtual events. Ranging from dispelling common study abroad myths, to studying abroad affordably and during the pandemic, learn more about USAC programs, funding options, and how study abroad can work for your major, your schedule, and your pocketbook.
To learn more about USAC program fees, visit the Money Matters section of our website. And, if you're ready to dig into the total estimated costs of your dream program, find the interactive budget sheets under the "Program & Deadlines" section of the program you're interested in.
For more stories and study abroad tips, check out USAC's blog and if you've got questions not answered in this episode, contact us at studyabroad@usac.edu.
In this episode, our hosts Kate and Nicole chat with Taylor Doyle about her virtual internship experience. While working for Socialab, Taylor was able to have hands-on experience with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and further her career in social entrepreneurship. Taylor shares the importance of time management, networking, and finding a mentor, and the massive impact these elements can have on your professional career. Taylor's internship will be taking her to Uruguay, where she will be joining her team in Montevideo and continuing her internship in the Fall of 2021.
If you are interested in Taylor's work in social entrepreneurship, the United Nations SDGs, or her internship experience, feel free to email her at - taylordoyle1999@gmail.com.
To learn more about USAC's upcoming programs and deadlines, or if you want to learn more about our Global Perspectives Virtual Internships, then click the links to visit our website.
In this episode, hosts Kate and Nicole chat with USAC Chile and England Alumna Anna Shoultz as she shares her experience studying abroad during the pandemic in Spring 2020 and Spring 2021.
Curious about what it's like to live abroad now? Want to know what to expect? Anna shares her insights on traveling, quarantine, COVID restrictions abroad, and why she pushed forward on her dreams despite the challenges.
You can also learn more about her London experience in her blog, "London in Lockdown – Studying Abroad During COVID" and her viewpoints on sustainability.
Ready to go abroad? Find upcoming program statuses and deadlines here.
Have you always been interested in the Peace Corps? Wonder what it's like to dedicate a couple of years to an international service volunteer opportunity? Want to know what to do after your study abroad program is done?
Join hosts Kate and Nicole as they ask these questions and more to Student Beyond Borders' guests and USAC University Relations Coordinators Kaitie Brown and Courtney Bauman.
Then, learn more about applying, planning, and preparing for the Peace Corps from Laura Pell, Appalachian State University's Assistant Director/Career Coach, College of Arts and Sciences and Peace Corps Prep Program Coordinator.
To learn more about the Peace Corps and current volunteer experiences, visit their website and if you're a student, be sure to talk to your career center on campus for additional information and resources.
In this week's episode, join hosts Kate and Nicole as they chat with Megan Sattler, a Global Perspectives Virtual Internship alumna. Megan, a math major at the University of Arkansas, interned with the Play and Learn Foundation in Accra, Ghana during the summer of 2020.
Find out more about her internship experience, her biggest takeaways and why she recommends students intern with international businesses through USAC's virtual internship program.
Interested in participating in international internships this summer? Check out USAC's Global Perspectives Virtual Internship Program and find out how easy it is to add international experience to your resume!
In this episode, hosts Kate and Nicole chat with Adam Melamed, a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo senior and USAC Torino, Italy Alumnus and Ambassador. He shares the lasting impact study abroad had on his life, what he brought back from his time in Torino, and how his experiences abroad led him to create The Pursuit, a podcast geared toward creating inspiring and motivational content aimed at helping young adults lead more fulfilling and purpose-driven lives.
If you're ready to study abroad in Italy, or any of USAC's 50+ locations, this summer or fall, apply now (deadlines are nearing for upcoming summer sessions). Keep in mind, if you apply for any USAC Specialty Summer program, you will receive a $500 discount per session.
Join hosts Kate and Nicole in this love-filled episode as they learn how two couples met and fell in love while studying abroad. Hear from Costa Rica Alumns Russ and Melissa Whipple and Italy Alumns Shay and Kurt Hoseley as they share their magical and heartwarming tales of meeting one another during their programs.
Ready for a life-changing experience abroad but not sure where to start? Visit our Virtual Advising Hub to get started! From Feb. 16 to Feb. 19, 2021 we will be hosting a virtual live event and giving away study abroad prizes. It's time to turn your dream of studying abroad into a reality!
Welcome to Season 2 of the Students Beyond Borders Podcast!
In this episode, our new host Kate Armbruster joins host Nicole Duxbury and USAC CEO and President Alyssa Nota in a discussion about study abroad in 2021. Find out what's happening with our in-person programs this year and learn more about USAC's newest Fall 2021 program (Hint: It's a gorgeous, temperate, and historical European port city ideal for exploring by tram, studying near the sea, and features ornate art and architecture).
We're accepting applications now in our programs across the world and are offering a $500 Summer Specialty Program discount to help you get abroad this year. Learn more at usac.edu.
What does Christmas on the beach, the Chinese New Year and Women's Christmas have in common? Well, USAC's international Resident Directors, naturally!
Join Nicole and our RDs from Brazil, China, Costa Rica, India and Ireland as they share their holiday celebrations in this second installment of World Holiday Traditions.
Where does Nicholas fill shoes with candy? Do you know where peasants first sang a popular European 18th-century song? Where do they celebrate Fiesta de los Reyes and La Festividad de Santo Tomás?
Join Nicole and USAC's Resident Directors from the Czech Republic, England, Germany, Italy, and Spain as they share their favorite holiday celebrations in this first installment of World Holiday Traditions.
