Meet your Advisor - Griffin Thompson
Where did you study abroad?
I studied abroad with USAC in London, England, during the summer of 2022, where I took a class titled History of Identity and Conflict.
Then, for the 2024-2025 academic year, I went to Dublin, Ireland, to pursue an MPhil in International Peace Studies. While I was there, I interned with the environmental nongovernmental organization VOICE Ireland, and worked at my student accommodation reception desk.
I also briefly lived in Malta for a month in 2017 and went on a solo hiking excursion in Morocco in the spring of 2023.
What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?
My favorite memory abroad was a program trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2024. We learned about the history of the Troubles, the efforts to reintegrate the Irish language into both Catholic and Protestant communities, and the initiatives aimed at fostering further peace and reconciliation between the two communities. It was truly amazing and inspiring to learn and be immersed in the rich and complex culture of Northern Ireland.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?
The best place I have ever traveled to was Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. We arrived at the first summit just as the sun was crossing the horizon, and to this day, it is still one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen.
What is your funniest travel memory?
My favorite travel memory is going to a local Drum and Bass gig in Brixton, London, with a group of locals. It was definitely one of the strangest concerts I had ever been to, and I was the only American at the venue. I probably had up to 20 different conversations by the end of the night about American vs. British culture.
If you could go on any USAC program, what would it be and why?
Vietnam! I’ve always been fascinated with the country since I was an undergrad history major. Given its location, history, culture, and affordability, if I could go back in time and do the program, it would be a no-brainer!
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I am a big outdoorsman. I love to hike, backpack, camp, kayak, and try pretty much anything that gets me outdoors. I also love taking weekend road trips and going to as many new places as possible.
What is a weird fact about you?
A weird fact about me is that my sister is a Thunder Girl for the Oklahoma City Thunder and is now an NBA champion!
What’s on your bucket list?
I would love to eventually continue my education and study international relations and international peace. My goal is to help foster cross-cultural conflict resolution and reconciliation, promoting a more promising and optimistic future in global politics.
What’s a meme that describes your life?
