As a part of our Global Perspectives Program panel series, four USAC alumni spoke with us about their experiences studying abroad as students of color. 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. Each panelist shared the challenges they faced during the planning process and while abroad, how their race and identities influenced their program choices, and shed light on the unique ways international education impacted their lives.
“Stand in your power. You deserve like anyone else to live abroad, to experience life abroad. Just because these spaces are not built for us necessarily doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be in them. Also if you don’t have community in your program, find it in other places, create community as much as you can, and also learn to be okay.”
Learn more about our panelists and listen to the full episode below.
Oran Delphin, USAC Bengaluru
Oran is currently in her second year of Creighton University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and spent a semester in Bengaluru, India. Oran attributes her time abroad to having a massive impact on her life. Oran cites the program as a source of inspiration for her newfound sense of self-reliance and an appreciation for the beauty that can be found in the unexpected and unplanned.
Cynthia Johnson, USAC Gwangju
Cynthia is currently working in the localization and translation industry, where she coordinates linguistic validation projects and primarily works with Korean linguists. She recently graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in critical language and international studies. After spending a year in South Korea with USAC, she gained a passion for cultural awareness and strives to better understand the role of identity in the travel experience.
Ami King, USAC Chiang Mai
Ami is a queer, solo world traveler, and ex-pat. He first caught the travel bug when he studied abroad with USAC in Summer 2019 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and now has been to six countries and counting. While abroad, Ami taught English, social media management, and become a YouTuber. On his channel, “Ami’s Adventures,” he talks about his journey abroad, gives insights and resources, as well as focuses on inspiring QBIPOC folx to find liberation abroad.
It’s never too early to start preparing for your study abroad. Choose your program and prepare for life in a new culture by reflecting on your identity, personal goals, and other factors. Our Black and Abroad – Packing Your BIPOC Suitcase workbook can help get you started.
