When Julia arrived at the University of South Carolina (USC), she was far from her home in Brazil, but her desire to explore new places motivated her to take on any challenge. Now majoring in international relations and economics at the prestigious Darla Moore School of Business, Julia has made her mark at one of the top public universities in USA, excelling academically and actively contributing to the university’s diverse community.
Read on to learn more about Julia’s commitment to making the most of her time at USC and how she found success both in the classroom and out.
Why Should International Students Enroll at USC?
Julia was initially interested in studying business – she comes from a family of businesspeople – and was particularly drawn to international business as a specialization. She also wanted to improve her English-language skills. When deciding which universities to apply to, she was drawn to USC’s top ranking for business majors, its global reputation for academic excellence, and its overall value. Ultimately, she chose to combine her many interests with a major in international relations and economics alongside a minor in business administration.
“It is a huge privilege to be able to come to another country [for university] and it’s a lot of money as well, so the least I can do is to make my parents’ money worth it,” she shared.
The University of South Carolina, ranked #1 in undergraduate international business programs for the 26th consecutive year (U.S. News & World Report), offers a comprehensive curriculum enriched by hands-on learning opportunities. At the Darla Moore School of Business, students gain real-world experience through internships, research, and study abroad programs, building the expertise needed to excel in today’s competitive job market.
Although Julia had spent some time in the US before enrolling at USC, her transition to Columbia, South Carolina was filled with excitement and challenges. Moving to a new country is never easy, but USC made her feel at home right away especially with the help of the International Accelerator Program (IAP) and her mentor, Angi.
“The IAP program is support for international students in their first year,” Julia said. “We have a lot of classes with designated spots for international students. My freshman year, we had classes just for international students, which was great because everyone was in the same position. Even people with different majors had to get the same types of credits, so we had those classes together. We also had a class called University 150 and 151, specifically for international students, and it was literally about how to survive in college.”
The International Accelerator Program at USC is designed to support international students as they transition into life in the US. The program provides a comprehensive range of services, including academic advising, English language support, visa assistance, on-campus arrival help, career development courses, and more, all aimed at helping students succeed both academically and socially.
The support Julia received through IAP, from academic advising to personal guidance, helped her smoothly adjust to life in the US. Grateful for this assistance, she became an IAP student ambassador, eager to help other international students navigate their own transitions.
Becoming an IAP Ambassador
As an international student herself, Julia was uniquely positioned to help incoming international students navigate their way through their first few months at USC.
When the IAP opportunity was presented to her, she thought: “That’s perfect … it has something I’m interested in, which is communicating with people and showcasing the lifestyle that I have and how I make the best of that experience.”
Julia knows firsthand how valuable guidance and support can be for first-year students. That’s why one of the most fulfilling parts of her journey at USC has been helping new students find their footing.
From the start, Julia embraced the university’s vibrant student life, seeing it as a chance to connect and make a difference. She quickly got involved on campus, joining a sorority — an experience she credits with shaping her personal growth — and later stepping into a leadership role as vice president of marketing for USC’s Brazilian Student Association. In this role, Julia not only helped Brazilian students feel at home, but also organized events that celebrated Brazilian culture, fostering a sense of belonging that extended beyond her home country.
“We built such a great friend group [in] freshman year. We had people [from] Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, China, and India. [We] grew up in situations completely different from each other, but we were all best friends. It was so much fun and it is truly a community,” she said.
Life at USC
For Julia, pursuing a business degree at USC has been a rigorous yet rewarding experience. Classes at the Darla Moore School of Business have given her access to world-class professors and industry connections. The school’s global focus aligned perfectly with her passion for business, with curriculum that provides practical knowledge and real-world applications.
Another key reason Julia chose USC was for its diverse and affordable study abroad programs, which offer the chance to explore global markets and understand how businesses operate across different cultures. Now, she’s excitedly weighing her options, deciding between studying abroad in Spain or Italy.
By participating in a study abroad program, Julia gets the opportunity to expand her global perspective while enhancing her academic and personal development. She can also improve her language and communication skills, while gaining a deeper understanding of diverse cultures — valuable experiences that will support her career goals and prepare her for success in an increasingly globalized world.
Julia’s Advice for Other International Students
Get involved and make the most of every opportunity, Julia said. “Branch out. Get out of your comfort zone because that’s how you’re going to make the best out of your experience. If you see something that interests you, don’t be afraid to go after [it], because that’s going to help you make the best friends of your life and grow professionally.”
She encouraged students to rely on campus resources for support, noting that the International Accelerator Program was her support system when she first arrived, helping her academically and personally. Being part of the program also opened doors to leadership opportunities, like becoming an ambassador.
For Julia, success at USC has come from a combination of hard work, embracing leadership roles, and using every resource available.
Looking Ahead
As Julia continues her studies in Columbia, South Carolina, she is excited about the future and is well on her way to a successful career in international relations and economics. Her time at USC has not only provided her with a top-tier education, but also a network of friends, mentors, and opportunities that will last a lifetime.
