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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:

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.