Meet Your Institutional Relations Officer - Caroline Anderson

Learn all about USAC Institutional Relations Officer, Caroline!

The Institutional Relations team works with universities, colleges, and other institutions around the country and travels to many study abroad fairs. The team is ready to answer any questions you may have about USAC and a current or prospective partnership with your institution.

Schedule an appointment with Caroline

Where did you study abroad?

Caroline and her host family in Nishinomiya, Japan.

I was lucky enough (and received enough scholarships) to be able to study abroad in Japan twice.

First, I participated in a faculty-led Maymester program. Next, I studied abroad for an academic year on USAC’s Nishinomiya, Japan program at Kwansei Gakuin University.

How did you get into the field of International Education?

Caroline exploring Fukuoka, Japan. Studying abroad changed the trajectory of my academic and professional life. After graduation, I decided to pursue a career in international education, and I moved back to Japan. A few years later, I earned a master’s in international and intercultural communication with a certificate in public diplomacy.

Now, I work at USAC and feel excited to be able to support students during their own transformative experiences abroad.

What's your favorite thing about working for USAC?

I love being able to inspire and empower students to navigate the study abroad process and support the institutional staff who work so hard to make study abroad possible for their students.

What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?

Caroline and her host sister in Nishinomiya, Japan. One of my favorite memories was attending my host city’s seijinshiki, or Coming of Age ceremony. This is a public holiday to celebrate those who have turned 20 years old, the official age of adulthood in Japan. My host mother even dressed me in her kimono.

If you could go on any USAC program, what would it be and why?

I already picked my dream program studying abroad with USAC in Nishinomiya, Japan. If I had to pick somewhere else outside of Japan, I would probably choose Stellenbosch, South Africa. I would love to be surrounded by mountains while taking classes at the second-highest ranked university in all of Africa. The South African accent is my favorite English accent, and I would love to experience the multitude of languages in South Africa firsthand.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Caroline at the top of Mt. Nakadake in Aso, Japan.

I enjoy skiing, taking my dog on walks, and swapping recipes and travel stories.

What’s on your bucket list?

My dream is to see the northern lights.