Saying “Yes” to the Unexpected: A Barcelona Story
Rebecca Mendoza (UC Berkeley) arrived in Barcelona with a plan—take classes in English, stay comfortable, explore the usual tourist spots. But when she said yes to an intensive Catalan course, everything changed. From racing gravel bikes with professional athletes to volunteering at a gala in London, Rebecca's willingness to embrace the unexpected transformed her semester abroad into something far more meaningful than she ever imagined.
Re-imagining My Self Image in Scotland
UC Santa Barbara student Sadie Bijlsma arrived in Glasgow carrying more than just luggage—she brought limiting beliefs about who she was and what she was capable of. By treating her semester abroad as "life on Creative Mode," she systematically challenged the negative stories she'd told herself, discovering that many of her perceived limitations were simply untested assumptions. Her journey proves that study abroad can transform not just how you see the world, but how you see yourself.
How I Visited 7 Countries on a College Budget
As an out-of-state college student financing her own travel, Ava Williams (UC Irvine) managed to visit 7 countries on a college budget. After learning every trick, tip and hack, she shares this: budget travel isn't about sacrifice. Instead, it's about strategy. See the six tips that made her dream of traveling while studying abroad on a college budget possible, so you can too!
Make It Last: 5 Creative Ways Students Documented Their Time Abroad
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.
3-minute Travel Guide: Auckland, New Zealand
What is it like to study abroad in Auckland, New Zealand? Take a look at Gabriella Butters' (UC San Diego) tips and recommendations on where to live, new foods to try, and the most interesting classes you can take abroad.