Asia
Grappling with Studying Abroad in Asia as a Chinese American
By Emily Hsi (UC Los Angeles) studied abroad at the National University of Singapore. When I first decided to study abroad, all I knew was that I wanted to be in Asia. As a Chinese American born and raised in California, I had my fair share of identity crises. I was...
How I Showed Up as a Black American Student in Japan
By Denmark Harris (UC Berkeley) studied abroad in Kyoto, Japan I was excited to study abroad in Japan—but I was also afraid. As a person of color, I knew I was heading to a country where the vast majority of people wouldn’t look like me. My biggest goal was to build...
6 Reasons Study Abroad is a Priceless Investment
A UCLA student shares six compelling reasons why study abroad is an important investment in your future. From taking unique courses in South Korea’s tech scene to building global connections, Ingrid Chang reveals how her experience shaped her career path, personal growth, and worldview. Drawing from her own journey, she offers practical insights on maximizing the study abroad experience while addressing common concerns about living overseas.
Navigating Chronic Illness on Study Abroad
Imagine wearing an invisible backpack filled with a random number of rocks each morning – this is how Kaitlyn McWalters (UC Berkeley) describes living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Despite the daily challenges of managing a chronic illness, she chose to pursue her dream of studying in Japan. Her story offers practical insights and inspiration for students who wonder if their health conditions might prevent them from going abroad.
An Introvert Overseas: A Shy Person’s Guide to Studying Abroad
If you’re a shy, introverted person, could you travel almost 6,000 miles away from home to study abroad on your own? Francesca Casimiro (UC Berkeley) did and you can too. Read her story and learn how you can too.
Seoul Searching: Lifelong Lessons from Studying Abroad in South Korea
Study abroad is an experience that teaches you beyond what you think you will learn. It stretches you, transforms you, and shakes you out of your comfort zone. See the most important lifelong lessons Nico Shin (UC Santa Barbara) learned while studying abroad in South Korea.
A Black Woman’s Guide to Thriving in South Korea
No two study abroad experiences are alike. In this guide, Jodi Felder (UC Riverside) shares the insights that helped her thrive as a Black woman studying abroad in Korea, where she experienced racial prejudice and still has no regrets about taking part in this transformative journey.
3-minute Travel Guide: Seoul, Korea – Edition D
What is it like to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea? Check out Afreen Ali’s (UC Davis) tips and advice on solo traveling, foods you cannot miss, and where to study and live (hint: not the campus dorms).
3-minute Travel Guide: Bangkok, Thailand
What is it like to study abroad in Bangkok, Thailand? Check out UC Santa Barbara’s Edwin Giron-Montenegro’s tips and advice on best day trips, food to eat, and how to visit other Southeast Asian countries. Hint: you can leave that sweatshirt behind.
Contact Us
Connect
Phone: 805-893-4762
Editorial Team: californianabroad@uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu
Media Inquiries: communications@uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 am – 4 pm
UCEAP
420 S Fairview Ave
Suite 202
Goleta, Calif. 93117








