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About Virginia O'Connor

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So far Virginia O'Connor has created 99 blog entries.

Navigating Chronic Illness on Study Abroad

2025-02-19T10:39:08-08:00

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 Abroad2025-02-19T10:39:08-08:00

Reflections on Studying Abroad in Germany

2025-02-18T15:01:36-08:00

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 Germany2025-02-18T15:01:36-08:00

Food Experiences that Defined My Mediterranean Study Abroad Experience

2025-02-19T09:22:44-08:00

Journey through Florence, Rome, and Barcelona as Yvonne Liu (UC Berkeley) shares all the ways that Mediterranean cuisine and culture intersect to create transformative study abroad moments that reinforce tradition, connection, and discovery.

Food Experiences that Defined My Mediterranean Study Abroad Experience2025-02-19T09:22:44-08:00

From ‘Sopa’ to Fluent: A Year of Learning Spanish in Madrid

2025-02-18T08:50:13-08:00

Growing up in California with years of Spanish classes can make you think you're ready to live in Spain, but real fluency comes not from classes or textbooks. Rather, it comes from embracing the awkward moments and making mistakes. Read (UC Santa Barbara) Aileen Pulchney's humorous and honest adventures of learning to speak Spanish in Madrid.

From ‘Sopa’ to Fluent: A Year of Learning Spanish in Madrid2025-02-18T08:50:13-08:00

The 4 H’s of Study Abroad: Honeymoon, Hostility, Humor, and Home

2025-01-22T11:07:25-08:00

Studying abroad is a roller coaster of emotions and experiences. Read the advice shared by Tanesia Williams (UC Santa Cruz) regarding the 4 H's of study abroad: honeymoon, hostility, humor, and home to better understand the experience.

The 4 H’s of Study Abroad: Honeymoon, Hostility, Humor, and Home2025-01-22T11:07:25-08:00

Top 6 Reasons to Study Abroad in Summer

2025-01-22T10:15:56-08:00

Summer study abroad programs offer the perfect introduction to international education. In just four to eight weeks, you can experience the transformative benefits of studying abroad while managing your time away from home, school, and jobs. See why summer might be the ideal time for you to study abroad.

Top 6 Reasons to Study Abroad in Summer2025-01-22T10:15:56-08:00

Making Study Abroad Affordable: A Guide by UC Students Who’ve Done it

2025-01-28T08:13:12-08:00

Join three UC Berkeley students as they reveal how they made study abroad affordable - from navigating Singapore's expensive city life to stretching financial aid across two semesters in Europe. Their practical guide covers everything from choosing the right program and finding affordable housing to managing daily expenses abroad.

Making Study Abroad Affordable: A Guide by UC Students Who’ve Done it2025-01-28T08:13:12-08:00

6 Tips to Overcome Impostor Syndrome on Study Abroad

2025-01-22T11:10:27-08:00

What does it take to shake off impostor syndrome and shush your inner critic? Read the practical steps that Natalie Glennon (UC Santa Barbara), a financially challenged first-generation student, implemented to overcome impostor syndrome and make the most of her study abroad experience in the Netherlands.

6 Tips to Overcome Impostor Syndrome on Study Abroad2025-01-22T11:10:27-08:00

Big Ben and Little Wins: Lessons from a Brief Summer in London

2024-12-04T10:41:01-08:00

What can you get out of a short academic program abroad? Turns out, you can learn a lot in three weeks! Divyanshi Saha (UC San Diego) says studying abroad is not just about academics - it's about stepping out of your comfort zone, making memories, and discovering who you are in the process.

Big Ben and Little Wins: Lessons from a Brief Summer in London2024-12-04T10:41:01-08:00

It’s the Firenze We Make Along the Way

2024-12-04T08:37:45-08:00

Trey Timberlake, a gay man from Palm Springs, California, challenged his childhood feelings of isolation and otherness as well as his fear of masculinity while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. See why Trey describes study abroad as the most transformative experience of his life.

It’s the Firenze We Make Along the Way2024-12-04T08:37:45-08:00
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