Personal Growth Stories
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.
How to Grow Confidence Abroad: Lessons from My Barcelona Garden
By Brooke McKenna Taylor (UC Santa Cruz), studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain If there is one thing known about me, it is that I love the color green. I love the green found at my home university, in the redwoods, in the seaweed by the seashore, and in the rolling...
Unforgettable Lessons from 5 Questions Asked in 5 Cities Abroad
By Alyson Lee (UC Berkeley) Every study abroad journey begins with questions. How do I apply for a visa? Where will I live? What should I pack and why must all my liquids fit in a quart-sized bag? But as I discovered during my semester in Madrid, the real...
The First 24 Hours: Two Stories of What Can Go Wrong Abroad
Contributors: Justine Pendergraft (UC Los Angeles) and Maria Newman (UC Berkeley) 2024 blog writing contestants It turns out all that talk in the UCEAP predeparture orientations about embassies, health care, and emergency numbers—none of which sounds familiar or...
The Truth About Study Abroad: It’s Messy, Beautiful and Worth It
Contributors: Ailun Shi (UC Berkeley), Claire Scott (UC Santa Barbara), and Sarah Salot (UC Irvine) 2024 blog writing contestants Let’s be real—no one’s study abroad experience perfectly matches their Instagram saved folder. Every student faces moments that never make...
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.
A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Europe: Lessons from Study Abroad
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.
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