voconnor

About Virginia O'Connor

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Virginia O'Connor has created 115 blog entries.

An Introvert’s Guide to Study Abroad

2025-06-23T11:17:49-07:00

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.

An Introvert’s Guide to Study Abroad2025-06-23T11:17:49-07:00

5 Steps to Break the Comfort Zone Trap and Adopt a Study Abroad Mindset

2025-06-23T11:14:43-07:00

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.

5 Steps to Break the Comfort Zone Trap and Adopt a Study Abroad Mindset2025-06-23T11:14:43-07:00

Immersion 101: How to Go From Tourist to Local in 3 Steps

2025-06-23T10:49:44-07:00

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.

Immersion 101: How to Go From Tourist to Local in 3 Steps2025-06-23T10:49:44-07:00

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.

2025-07-08T07:54:20-07:00

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.2025-07-08T07:54:20-07:00

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!

2025-07-11T14:21:33-07:00

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!2025-07-11T14:21:33-07:00

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
Go to Top