Personal Growth Stories
Grappling with Studying Abroad in Asia as a Chinese American
By Emily Hsi (UC Los Angeles) studied abroad at the National University of Singapore. When I first decided to study abroad, all I knew was that I wanted to be in Asia. As a Chinese American born and raised in California, I had my fair share of identity crises. I was...
How I Showed Up as a Black American Student in Japan
By Denmark Harris (UC Berkeley) studied abroad in Kyoto, Japan I was excited to study abroad in Japan—but I was also afraid. As a person of color, I knew I was heading to a country where the vast majority of people wouldn’t look like me. My biggest goal was to build...
All the Ways Study Abroad Tests and Strengthens Your Identity
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.
5 Steps to Break the Comfort Zone Trap and Adopt a Study Abroad Mindset
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.
How Embracing Uncertainty Led to My Greatest Adventure
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.
An Introvert’s Guide to Study Abroad
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.
Homesick While Abroad? Let’s Talk About It
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.
A Journey Inward: How Daily Journaling Leads to Personal Growth
How will you record the once-in-a-lifetime journey that is study abroad? Alex Masci (UC Berkeley) decided to rely on an a familiar technique: journaling, and in the process discovered how writing helped her achieve personal growth. Each entry is a testament to the power of journaling, capturing the most exciting moments and those subtle moments of growth and reflection all in the pages of a journal.
From Strangers to Family: Building Your Community Abroad
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.
Contact Us
Connect
Phone: 805-893-4762
Editorial Team: californianabroad@uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu
Media Inquiries: communications@uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 am – 4 pm
UCEAP
420 S Fairview Ave
Suite 202
Goleta, Calif. 93117