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About Virginia O'Connor

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So far Virginia O'Connor has created 121 blog entries.

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

2025-07-11T14:22:11-07:00

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 Abroad2025-07-11T14:22:11-07:00

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

Food Experiences that Defined My Mediterranean Study Abroad Experience

2025-04-14T15:29:47-07:00

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 Experience2025-04-14T15:29:47-07:00

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

2025-04-14T15:34:35-07:00

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 Madrid2025-04-14T15:34:35-07:00

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

2025-04-14T15:35:40-07:00

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 Home2025-04-14T15:35:40-07:00

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

2025-04-14T15:36:04-07:00

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 it2025-04-14T15:36:04-07:00
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