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About Virginia O'Connor

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So far Virginia O'Connor has created 112 blog entries.

Beyond the Semester: Why a Year Abroad Changes Everything

2025-06-09T09:20:34-07:00

UCEAP students who studied abroad for a year share why "more is better" when it comes to international education. Through personal stories of transformation, they reveal how a full year abroad allows you to move beyond being a tourist to becoming a true local - experiencing all four seasons, celebrating cultural traditions, and building lasting international friendships. Their experiences show how a year abroad can transform not just your academic journey, but your entire approach to life. Aliyah Flamson Rubalcava (UCSC), Elias Veran (UCSB), Sarah Schecter (UCLA), Shaun Colegado (UCM)

Beyond the Semester: Why a Year Abroad Changes Everything2025-06-09T09:20:34-07:00

Homesick While Abroad? Let’s Talk About It.

2025-06-09T09:21:29-07:00

When FOMO struck during her semester abroad, Kylee Cochram (UC Irvine) found herself missing everything from friends to familiar routines. Through trial and error, she discovered practical strategies for managing homesickness while studying in Europe. From creating a cozy living space to setting healthy social media boundaries, Kylee shares honest advice for staying present during your international experience, complemented by guidance from UCEAP advisors.

Homesick While Abroad? Let’s Talk About It.2025-06-09T09:21:29-07:00

Living in Multiple Time Zones: A Guide to Staying Connected While on Study Abroad

2025-05-20T16:11:18-07:00

For the first half of her semester in Rio de Janeiro, Katherine Rodriguez (UC Berkeley) found herself living in two time zones—checking good morning texts after full days of classes and lying awake at night for responses from California. Through therapy and establishing healthy boundaries, she learned that staying connected doesn't mean sacrificing sleep or the once-in-a-lifetime experience of studying abroad in Brazil.

Living in Multiple Time Zones: A Guide to Staying Connected While on Study Abroad2025-05-20T16:11:18-07:00

Tips to Maximize Language Immersion on Study Abroad

2025-05-20T16:09:13-07:00

A UC Los Angeles engineering student shares her journey to master Spanish and connect with her Puerto Rican heritage through study abroad. Despite the challenges of fitting language immersion into a packed STEM schedule, she discovered practical strategies—from living with non-English speakers to consuming Spanish-only media—that helped her achieve fluency in just five months. Her story offers valuable insights for students seeking to maximize their language learning abroad while balancing academic requirements.

Tips to Maximize Language Immersion on Study Abroad2025-05-20T16:09:13-07:00

Don’t Fear the Culture Shock!

2025-06-09T09:21:53-07:00

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.

Don’t Fear the Culture Shock!2025-06-09T09:21:53-07:00

How Embracing Uncertainty Led to My Greatest Adventure

2025-05-05T11:02:10-07:00

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 Embracing Uncertainty Led to My Greatest Adventure2025-05-05T11:02:10-07:00

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

2025-05-05T11:22:25-07:00

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 Experience2025-05-05T11:22:25-07:00

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

2025-06-09T09:29:56-07:00

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 Considering2025-06-09T09:29:56-07:00

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

2025-05-07T13:44:53-07:00

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 Abroad2025-05-07T13:44:53-07:00

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
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