It helps to be a part of a deep-rooted Italian community if you’re looking to be taught how to cook pasta the “right” way. Accepting new ways of doing things can also help you build the confidence to teach others about your own values as well. University of Nevada, Las Vegas graduate Ryder Hankins will walk us through the lasting impact of making good food and finding a friendly community as a queer person during his time in both the USAC Viterbo and USAC Torino programs. In this episode, we will also feature a segment of “You Belong,” a video presentation by USAC Chiang Mai alumnus Ami King, about his experience finding community as a queer person abroad. "You Belong" in it's entirety can be found on our YouTube channel.

Have an idea for a future episode or just want to learn more about study abroad? Email us at studyabroad@usac.edu.

Let's talk Study Abroad! From London bathrooms to Korean Fried Chicken, University of Nevada, Reno students and alumni Angelica, Dominic, Kaycee, and Olivia share their advice and most valuable study abroad experiences in France, Japan, Korea and the UK.

Have an idea for a future episode or just want to learn more about study abroad? Email us at studyabroad@usac.edu.

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.

Have an idea for a future episode or just want to learn more about study abroad? Email us at studyabroad@usac.edu.