30 Years of SAI: Erin's Story |

October 9, 2025

To celebrate our 30 years in business, we are highlighting stories from our community about the impact of study abroad on their lives.

Erin, overlooking Barcelona

Name: Erin Knight
Program: SAI Barcelona (University of South Carolina –> Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona)
Year: Spring 2018

Reflection
Is there a specific day or experience abroad that was impactful to you?
Marching on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2018) in Barcelona was unforgettable. I hadn’t planned to join, but as the day unfolded, I felt compelled to stand with the women I’d been observing throughout my time abroad. They represented not just Barcelona, but women everywhere fighting for equality. Seeing women (and allies) of all ages and backgrounds marching together through the streets was deeply moving and something I’ll never forget.

What day abroad would you relive?
I’d relive our SAI group trip to Cadaqués in a heartbeat. It was early in the program, and most of us barely knew each other. The town was stunning – unlike anything I’d ever seen – and the energy was electric. There was this shared joy in the air, like everyone knew just how lucky we were to be in that place, together. It was a surreal “pinch me” moment I’ll never forget. (I included a photo from that day with my best friend Grace Perry, and my now-boyfriend Chris Dameo, who are both SAI alums!)

SAI VIVA trip to Cadaqués with Grace and Chris!

The whole group of students who went to Cadaqués together

Cultural Passion
Has your study abroad experience ignited a lifelong passion for travel and culture? How so? What was an expectation you had before going abroad that changed once you were there?

Studying abroad changed my life in ways I never expected. I went in thinking I’d feel homesick or that it would just be a fun college experience. But meeting people from all walks of life and from all over the world completely shifted my perspective.

More than anything, it deepened my respect for humanity. Being immersed in different cultures taught me how much we all share, despite our differences. It made me more curious, more empathetic, and more open. I came home not just with memories, but with a broader worldview and a deeper appreciation for the people who shape it.

my best friend Grace and I!

Quick Update
Share a short update on life since you went abroad.

It’s been 7.5 years (!) since my time abroad, and I’ve been living in Charlotte, NC working in financial communications since graduating college. Outside of work, I’m usually on a plane visiting friends or exploring new places. I’ve been with fellow SAI alum Chris Dameo for five years now, and we travel as much as we can – most recently to Thailand and Vietnam! I’m grateful to SAI, not only for giving me the experience of a lifetime, but also for introducing me to my lifelong travel partner.