by Jennifer Monroe | Jun 1, 2026 | Europe, Home Feature, Local Living, UC Santa Barbara
By Casey Lopez (UC Santa Barbara), studied abroad in Padua, Italy The first time I used my 10 euro Moka pot, one of Italy’s simplest and most iconic coffee makers, I was sure it was broken. Impatient and jetlagged, I stood at the communal kitchen stove, hoping no one...
by Jennifer Monroe | Apr 1, 2026 | Australia and Oceania, Choosing a Program, Local Living, UC San Diego
DON’T FORGET TO PACK Sunscreen! Down under, especially in Australia and New Zealand, the UV is way stronger than in the US, so be mindful when planning outdoor activities and always have sunscreen on. BEST LEFT AT HOME Multiple layers of clothing. You are not...
by Jennifer Monroe | Mar 31, 2026 | Europe, Local Living, UC Santa Barbara
By Jacob Dicker (UC Santa Barbara), studied abroad in the Netherlands Upon receiving my official acceptance into a study abroad program, the very first thing I did wasn’t researching what my new home would look like, or figuring out travel plans, or making sure...
by Jennifer Monroe | Mar 31, 2026 | Europe, Local Living, UC Berkeley
by Rebecca Mendoza (UC Berkeley) studied abroad in Spain “The unexpectedness of life, waiting round every corner, catches even wise women unawares (…) To avoid corners altogether is, after all, to refuse to live.” – Freya Stark Life can often...
by Virginia O'Connor | Mar 31, 2026 | Europe, Local Living, UC Berkeley
Contributors: Stella Keval (UC Berkeley) and Max Morena (UC Berkeley), 2024 blog writing contestants Step into the world of Sweden’s oldest universities, where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with modern student life to create an experience unlike any other....
by Virginia O'Connor | Mar 31, 2026 | Americas, Local Living, UCLA
By Jamie Stickelmaier (UC Los Angeles), studied abroad in Santiago, Chile There are countless reasons why people study abroad—I was motivated to become fluent in Spanish. While Spanish was my mother’s first language, it was rarely spoken at home. My childhood is full...