THE Study Abroad Pod

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. 

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!

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. 

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 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. 

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, 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. 

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!

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. 

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!

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:

1. A morning routine.
2. Staying mindful and present.
3. Drinking enough water and staying healthy.
4. Dedicating spaces for study.
5. 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.

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!

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.

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!

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. 

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!

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. 

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!

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. 

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!