Your study abroad experience will fly by in a blur of new cities, late-night conversations, and unforgettable moments. But how do you hold onto those memories beyond a camera roll full of photos? Five UC students share the creative ways they documented their time abroad.
Brooke McKenna Taylor (UC Santa Cruz) shares how she cultivated confidence during her semester in Barcelona—one pepper seed, one Spanish conversation, and one mint plant at a time. Through the metaphor of tending plants, she explores the patience required for language learning, cultural adaptation, and personal growth abroad. Her honest reflection reminds us that transformation doesn't happen overnight—it grows from the roots up.
What happens when a Type-A planner loses her wallet in Berlin? When is a €15 burger worth it? Through five European cities and five crucial questions, Alyson Lee (UC Berkeley) discovers that the best study abroad lessons come from embracing the unexpected. From Paris's Instagram expectations to Madrid's humble revelations, these are the moments that transform tourist experiences into life-changing wisdom.
When UC Berkeley student Larisa Rodriguez landed in Barcelona for her summer abroad, she arrived armed with color-coded spreadsheets and minute-by-minute itineraries. What she didn't expect was how quickly she'd learn to throw them away. In this guide to genuine cultural immersion, Rodriguez shares her transformation from dedicated planner to spontaneous explorer, offering a three-step approach that took her far beyond the typical study abroad experience. Her story proves that while tourist attractions might bring you to a city, it's the unplanned moments – from impromptu beach siestas to getting lost in narrow streets – that make it feel like home.
When Marisol Mendoza (UC San Diego) arrived in Barcelona, she thought her Spanish language skills and previous travel experience would help her avoid culture shock. Instead, this nanoengineering student discovered that embracing cultural differences – from quiet Sundays to new perspectives on work-life balance – became one of the most valuable parts of her study abroad experience. Through nine months in Spain, she learned that culture shock isn't something to fear but rather an opportunity for growth that can reshape your future plans and global outlook.
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.
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.
Ever wonder what it's like to study abroad in Spain? Read UC Berkeley Claudia Waldman's advice on where to live, what to eat, and unforgettable weekend trips to take in the Basque country. Claudia shares what to pack, what to leave behind, and what to buy while you're in Barcelona.
If you're wondering why you would leave behind the life you worked so hard for back home, Elena Mateus (UC Berkeley) has some advice to offer. Study abroad won't always be easy and it won't always look like the perfect Instagram posts, but it will be worth it and just might be the best decision in your life.
Take a 3-minute tour of Madrid and all the city has to offer for college students studying abroad. Read on for travel tips from UCLA alumna, Lily Rodriguez.
