Global Guides
Global Guide applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open here. Applications are due by Monday, June 9th. For questions, please email Adrian Carruthers, Advisor for the Global Guides, at acarruth@central.uh.edu.
Global Guides serve as mbassadors for Learning Abroad at on-campus events, mentor fellow students on learning abroad program opportunities, and assist with office events and initiatives. The Global Guides have either lived abroad or have participated in a learning abroad program in the past. They are an excellent resource for students who aren’t sure how to decide on a program or who want first-hand information about a particular program or geographical location.
Global Guides are required to table each week and attend monthly meetings, help at the Fall and Spring fairs, do two classroom or student org presentations per semester, and help at one additional Learning Abroad or Global Guide event per month. These positions are on a volunteer basis, and students seeking benefits such as personal and professional development and office experience are encouraged to apply.
For the Spring 2025 semester, Global Guides table around campus from 12 to 2pm on
Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 12 to 1pm on Thursdays.
Find where the Global Guides are this week by visiting our Events page
Contact: globalguidesuh@gmail.com
Global Guides Biographies
Yasmin M., Lead Global Guide
Pronouns: She/Her
Majors: Management Information Systems
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: USAC Spring 2024 Program in Seoul, South Korea
Ask Me About:
Being a first-generation student abroad
Being a black, Muslim women abroad
Concerns about language barriers
Finding your community/friends abroad
Learning abroad pushed me beyond my social comfort zone, leading me to connect with amazing people who have left a lasting impression on me. It also allowed me to discover new aspects of myself and my individuality, outside of my routine life. It gave me exposure to so many diverse ways of thinking and creating, both academically and personally. Lastly, it gave me the desire and courage to continue to take risks and explore more of the unknown.
Nina K., Lead Global Guide
Pronouns: She/They/He
Majors: Biology
Minor: Studio Arts
Class Year: Junior
Learning Abroad Program: GalapaGO! Summer 2024 UH Faculty-Led program in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Ask Me About:
Living with a host family
First time traveling abroad
Research abroad
When I decided to take my chances and apply for a research program abroad, I never expected how much it would change the trajectory of my life. During that time, I completed many new accomplishments such as being the first of my family to leave the United States, do research for the first time, and make unique, lasting memories. I am so glad that I got to experience culture and apply my academics to a tangible goal of conversation in the Galapagos. My goal now is to share my experiences and help others start their own journey!
Angel P.
Majors: Entrepreneurship & Finance
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Summer 2023 CEACAPA Study Abroad Family Business and Entrepreneurship in Florence,
Italy
International Experience: I have lived in Mexico
Ask Me About:
I'm a First generation college student
This was my first time traveling solo for a long time
I'm a double major
I'm just a regular person like you and everyone else
Studying abroad had opened new doors for me, not only personal and professional but also mental. I have been able to connect with people outside of the US and learn how their way of doing business differentiate internationally, I have also seen the similarities on how different companies operate. In the process I have gained new friends, meaningful connections and new memories that will stay with me trough life. I genuinely feel as if the doors to the outside world have opened up and have prepared me to go anywhere without fearing the unknown.
Stacey P.
Majors: Philosophy and Human Development & Family Studies
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Spring 2023 AIFS Semester at Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany
International Experience: Macedonia, Greece, Poland, Italy, Czech Republic
Ask Me About:
First time learning a new language
First time in a new country
The experience to learn abroad was unforgettable. It really opened up my perspective to be more worldly and I am so grateful to have had the chance to immerse myself in a completely new culture and atmosphere for a significant amount of time. Learning abroad was an amazing opportunity to have for both my personal and educational growth and it was definitely a life changing experience!
Elizabeth C.
Pronouns: She/Her
Majors: Chinese Studies
Minor: Applied Linguistics
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Summer 2023 UH Faculty-led program in Taiwan
International Experience: Taiwan
Ask Me About:
Faculty-led programs
Using a foreign language abroad
Leaving the country for the first time
My time studying abroad in Taiwan was a very formative experience for me. I was able to immerse myself in a new culture and finally gain confidence in using a language I have been learning for years. I have always been a timid person, so leaving the country on my own was scary for me, but once I was in Taiwan the support of faculty and classmates allowed me to have a wonderful time. The new friends, enriching classes, and fascinating culture are absolutely worth studying abroad. I hope to encourage other students to go on this journey!
Sweyba S.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Biology
Minor: Health
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: USAC Spring 2024 Program in Seoul, South Korea
International Experience: Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Turkey
Ask Me About:
Being a black, Muslim women abroad
Gilman Scholarship
Being a STEM student abroad
Studying abroad in South Korea was a pivotal era that challenged me to become more independent. Navigating life in this new setting helped me grow a lot more than I had anticipated--whether it was learning a new language, understanding Korean culture, getting used to a fast-paced environment, or even something as simple (but very daunting and new to me!) as riding the subway. The incredible friends I met there, in addition to my bestie being with me through this whole journey, made the experience even more special. I'll always cherish those connections and the lessons I learned.
