ucsb

The Truth About Study Abroad: It’s Messy, Beautiful and Worth It

2025-08-26T10:21:41-07:00

From stolen phones in Madrid to sleepless nights in Florence, three UC students reveal that studying abroad isn't always picture-perfect—and that's exactly what makes it transformative. Through honest stories of culture shock, small victories, and unexpected friendships, they share how the challenging moments become the ones that matter most. Whether you're dreaming about study abroad or already navigating life in a new country, discover why the messy, beautiful reality of studying abroad is more valuable than any carefully curated social media feed.

The Truth About Study Abroad: It’s Messy, Beautiful and Worth It2025-08-26T10:21:41-07:00

Beyond the Semester: Why a Year Abroad Changes Everything

2025-06-09T09:20:34-07:00

UCEAP students who studied abroad for a year share why "more is better" when it comes to international education. Through personal stories of transformation, they reveal how a full year abroad allows you to move beyond being a tourist to becoming a true local - experiencing all four seasons, celebrating cultural traditions, and building lasting international friendships. Their experiences show how a year abroad can transform not just your academic journey, but your entire approach to life. Aliyah Flamson Rubalcava (UCSC), Elias Veran (UCSB), Sarah Schecter (UCLA), Shaun Colegado (UCM)

Beyond the Semester: Why a Year Abroad Changes Everything2025-06-09T09:20:34-07:00

How To Talk With Your Family About Study Abroad

2025-07-11T14:21:51-07:00

Three UC students share heartfelt advice on navigating family concerns about study abroad, especially for first-generation and Hispanic students. Drawing from personal experience, they offer a step-by-step guide to transform parental worry into support, emphasizing how thoughtful planning and open communication can help students pursue their dreams while honoring family bonds.

How To Talk With Your Family About Study Abroad2025-07-11T14:21:51-07:00

From Strangers to Family: Building Your Community Abroad

2025-07-11T14:22:11-07:00

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.

From Strangers to Family: Building Your Community Abroad2025-07-11T14:22:11-07:00

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Europe: Lessons from Study Abroad

2025-04-14T15:25:06-07:00

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.

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Europe: Lessons from Study Abroad2025-04-14T15:25:06-07:00

From ‘Sopa’ to Fluent: A Year of Learning Spanish in Madrid

2025-04-14T15:34:35-07:00

Growing up in California with years of Spanish classes can make you think you're ready to live in Spain, but real fluency comes not from classes or textbooks. Rather, it comes from embracing the awkward moments and making mistakes. Read (UC Santa Barbara) Aileen Pulchney's humorous and honest adventures of learning to speak Spanish in Madrid.

From ‘Sopa’ to Fluent: A Year of Learning Spanish in Madrid2025-04-14T15:34:35-07:00

6 Tips to Overcome Impostor Syndrome on Study Abroad

2025-04-14T15:37:25-07:00

What does it take to shake off impostor syndrome and shush your inner critic? Read the practical steps that Natalie Glennon (UC Santa Barbara), a financially challenged first-generation student, implemented to overcome impostor syndrome and make the most of her study abroad experience in the Netherlands.

6 Tips to Overcome Impostor Syndrome on Study Abroad2025-04-14T15:37:25-07:00

Seoul Searching: Lifelong Lessons from Studying Abroad in South Korea

2025-04-14T16:05:45-07:00

Study abroad is an experience that teaches you beyond what you think you will learn. It stretches you, transforms you, and shakes you out of your comfort zone. See the most important lifelong lessons Nico Shin (UC Santa Barbara) learned while studying abroad in South Korea.

Seoul Searching: Lifelong Lessons from Studying Abroad in South Korea2025-04-14T16:05:45-07:00

Harvesting Olives in Provence, France

2025-04-14T16:21:54-07:00

Ever wonder what it's like to spend Thanksgiving in another country, far away from your family and friends at home? Read (UC Santa Barbara) Elias Veran's story of spending Thanksgiving weekend on an olive farm in Provence, hosted by UC alum, Thomas Seale.

Harvesting Olives in Provence, France2025-04-14T16:21:54-07:00
Go to Top