Meet your Advisor - Leanne Howard
Where did you study abroad?
I first studied abroad with USAC in Pau, France for a year. Then, I was lucky enough to study abroad again in Galway and Cork, Ireland over two summers in subsequent years.
What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?
My dad collected little glass figurines when he was alive. When I was in Paris for the USAC Paris Tour, during some free time, I went on a search to find a gift for him. I found this charming little shop full of hand-blown glass designs. Even better, I was able to conduct the whole conversation in French to find the perfect item. It was so thrilling to break out my vocabulary to describe the animal I was looking for (an ibex!). Merci to that shop owner for her patience!
What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?
My favorite city in the world is Cork, Ireland. It just feels like a second home. I love the climate, culture, history, people, and of course, wandering the streets and bridges.
What is your funniest travel memory?
Once I was in Vienna, Austria, with my now-husband. He loves theme parks, and we decided to go the Prater, one of the world's oldest theme parks. We chose a random pirate ride that definitely wasn’t playing obvious knockoff music in the ride queue.
We were the only people to ride it, and at one point, we stopped completely in the dark. Then, from nowhere, the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching from behind played in our ears. I screamed so loudly that it echoed through the ride building — I can honestly say that I felt true fear.
If you could go on any USAC program, what would it be and why?
I would love to study in Chengdu, China, because when I visited there, I ate some of the most delicious food in my life. I also love the slower pace of life and the combination of city and Chinese tradition.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I'm a writer, so my current goal is to finish writing the next book. But I also love reading and going to the theater. My favorite theater is the Irish Repertory Theater in New York.
What is a weird fact about you?
I used to play the drums in a rock band. I was entirely self-taught (i.e., not very good!)
What’s on your bucket list?
- Sail across the Atlantic in an ocean liner.
- Walk across Hadrian's Wall from West to East.
- Publish a book.
What’s a meme that describes your life?