Adel W.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major: Finance
Minor: Spanish for Global Professions
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: CEA CAPA in Seville & Barcelona, Spain for Summer 2023 and AIFS Full-Time Internship
in San Jose, Costa Rica for Fall 2024
International Experience: Belize
Ask Me About:
Interning abroad
First Generation student abroad
Living with a host family and/or in student housing abroad
Through my learning abroad experiences, I overcame generational financial barriers, and challenged my values and perception of what my purpose in life might be. I have been a commuter for the entirety of college, living at home and sharing a room with my youngest sister (I have three sisters); however, learning abroad allowed me to have the experience of living with other college students, as well as having my own room and living independently in an apartment. I learned to cook, speak Spanish more confidently, and build productive and healthy habits. I learned what work in another country looks like, what I might want my future to look like, and countless other things. I hope to inspire others with my journey and continue to open my mind to new opportunities and travels!
Miyanda C.
Major: Computer Science and Economics
Minor: Criminology
Class Year: Junior
Learning Abroad Program: USAC Spring 2024 Program in Seoul, South Korea
International Experience: Barbados, Guyana, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, France, Italy, Spain
Ask Me About:
Selecting a program
Budgeting Abroad
Learning languages abroad
Solo traveling abroad
Studying abroad has helped me realize that not every country is perfect for everyone, whether as a vacation destination or for long term stay. With this experience, I am more aware of what is right for me, and that everyone has different places that may fit for them. However, this is even more of a reason to travel, so you can experience a place you always dreamed of, regardless of whether it is what you thought it was or not.
Ashlynn A.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Biology
Minor: Spanish
Class Year: Junior
Learning Abroad Program: ISA Spring 2024 San Jose, Costa Rica program
Ask Me About:
Being a STEM student abroad
Being a black women abroad
Living with a host family
One can learn so much about themselves and the world around them from traveling, such as a gain in perspective, empathy, and open mindedness. I had an unforgettable learning abroad experience in Costa Rica. The beauty of Costa Rica is indescribable and I loved having new places to experience every weekend, making new friends, and continuously practicing my Spanish. I hope to encourage others to experience the joy that can be felt when visiting another country!
Stephany T.
Major: Psychology
Minor: Education
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: AIFS Abroad, Valencia, Spain
International Experience: Venezuela, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, Panama, Italy, UK, Trinidad
Ask Me About:
Education system in Spain
Living in Spain
Studying abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to improve my Spanish significantly. Immersing myself in a new environment not only enhanced my language skills but also deepened my understanding of my cultural heritage. This experience broadened my perspective and helped me grow personally and academically.
Briana H.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Global Hospitality Leadership
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Fall 2024 Reciprocal Exchange, Excelia Tourism School in La Rochelle, France
Ask Me About:
First-Generation student abroad
Applying to Scholarships
Solo Traveling abroad
Studying abroad has changed my life and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to have this experience. I have learned so much about myself while also learning about a new country and culture. I have been able to see and experience so much that these memories will be unforgettable. Studying abroad has been very eye-opening and empowering as it has also pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Estephany M.
Pronouns: She/Her
Majors: Management Information Systems
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Junior
Learning Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Summer 2024 Alicante, Spain
Ask Me About:
First time traveling abroad
Living with a Host Family
Fund for Education (FEA) Scholarship
Studying abroad is an experience that I will carry with me forever. It allowed me to immerse myself in a different way of life, try new foods, see beautiful sights, and meet amazing people. This trip also helped me become more independent and confident in handling unfamiliar situations. After this incredible experience, I am certain that I want to continue exploring the world and maybe even move abroad someday.
Victoria L.
Major: Exercise Science- Health Professions
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: ISA Fall 2024 Valencia, Spain
Ask Me About:
Being a First-Generation student abroad
First time traveling abroad
Making friends abroad
My study abroad experience was a crazy adventure filled with amazing memories! I met so many people who impacted my life and created unforgettable moments. Through many challenges like a catastrophic storm, breaking a bone, and a language barrier, it gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Nonetheless, this program changed my life forever and allowed me to grow personally and professionally.
Gabriela A.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Management
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Junior
Learning Abroad Program: REEP Spring 2024 in Swansea, Wales
International Experience: Dubai, UAE, UK, Mexico, Spain, Iceland, Greece, the Netherlands
Ask Me About:
Reciprocal exchange programs
Solo traveling abroad
IES Scholarship
It reassured my confidence to be able to live on my own and solo traveling made me feel gradually more comfortable in other cultures. I've been fortunate enough to travel a lot in my life and live in different countries, but that will never change how important it is to educate yourself about other cultures. While abroad, I felt free to be myself and meet new people from all over the world without feeling any pressure to behave a certain way, which has opened a lot of doors for me throughout my educational and professional careers. I'd recommend studying abroad for everyone, no matter your international experience or background.