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About Virginia O'Connor

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So far Virginia O'Connor has created 106 blog entries.

Anxiety said “Stay,” But Europe Called: Five Lessons from my Study Abroad Experience

2025-04-29T20:06:36-07:00

With humor and honesty, a self-described anxious UC Irvine student shares how studying abroad in Paris and London transformed her perspective on mental health and personal growth. From celebrating her 20th birthday under the Eiffel Tower to discovering the healing power of European café culture, Harper Parsley's story proves that sometimes the best therapy is a passport and a leap of faith.

Anxiety said “Stay,” But Europe Called: Five Lessons from my Study Abroad Experience2025-04-29T20:06:36-07:00

Global Careers Start Here: Why a Summer Internship Abroad is Worth Considering

2025-04-14T15:07:20-07:00

Imagine stepping off a plane into a bustling international city to start a summer internship that will set your resume apart. Unlike local opportunities, UCEAP's summer internships abroad offer personalized placement support, cultural immersion, and professional networking across borders. Learn how this transformative opportunity could be the career-defining decision you've been looking for.

Global Careers Start Here: Why a Summer Internship Abroad is Worth Considering2025-04-14T15:07:20-07:00

5 Reasons Why Spring Might Be the Perfect Time to Study Abroad

2025-04-14T12:34:54-07:00

While many students default to fall semester for study abroad, spring offers unique advantages that could transform your international experience. From celebrating Holi in India to finding affordable weekend stays in Paris's Marais district, spring semester hits the sweet spot for cultural immersion and travel opportunities. Plus, with winter break to prepare and potential summer extensions, spring study abroad can evolve into an extended international adventure that maximizes both your experience and your budget.

5 Reasons Why Spring Might Be the Perfect Time to Study Abroad2025-04-14T12:34:54-07:00

How To Talk With Your Family About Study Abroad

2025-03-20T18:25:07-07:00

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.

How To Talk With Your Family About Study Abroad2025-03-20T18:25:07-07:00

A Journey Inward: How Daily Journaling Leads to Personal Growth

2025-04-14T15:21:11-07:00

How will you record the once-in-a-lifetime journey that is study abroad? Alex Masci (UC Berkeley) decided to rely on an a familiar technique: journaling, and in the process discovered how writing helped her achieve personal growth. Each entry is a testament to the power of journaling, capturing the most exciting moments and those subtle moments of growth and reflection all in the pages of a journal.

A Journey Inward: How Daily Journaling Leads to Personal Growth2025-04-14T15:21:11-07:00

6 Reasons Study Abroad is a Priceless Investment

2025-04-14T15:19:38-07:00

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.

6 Reasons Study Abroad is a Priceless Investment2025-04-14T15:19:38-07:00

From Strangers to Family: Building Your Community Abroad

2025-04-14T15:27:07-07:00

When fifty friends gathered around a makeshift Thanksgiving table in Edinburgh, they were no longer strangers but family. From joining Scotland's oldest sport to creating nightly traditions in the Warrender dorms, one UC Santa Barbara student shares how she transformed her biggest study abroad fear – loneliness – into an unforgettable story of community and connection. Through candlelit dinners, Highland adventures, and tearful goodbyes at Kings Cross Station, discover how saying "yes" to every opportunity built lasting friendships that bridged 5,000 miles.

From Strangers to Family: Building Your Community Abroad2025-04-14T15:27:07-07:00

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Europe: Lessons from Study Abroad

2025-04-14T15:25:06-07:00

Solene Granatur, a seasoned solo traveler, shares practical tips and heartwarming moments from her study abroad journey across Europe. From navigating budget airlines to finding community in unexpected places, discover how to make the most of your solo adventures while staying safe and savvy abroad.

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Europe: Lessons from Study Abroad2025-04-14T15:25:06-07:00

Navigating Chronic Illness on Study Abroad

2025-04-14T15:23:02-07:00

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.

Navigating Chronic Illness on Study Abroad2025-04-14T15:23:02-07:00

Reflections on Studying Abroad in Germany

2025-04-14T15:28:47-07:00

As a first-generation student who immigrated from South Korea, (UC Berkeley) Youngseong Ryu's semester in Berlin marked more than just a study abroad experience—it was a milestone in personal growth. Through Berlin's stunning architecture, rich artistic culture, and complex history, he discovered new perspectives that would shape his future as an art educator.

Reflections on Studying Abroad in Germany2025-04-14T15:28:47-07:00
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