Meet Your Institutional Relations Officer - Katrina Brown

Learn all about USAC Institutional Relations Officer, Katrina!

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 Katrina

What are your international experiences?

I studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France my junior year of college. After graduation, I taught English for a year in the north of France, near Lille (so far north I got Belgian radio stations). Later, I worked in the study abroad office of an international business school in Paris.

How did you get into the field of International Education?

When I returned from my year in Aix-en-Provence, I volunteered at my university’s study abroad fair. After telling prospective students about the program and giving suggestions for how to prepare, I realized how impactful it was to my time as an undergraduate, and how critical study abroad staff members were to my experience. I knew I would enjoy a career where I got to help students go abroad. I emailed my study abroad advisor to ask how she got into the field and decided right then to make it happen!

What's your favorite thing about working for USAC?

I love that USAC is committed to offering affordable programs in off-the-beaten path locations. Many of USAC's program locations have a lot in common with where I studied abroad (small city, low cost of living, easy to walk around, slower pace of life, little English spoken). My program was ideal for me as an undergraduate, so I appreciate that USAC has similar options as well.

What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?

Singing with the choir of the Cité Universitaire International de Paris, especially Mozart’s Requiem.

I lived in an international dorm complex during my year in Paris and joined the choir, comprised of members from all around the world. We sang songs in many different languages and had pronunciation help from native speakers among the choir members. Connecting through music with other students of 40+ nationalities was a beautiful experience.

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

The Dordogne region in southwestern France. The landscapes and medieval architecture are magical, and it's easy to wander around for hours. In some towns, there are rules that require phone/power lines and other modern-looking things to be hidden to preserve the medieval look. It's like going back in time!

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

Heredia, Costa Rica – I have always wanted to learn Spanish, and would also like to take courses in environmental policy and health science. I visited Costa Rica with USAC in 2016 and fell in love with the beautiful nature, delicious fresh food, and kind people. It would be a wonderful place to stay for a semester or year!

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy singing, songwriting, cooking, and exploring the West with hikes and cross-country skiing.