Scholars Abroad
What Study Abroad Taught Me About Friendship and Travel
Clark Boyce (UC Berkeley) went to Singapore with a close friend from home, expecting to explore Southeast Asia together. But after their first trip to Thailand revealed completely different travel styles, Clark made a surprising discovery: branching out on his own didn’t weaken their friendship—it strengthened it. From summiting an active volcano in Indonesia to diving solo in Bali, Clark learned that different friendships serve different purposes abroad, and that’s not just okay—it’s essential for personal growth.
Fifteen Years in the Making: A Letter to my Past Selves
Fifteen years ago, a trip to LEGOLand sparked a dream for Jordan Shellow (UCB): seeing the Sydney Opera House in real life. From conquering a fear of heights in Queenstown to finding a ‘travel family’ in a 60-person group chat, Jordan shares a letter to their past selves proving that the wait was beyond worth it.
Navigating the “After” of Study Abroad: What’s Not Talked About Enough
For UCLA student Nia McGee, the hardest part of studying abroad wasn’t navigating New Zealand as a “silly outsider,” it was the challenge of coming home. From the sacred meaning of the pounamu stone to the reverse culture shock of returning to California, Nia shares a vulnerable look at why the journey doesn’t end when the plane lands, and how to integrate the new you into your old world.
Global Careers Start Here: Why Your Research Breakthrough Starts Abroad
Story highlights: International research offers unique advantages over local opportunities Participate in co-authored reports with an international team, broadening your professional network Challenge yourself to build resilience and maturity—competitive...
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...
My Moka and Me: How Italian Coffee Culture Transformed My Year Abroad
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...
Re-imagining My Self Image in Scotland
by Sadie Bijlsma (UC Santa Barbara) studied abroad in Edinburgh The Promise of Eternal Beauty On the Isle of Skye in Scotland, there is a river that is rumored to have been enchanted by fairies. According to Scottish folklore, if you dip your face into the waters...
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.
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