Global Guides
Global Guide applications are currently open for Spring 2026 here. Applications are due Sunday, November 9, 2025.
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. More information on Global Guides can be found in the Global Guides handbook.
Global Guide Eligibility Criteria
- Current undergraduate student at the University of Houston
- Previous participation in a Learning Abroad program
- Hold at least a 2.5 GPA overall
- Remain in good disciplinary standing with the university
- Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student (9 hrs or more)
- Willingness to learn and contribute to the success of Learning Abroad
- Serve at the Learning Abroad Fall and Spring Fairs
- Must be available to table for 1 hour weekly and to attend monthly meetings
For the Fall 2025 semester, Global Guides table around campus on:
- Tuesdays - 11am to 1pm
- Wednesdays- 11am to 2pm
- Thursdays - 12 to 2pm
Find where the Global Guides are this week by visiting our Events page
Contact: globalguidesuh@gmail.com
Global Guides Biographies
Gabriela Alexis, Lead Global Guide
Pronouns: She/Her
Majors: Management
Minor: Marketing
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Spring 2024 Swansea University exchange & USAC Spring 2025 Program in Seoul, South
Korea
Ask Me About:
Solo traveling
Traveling to countries where English is not primary language
Reciprocal Exchange & Affiliate Programs
Going abroad reassured my confidence to be able to live on my own and solo traveling
made me feel gradually more comfortable in other cultures. l'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 while forging relationships that’ll last a lifetime,
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!
Nina K., Lead Global Guide
Pronouns: She/They/He
Majors: Biology
Minor: Studio Arts
Class Year: Senior
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 F. S.
Pronouns: He/Him
Majors: Political Science
Minor: National Security Studies
Class Year: Junior
Learning Abroad Program: Summer 2024 UH Faculty-Led program in Cadiz, Spain
International Experience: Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rica, Canada
Ask Me About:
Traveling on a student budget
Living with a host family
Stepping out of your comfort zone
Studying abroad helped build a deeper connection with people I never thought I’d ever be able to relate to, friends and family close to me, and most significantly, myself. The language skills I picked up bridged the gap between my distant relatives and I, in addition to the millions of new people, domestic and foreign, I can now directly connect and share with. What impacted me the most, however, was seeing the true value of cultural differences, not as divisions but as distinctions that make us all beautifully and uniquely human.
Joseline T.
Pronouns: She/Her
Majors: Psychology
Minor: Biology and Human Development & Family Sciences
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Spring 2025 WorldStrides Dunedin, New Zealand
Ask Me About:
Being a first generation student abroad
First time in a new country
Gilman Scholarship
Studying abroad was a groundbreaking experience. It has provided insight about my past, present and future. I was able to learn about another society, culture and language while deepening my connection with my own. I will never forget the people and the memories I made abroad.
Naumi A.
Pronouns: She/Her
Majors: Computer Science
Minor: Math & Business Administration & Creative Work
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Winter 2024 CIEE in Paris, France
International Experience: Dubai, India, UAE, Andaman Nicobar Islands
Ask Me About:
Being a STEM student with a non-STEM course abroad
Making friends abroad/with your program Solo Traveling
I always wanted to go abroad and explore different cities and cultures, and I'm truly grateful for the support I got to make that dream come true. Learning abroad has truly widened my horizons and deepened my desire to travel again! It's such a wonderful experience to be a student and learn from and in different parts of the world.
Keana Celis T.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Minor: Chinese Studies
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Summer 2025 Chinese Studies Faculty-Led program in Taiwan
Ask Me About:
Faculty-led programs
Learning a language abroad
My learning abroad experience was so fun! Although learning a new language can be difficult, immersing yourself in the culture and practicing the language inside and outside the classroom can quickly improve your language skills. It is a highly rewarding experience where you can create bonds with others and learn a lot about yourself!
Hannah G.
Major: Biomedical Sciences & World Cultures and Literatures
Minor: Medicine and Society
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: USAC Spring 2025 program in Seoul, South Korea
International Experience: France
Ask Me About:
Being a STEM student abroad
Living along for the first time
Through this Learning Abroad program, I got to experience living alone for the first time and take on my own responsibilities. I also got to immerse myself and speak the target language I have been studying for a while. This helped me significantly improve my language skills and conversational skills. I also made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.
Miyanda C.
Major: Economics
Minor: Sociology
Class Year: Senior
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: Legal Studies
Class Year: Senior
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!
Junias T.
Pronouns: He/Him
Major: Computer Information Systems
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Junior
Learning Abroad Program: Summer 2025 UH Faculty-Led STEAM program in South Africa
International Experience: Cameroon
Ask Me About:
Being a STEM student abroad
Traveling to Africa
Learning abroad has allowed me to see life in a new light. It showed me that no matter where in the world, people face the same problems. People in South Africa have fun and party just as we do, and they face challenges whether it be financially or mentally just as we do here in the United States. But at the end of the day, they still manage and persevere , because that is life.
Anisa L.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Retail & Consumer Science and Psychology
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Summer 2025 Retail & Consumer Science Faculty-led to Madrid & Barcelona, Spain
Ask Me About:
Navigating study abroad with recovery and mental health accomodations
Maintaining academics while abroad
As a double major in Retailing & Consumer Science and Psychology, my Learning Abroad experience in Barcelona and Madrid gave me firsthand insight into how culture shapes both fashion and consumer behavior. Visiting iconic retailers and innovative sustainable brands deepened my understanding of global retail trends while broadening my cross-cultural communication skills. Immersing myself in Spain’s vibrant markets and history strengthened my adaptability and global perspective skills, which I now bring into my studies, research, and career goals. I’m excited to share my experience to inspire other students to embrace the transformative power of learning
Estephany M.
Pronouns: She/Her
Majors: Management Information Systems
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Senior
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 abroad someday.
Michelle P.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Global Hospitality Leadership
Minor: N/A
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: REEP Spring 2025 at Sejong University in South Korea
International Experience: Mexico
Ask Me About:
Solo traveling abroad
Traveling to South Korea
Studying abroad had a profound impact on me both personally and academically. Immersing myself in a new culture challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and build confidence in navigating life independently. Living and learning in Korea expanded my global perspective, strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills, and deepened my appreciation for diversity. It also inspired me to think more creatively about my future in hospitality, as I experienced firsthand how culture and community shape guest experiences. Overall, the experience gave me a greater sense of independence, resilience, and openness that I will carry into both my personal life and professional career.
Angelica T.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish & Business Administration
Class Year: Senior
Learning Abroad Program: Spring 2025 USAC South Korea program
International Experience: Mexico
Ask Me About:
Being a first-generation student abroad
Traveling to South Korea
Learning abroad made me become more aware of my surroundings. I learned to take the initiative of exploring new things and forming connections with people all over the world.