Advertise on podcast: THE Study Abroad Pod

In this episode, Reed Y., a University of Massachusetts Amherst alum who studied abroad with the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) in Alicante, Spain, is joined by his lifelong friend and business partner, Ethan G. After Reed's experience was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethan convinced him to quit his corporate job and move to Argentina. What followed was life abroad, learning Spanish, making new connections, and eventually developing their own language-learning app. From practicing Spanish at empanada shops to building a business together, Reed and Ethan share how their adventures abroad led them down paths neither expected. 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 heading to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where Resident Director Jum Tippowan is joined by former students Divya B. from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and Jackson H., a Western Kentucky University alum.  They reflect on how their time abroad shaped what came next, from a Fulbright Scholarship in Europe and teaching in Korea, to pursuing a career in special education, continuing to travel, and building connections across cultures.  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, Calli Beyer from Elizabethtown College talks with Nick Ross, a University of Northern Iowa alum, about how studying abroad in Bilbao, Spain continues to shape his life more than a decade later. Nick shares how living with a host family, navigating language barriers, and adapting to life abroad have influenced both his work in business development and his service on the board of the Iowa International Center. 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, 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 [email protected]. Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Just want to learn more about study abroad? Email [email protected] 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 [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!