Alicante and Prague Alumna Kalista Ganser shares her reflections from her year studying abroad including how she got ahead on her language credits and skills; what it's like immersing in two countries' cultures; the impact of study abroad friendships; and the magic of exploring the Christmas markets in Prague.
For more information on how you can study abroad for 2021, visit usac.edu.
USAC Chiang Mai, Thailand Alumna Aminah King joins hosts Sara and Nicole to share her reflections on studying abroad as an underrepresented student. Learn how she got started, the unique challenges she faced abroad as a first-generation, black woman, and how her experiences opened the door for her to take the leap to live abroad in Ecuador today.
You can find more about Aminah on the USAC blog and can connect with her on Instagram @aminahs_adventure or follow her journey abroad on YouTube at Aminah's Adventures.
International Education Week (IEW), from Nov. 16-20, 2020, is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education worldwide. Join host Nicole Duxbury and learn what makes international education and studying abroad so impactful and life-changing from USAC alumni and staff.
Find out more about IEW and USAC events at https://blog.usac.edu/international-education-week/.
Two-time USAC alumna Mary Alice Haas shares her remarkable study abroad journey with hosts Sara East and Nicole Duxbury.
In this episode, learn how Mary Alice's experiences in South Africa and India connected with her values, academics, and passions and ultimately, led her to a career in international education.
To learn more about our programs and what locations are best for you, visit https://usac.edu/study-abroad-programs.
Whether you’re just starting to explore study abroad or have already applied for a program, it’s never too early to start financially planning for your journey.
This week, hosts Sara East and Nicole Duxbury are back with USAC’s scholarship coordinator, Sonia Meza with tips on how to financially plan for your study abroad. From finding a program that fits your budget to being prepared for unexpected expenses abroad, we offer up our top tips to help you pay for study abroad.
For more information on funding your study abroad journey, visit https://usac.edu/money-matters.
How do you pick the perfect study abroad program for you?
On this episode, hosts Sara East and Nicole Duxbury ask USAC alumni to weigh in on what factors they took into consideration when choosing their study abroad program. From considering your budget and academic requirements to picking somewhere you wouldn’t vacation and the type of food you love, there are tips for every student to help determine where in the world they should study abroad.
Nicole and Sara also go through USAC’s top five tips for finding a USAC program that fits your needs.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
USAC YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/studyabroadusac
USAC program search tool: https://usac.edu/program-search
Where to Study Abroad Based on Your Personality: https://blog.usac.edu/education-abroad-based-off-personality/
Funding Your Study Abroad Podcast Episode: https://studentsbeyondborders.buzzsprout.com/1237037/5488732-5-money-money-money-how-to-land-a-study-abroad-scholarship
Hosts Sara East and Nicole Duxbury are back with the help of USAC’s Scholarship Coordinator, Sonia Meza, to answer the burning question, “How do you put together a great scholarship application?”
Sonia deep dives into the different components of study abroad scholarship applications and how you can make your application stand out from your peers.
Here are just a few key takeaways you’ll find in this episode:
- How to find scholarship offerings that fit your financial situation
- The key to writing a successful application essay
- Tips for asking for a letter of recommendation
- Insight into USAC and third-party resources available to help you with your scholarship application
To learn more about scholarships available through USAC and third-parties, visit the USAC website: https://usac.edu/money-matters
USAC University Relations Coordinators Rachel Hardison and Kate Armbruster talk study abroad fairs with hosts Sara East and Nicole Duxbury.
In this episode, learn more about the best questions to ask at a fair, how to find the information you need to get started studying abroad and find out how you can connect with a USAC representative and your home campus's supporting faculty members.
If you're ready to start your study abroad journey or want to learn what study abroad can do for you, join us in a live info session, held daily. Register here: https://usac.edu/getting-started/info-sessions
USAC CEO and President Dr. Alyssa Nota discusses the future of international education in a COVID-19 world with USAC Marketing Communications professionals, Sara East and Nicole Duxbury. She also shares her experience of studying abroad during a global crisis and how it helped shape and prepare her to lead USAC through the current pandemic.
Learn how USAC is creating new, flexible opportunities for students to continue gaining a global perspective, and what's to come as we look at the future of study abroad.
Find USAC's current study abroad offerings: https://usac.edu/getting-started/can-i-still-apply
USAC Marketing Communications Coordinator, Nicole Duxbury chats with alumna Dalia Vongpanya, a University of Nevada, Reno student, about her experience participating in a virtual internship for a language learning app called Latudio, based out of the Czech Republic.
Learn more about USAC's virtual internship programs: https://usac.edu/study-abroad-programs/global-perspectives/virtual-internship
USAC Marketing Communications Coordinator, Nicole Duxbury chats with USAC Director of Academic Affairs Kara Bingham and Senior Academic Affairs Coordinator Justus Watt about the new Global Perspectives Program featuring online international courses and internships.
Learn more about these programs: https://usac.edu/study-abroad-programs/global-perspectives
Do you dream about living and studying abroad in another country? Thought about it but not sure how to get started or how you're going to pay for it? USAC's Students Beyond Borders podcast will be your gateway to the world where everything study abroad will be delved into.
In this first episode, meet USAC Marketing Communications professionals and hosts, Sara East and Nicole Duxbury, and find out more about USAC, upcoming episodes, and what's happening in study abroad today.
Learn more about USAC: https://usac.edu/