Global Guides
What are Global Guides?
Global Guides serve as ambassadors 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 Fall 2024 semester, Global Guides table around campus from 12 to 2pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays and 11am to 1pm on Wednesdays.
Find where the Global Guides are this week by visiting our Events page
Contact: globalguidesuh@gmail.com
Global Guides Biographies
Nick P., Lead Global Guide
Pronouns: He/Him
Major: Public Relations
Minor: English Applied Linguistics
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: CIEE Kyoto Semester Program
International Experience: Spain
Ask Me About:
Solo/group travel organization
Being the first in my family to have international experience
First time Abroad
Summer block scheduling
My study abroad experience showed me how wide the world truly is. Learning about different cultures is one thing, but actually experiencing their way of life will change your perspective on your own. Along the way I made new friends, saw amazing sights, and returned with interesting stories to tell. I became more independent and discovered new opportunities that will follow me for years to come. The learning abroad experience will stick with me for life, and I hope I can encourage others to go on the same journey.
Sophia G., Lead Global Guide
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Biotechnology
Minor: Medicine and Society
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Spring 2022 Reciprocal Exchange, Aarhus School of Marine and Techonology Engineering
International Experience: I have been to over 40 countries!A
Ask Me About:
Living with a host family
Being a STEM student abroad
Solo traveling abroad
When I first made the decision to study abroad, I was scared. My biggest worries were being away from my family and friends for an extended period of time and having to navigate a new country and culture by myself. In the seven months I was there, I learned that I had absolutely nothing to be scared of. I made lifelong friends, countless core memories, traveled to ten countries, and experienced firsthand a vastly different culture and way of life. Being abroad allowed me to not only develop independence, but also to figure out the person I am and who I want to be. In the future, I know I will look back at learning abroad as being a significant turning point in my life.
Angel P.
Major: 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.
Saege A.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: World Cultures and Literatures
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Korea University International Summer Campus
International Experience: Independent culture research in Barcelona
Ask Me About:
Female Solo Travel
First Generation student abroad
Life in Seoul
My experience abroad help me understand what exactly why I love learning about different cultures. I learned a small portion of what life is like in Seoul, tried the most amazing food and most importantly, learned to support myself as a truly independent adult. It was scary at first as I’m naturally very introverted, but by putting myself in foreign situations, I matured into a curious extrovert!
Camille P.
Major: Marketing
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: AIFS Fall 2023 The American Business School of Paris
International Experience: Egypt, Germany, Czech Republic
Ask Me About:
Living with a host family
Being a first-generation student abroad
Gilman Scholarship
Solo traveling abroad
Studying abroad was undeniably life-changing. It empowered me to discover my true self and envision my future while presenting opportunities I never deemed possible. I forged invaluable friendships, immersed myself in the rich tapestry of French culture, and substantially honed my communication skills. This unforgettable journey broadened my horizons and fundamentally reshaped my perspective on life.
Yasmin M.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: 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.
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.
Nina K.
Pronouns: She/They/He
Major: Biology
Minor: Studio Arts
Class Year: Junior
Learning Abroad Program: GalapaGO!- Summer 2024 UH Faculty-led program in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Ask Me About:
First time traveling abroad
Living with a host family
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!
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.
Sarah Grace K.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Finance
Minor: Accounting
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: ISA Spring 2024 Barcelona, Spain
Ask Me About:
Learning a language abroad
Living in independent housing abroad
Funding your study abroad creatively
Learning abroad was an absolutely life changing experience - I learned so many new skills, familiarized myself with new cultures, and learned how to love and appreciate the people that I was studying abroad with for the four precious months that we got to spend together. I had so many incredible and special moments - I learned how to make pasta in Italy, saw the Mona Lisa in Paris, went skydiving in Portugal, ate chimney cakes in Prague, and spoke a lot of Spanish in Spain, and I want to help other UH students craft a study abroad experience that will blow up their bucket list. I will never forget my time abroad, and I will always be grateful for the extra dimension this time brought into my education - I am thankful to be a more well-rounded human with an appreciation for this vast and beautiful world that we live in.
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.
Jazmine S.
Pronouns: She/They
Major: Graphic Design
Minor: Anthropology, Business Administration
Class Year: Junior
Learning Abroad Program: Semester at Sea
Ask Me About:
First time traveling abroad
Living on a ship
Saying "Yes" to new opportunities
Learning Abroad has profoundly shaped my perspective, immersing me in diverse cultures and expanding my worldview. It has deepened my understanding of global issues and strengthened my commitment to activism and community engagement. Through these experiences, I've gained valuable insights into different cultural approaches to art and design, enriching my creative process. Overall, Learning Abroad has empowered me to approach challenges with a more open-minded and empathetic mindset.