Meet your Institutional Relations Project Coordinator - Kiana Raiford

Learn all about USAC Institutional Relations Project Coordinator, Kiana!

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.

Where did you study abroad?

My study abroad program was supposed to be in Paris, France for Summer 2020, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I was able to complete my undergraduate degree in Hawai’i during that time which had some benefits with no tourists on the island!

How did you get into the field of International Education?

It is actually thanks to my own study abroad trip being cancelled! I stayed in contact with my study abroad advisor in case there was an opportunity to fit study abroad in my schedule later on down the road. I had applied and been accepted into my university’s peer advisor program and the study abroad office on campus requested me. After graduating, I became a full-time advisor in the field.

What's your favorite thing about working for USAC?

My favorite thing about working for USAC is the people here. Everyone is super passionate about studying abroad, students, and each other’s success. Working for an organization where my values align is obviously something I love, but where it is proven through everyone else’s actions makes it that much better.

What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?

I recently went to Cancun, Mexico. I have a habit of getting so excited for trips that I end up biting off more than I can chew. I signed up for a physical excursion at least twice a day, and by day four, I was wiped out! However, we made it to ziplining and swimming with dolphins by day six. I loved having the privilege of having so much to do in a new place.

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

My favorite place I have traveled to is Cambodia. I am Cambodian, so being able to travel to the country of my roots is super important to me. Between the food, the culture, and the people, it's hard to choose just one reason why I enjoyed traveling there. However, I would say a part of it has to do with not a lot of things here in the United States come close to reminding me of Cambodian culture.

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

The New Zealand program! I loved my time in Hawai’i, partly due to the Hawaiian culture and there is relation to the Hawaiian culture and Māori culture in New Zealand. I would love to be able to learn more about it and see the connections to the Hawaiian Islands.

What is your funniest travel memory?

My husband and I were on our way back home from a trip with a layover. Of course, our first flight was delayed. The flight crew asked people on the plane to stay seated if they didn’t have a connection. (Score! People did.) We ran across the entire airport, took a train to a different concourse, ran some more to the last gate in that concourse, and our second flight was delayed! Imagine the scene from Home Alone with the entire family running. Same energy in two people, you get my husband and me.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I am a morning person. Most people tend to have activities after work, but all of mine are done beforehand. I start my day around three in the morning to head to the gym where I spend most of my time. After a HIIT or yoga class, I will spend time reading or going for a walk with my dog or binge watching something.

What's on your bucket list?

Greece and Antarctica.