All Stories
Re-imagining My Self Image in Scotland
by Sadie Bijlsma (UC Santa Barbara) studied abroad in Edinburgh The Promise of Eternal Beauty On the Isle of Skye in Scotland, there is a river that is rumored to have been enchanted by fairies. According to Scottish folklore, if you dip your face into the waters...
All the Ways Study Abroad Tests and Strengthens Your Identity
Three UC students discover how study abroad transforms identity in unexpected ways. Their stories reveal that studying abroad doesn’t require choosing between who you are and who you might become—instead, it creates space for both authentic identity and personal growth.
5 Steps to Break the Comfort Zone Trap and Adopt a Study Abroad Mindset
Before studying abroad in Rome, Monique Evdokiou (UC Berkeley) felt fully prepared, but quickly found herself stuck in a limiting routine. By resetting her expectations, exploring on her own, and embracing curiosity, she broke out of my comfort zone and immersed in the culture. The mindset shift made her semester unforgettable, teaching her resilience, independence, and the joy of living intentionally.
How Embracing Uncertainty Led to My Greatest Adventure
A first-generation student discovers how embracing uncertainty led to an unexpected adventure in Dublin. What started as a semester abroad transformed into lasting friendships for Valerie Cruz (UC Irvine), turned into surfing the Atlantic Ocean, exploring new academic life, and a future she never imagined – returning to University College Dublin for graduate school.
How To Talk With Your Family About Study Abroad
Three UC students share heartfelt advice on navigating family concerns about study abroad, especially for first-generation and Hispanic students. Drawing from personal experience, they offer a step-by-step guide to transform parental worry into support, emphasizing how thoughtful planning and open communication can help students pursue their dreams while honoring family bonds.
Bayo Collins (UC Berkeley) Named Finalist for National Academic Achievement Abroad Award
UCEAP is proud to announce that Bayo Collins (UC Berkeley) has been selected as a finalist for the Award for Academic Achievement Abroad, presented by the Forum on Education Abroad. Collins studied abroad at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro during...
UCEAP Announces Leadership Transition
UCEAP Announces Leadership Transition Farewell to Dr. Vivian-Lee Nyitray, Welcome Dr. Dan Waite The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) is proud to announce an important leadership transition that marks both a moment of gratitude and an exciting...
3-minute Travel Guide: Aukland, New Zealand
DON'T FORGET TO PACK Sunscreen! Down under, especially in Australia and New Zealand, the UV is way stronger than in the US, so be mindful when planning outdoor activities and always have sunscreen on. BEST LEFT AT HOME Multiple layers of clothing. You are not going to...
Make It Last: 5 Creative Ways Students Documented Their Time Abroad
Your study abroad experience will fly by in a blur of new cities, late-night conversations, and unforgettable moments. But how do you hold onto those memories beyond a camera roll full of photos? Five UC students share the creative ways they documented their time abroad.
How I Turned My Study Abroad Experience into a Foodie Adventure
Planning to study abroad? UC Santa Barbara student Jacob Dicker turned his European adventure into a food lover’s quest, discovering everything from affordable Michelin-starred brunches to hidden food halls. Here’s his insider’s guide to eating well on a student budget, including the three best apps for finding amazing food abroad and why Copenhagen might just beat Paris as Europe’s top foodie destination.
How I Visited 7 Countries on a College Budget
by Ava Williams (UC Irvine), studied abroad in Florence, Italy As an out-of-state student financing my own travel, planning affordable weekend trips while studying abroad, and staying on budget seemed daunting. And here's the twist: I visited 7 countries over 11...
Saying “Yes” to the Unexpected: A Barcelona Story
Rebecca Mendoza (UC Berkeley) arrived in Barcelona with a plan—take classes in English, stay comfortable, explore the usual tourist spots. But when she said yes to an intensive Catalan course, everything changed. From racing gravel bikes with professional athletes to volunteering at a gala in London, Rebecca’s willingness to embrace the unexpected transformed her semester abroad into something far more meaningful than she ever imagined.
All the Things to Learn About Your Academics Abroad
Choosing a study abroad program isn’t just about picking a dream destination—it’s about making sure the academic experience will actually work for your degree, your learning style, and your future goals. From understanding how courses transfer to navigating different teaching styles and grading systems, a little research before you apply can save you from academic surprises. Three UC students share their experiences and offer practical tips for researching programs, confirming course eligibility, and balancing academics with the cultural experience of a lifetime.
Don’t Fear the Culture Shock!
When Marisol Mendoza (UC San Diego) arrived in Barcelona, she thought her Spanish language skills and previous travel experience would help her avoid culture shock. Instead, this nanoengineering student discovered that embracing cultural differences – from quiet Sundays to new perspectives on work-life balance – became one of the most valuable parts of her study abroad experience. Through nine months in Spain, she learned that culture shock isn’t something to fear but rather an opportunity for growth that can reshape your future plans and global outlook.
Inside Sweden’s Student Culture: Traditions That Unite Two Historic Universities
Step into Sweden’s vibrant university culture, where centuries-old traditions shape daily student life in unexpected ways. From racing tandem bikes across the country to joining medieval student nations, UC Berkeley students Max Morena and Stella Keval discovered that studying abroad in Sweden means becoming part of a legacy where formal dinners include napkin-tossing rituals, stress relief comes in the form of collective 10 PM screams, and coffee breaks are elevated to an art form. They reveal how these distinctive traditions transform international students into cultural insiders at Uppsala and Lund Universities.
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