Brianna Cacchione

(she/her/hers)

As an International Programs Manager for the Wisconsin School of Business, I manage a portfolio of study abroad programs that offer students business-focused international experiences in Asia, Europe and South America.  I majored in Portuguese and completed a certificate in Women’s Studies at UW-Madison but theatre was the focus of my first short-term study abroad program in London. This program was a unique partnership between EF Educational Tours and Elderhostel which allowed me to study abroad with my grandma! In order to solidify my coursework in Portuguese, I also completed a summer and fall term at PUC-Rio in Brazil and capstone program through the Universidade de Lisboa in Portugal. After graduation, I taught English for two years in Miyagi prefecture through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. Upon my return to the U.S., I completed my M.S. in Student Affairs Administration through UW-La Crosse while working at Centralia College in Washington state.  Prior to study abroad, I worked at International Student Services as an assistant director at UW-Madison.  Helping students to overcome perceived and real challenges before, during, and after study abroad is what I enjoy most about my work. Although my experience on paper reflects some degree of privilege, it does not capture the struggles I overcame to make it happen.  When not at work, I enjoy hygge, hot coffee, cuddling with our Siamese kittens Rocky and Rococo, and spending time with my family in New Glarus.