THE Study Abroad Pod

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 [email protected].
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected].
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected].
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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.

Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at [email protected].
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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. 

Have an idea for a future episode? Email us at [email protected].
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected].
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected].
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected].
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected].
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected].
Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] for all the details!