Meet Your Institutional Relations Officer - Josie Sobek

Learn all about USAC Institutional Relations Officer, Josie!

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.

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Where did you study abroad?

Josie posing next to the beach with a mountain and sunset in the background in San Sebastian, Spain.

I participated in the Semester at Sea program during Fall 2019, and later taught English in San Sebastián, Spain from 2021 to 2023.

How did you get into the field of International Education?

Josie sitting on a seawall with the sea and city in the background in Portugal. Growing up as part of CISV, a nonprofit organization dedicated to international education through summer camps, taught me the immense value of global learning from an early age.

What's your favorite thing about working for USAC?

My favorite aspects of working for USAC are the high-quality and affordable study abroad programs, having engaging conversations with students, and working in an environment where my ambition is supported and encouraged.

What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?

One of my favorite memories is living in an apartment on the beach and enjoying breathtaking sunset views every day.

What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?

Josie posing in a tiled archway in Morocco. It’s hard to choose just one favorite! Brazil, Spain, Sweden, Morocco, and Puerto Rico stand out for their unique cultures, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

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

I’ve always wanted to go to Cuba. It would feel like traveling back in time while immersing myself in Afro-Latin culture.

What is your funniest travel memory?

One of my funniest travel memories is missing trains and turning what should have been a simple night out into a two-day adventure in western Italy. It was my first time in Europe at the age of 16. I can’t share the story in detail, but let’s just say it involves a lot of unexpected chaos. While it was miserable at the time, it taught me an important lesson: there will always be other opportunities, and stress isn’t worth it in the grand scheme of things.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my dog and watching TikToks.