Meet Your Advisor - Madeleine Smith
Learn all about USAC Program Advisor, Madeleine!
Where did you study abroad?
In 2018, I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea during my junior year of undergrad, where I attended Yonsei University. After graduation, I lived abroad in Miskolc, Hungary for three years (2020-2023) while teaching English at a local high school. In addition to these other experiences, I also had the chance to do a month-long study abroad trip in high school to Bali, Indonesia.
What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?
My favorite overseas memory is from my trip to Bali when I was 15. Our Resident Director was able to book our cohort a special sunrise boat tour. Eight of us woke up really early in the morning for the excursion. Right as our boat picked up speed heading out to the ocean, a pod of dolphins started following our boat. I will never forget the view of the sun rising and watching all these dolphins swim and jump right beside us.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?
My favorite place has got to be Seoul, South Korea. I am a huge food person and the culinary scene in Seoul is unmatched. (I still fantasize about a specific sushi restaurant in Sinchon.) On top of the amazing food, there were so many things to do. The clubbing and nightlife — lots of street dancers to watch for free — along with rich historical landmarks tucked throughout the city were incredible to experience. It was the most amazing blend of fun, learning, and food. I would buy another plane ticket just to eat again.
What is your funniest travel memory?
My funniest travel/culture shock memory probably comes from when I was in Hungary. I was there meeting my significant other’s family for the first time. If you aren’t aware, Hungarian is a famously difficult language and I was still getting used to it. In Hungary, it is very common for people to use the word “kisses” when greeting someone or saying goodbye. However, that word sounds like a very inappropriate slur in English. I was not aware of this practice, but my future mother-in-law said this word to me several times — with a big smile on her face — as we were leaving her house. A quick Google translate might give you an idea into why I was extremely confused that day.
If you could go on any USAC program, what would it be and why?
I would love to go on a program to New Zealand! My favorite professor was from New Zealand and always told us stories about his time growing up there. Sheep were heavily featured in all his memories of the place!
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love cooking and baking, reading romantic fantasy novels (give me any of your recommendations), playing pickleball, and of course travelling! I also am a huge fan of vintage fashion and fashion history. I love to play my own game of toot it or boot it with the various TikTok fashion trends on my feed.
What is a weird fact about you?
I can’t role my r’s. It makes speaking a lot of languages even more difficult.
What’s on your bucket list?
I want to go see the Northern Lights!
What’s a meme that describes your life?
