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.
What happens when a Type-A planner loses her wallet in Berlin? When is a €15 burger worth it? Through five European cities and five crucial questions, Alyson Lee (UC Berkeley) discovers that the best study abroad lessons come from embracing the unexpected. From Paris's Instagram expectations to Madrid's humble revelations, these are the moments that transform tourist experiences into life-changing wisdom.
When two UC students, Justine Pendergraft (UC Los Angeles) and Maria Newman (UC Berkeley) arrived for their study abroad programs—one in Berlin, one in Paris—they faced every traveler's worst nightmares within their first 24 hours. These are the unexpected and valuable lessons study abroad teaches you. They each discovered that those dreaded "what if" scenarios from predeparture orientation aren't just warnings—they were opportunities to prove just how resourceful you can be.
During her study abroad experience in Barcelona, UC Santa Cruz student Lila Franco faced an unexpected challenge when a fall led to a double wrist fracture requiring surgery. Despite this setback, she found strength in the experience and used it as an opportunity to share valuable safety tips with future study abroad students, turning her "permanent souvenir" into a lesson in resilience.
From stolen phones in Madrid to sleepless nights in Florence, three UC students reveal that studying abroad isn't always picture-perfect—and that's exactly what makes it transformative. Through honest stories of culture shock, small victories, and unexpected friendships, they share how the challenging moments become the ones that matter most. Whether you're dreaming about study abroad or already navigating life in a new country, discover why the messy, beautiful reality of studying abroad is more valuable than any carefully curated social media feed.
When California native, Micah-Rose Hoffman, arrived in in Bordeaux for study abroad, she made a surprising discovery: what should have felt foreign instead felt like coming home. Through language learning, cultural immersion, and daily life in France, this student from UC Los Angeles created a second identity for herself—proving that cultural belonging isn't just inherited, it can be built from scratch. Her story reveals how study abroad can help us find versions of ourselves we never knew existed.
Lily Frohlich (University of California, Santa Cruz) never imagined that her childhood dream of living in Canada would begin with crushing loneliness in the midst of Montreal's brutal winter. Through pushing past her comfort zone and learning to initiate friendships, she transforms isolated days into warm gatherings, discovering that the path to belonging in a new country requires both vulnerability and courage.
As an introvert who found her stride in Edinburgh's cobblestone streets, Jillian Jimenez (UC Los Angeles) shares how she transformed from a self-described introvert into someone who discovered magic in saying "yes" to unexpected adventures. From finding solitude in hidden bookshops to spontaneous pub nights that led to chance celebrity encounters, she offers practical strategies for introverts to thrive abroad without losing their authentic selves. Her journey proves that with the right balance of pushing your comfort zone and honoring the need for solitude, introverts can turn their perceived limitations into unique advantages on study abroad.
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.
When UC Berkeley student Larisa Rodriguez landed in Barcelona for her summer abroad, she arrived armed with color-coded spreadsheets and minute-by-minute itineraries. What she didn't expect was how quickly she'd learn to throw them away. In this guide to genuine cultural immersion, Rodriguez shares her transformation from dedicated planner to spontaneous explorer, offering a three-step approach that took her far beyond the typical study abroad experience. Her story proves that while tourist attractions might bring you to a city, it's the unplanned moments – from impromptu beach siestas to getting lost in narrow streets – that make it feel like home.
