Author Archives: Julie Lucas

Sophia Diaz

Sophia Diaz

MAJOR: English

PROGRAM: FLP – The Cultured Personality, Italy

EMAIL: sophia.diaz@sjsu.edu

BIO: My name is Sophia Diaz. I’m a fourth-year English major, Legal Studies minor and President of the SJSU Mock Trial Program. I wanted to go on the Italy study abroad trip because I wanted to see how the Italian personality directly influenced, over decades of immigration, Argentinean culture; this question was relevant to me because my entire family is from Argentina, and I’ve noticed that Argentinean customs (significant foods, fashion & beauty standards, body language, comfort in social situations, etc.) have their origins in Italy. This trip was an opportunity for me to connect with my roots and visit the country where my ancestors are from.

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: I am the current President and one of the co-captains for the SJSU Mock Trial Program. I have been competing in Mock Trial for seven years, and have been in leadership for five of them, both in high school and at San Jose State. For the SJSU Mock Trial Team, I have also been a Director of Public Relations and a Director of Events & Competition in the last two years.

GOALS: My goals for this trip were largely personal. As I mentioned before, I wanted to form a deeper connection with my Italian heritage by linking my Argentinean cultural traits to the Italian personality, which was related to the study abroad course, PSYC 139, Personality in Culture. Throughout my trip, I also noticed I was asking larger, cultural questions, such as how mass tourism impacts and forces changes within the local culture— something that was unique to both smaller communities, like the island our group stayed in, Ischia, and in larger cities, like Naples or Rome.

I also wanted to use this trip as an opportunity to overcome my anxiety. This trip presented a lot of firsts for me: my first time flying internationally alone (which was daunting considering my fear of flying), my first time rooming with complete strangers, my first time taking a psychology course at the university level, my first time in Italy, amongst other things. The pandemic exacerbated my anxiety and discomfort in new situations, so taking the plunge by signing up for the study abroad course was my way of finally facing my fears and grow in the process.

ACADEMICS: I took PSYC 139, the Cultured Personality, a class that examines cultural-personality research over the past few decades and discusses how the field has evolved over time. Cultural personality research tries to see whether the cultural context of one’s upbringing has a significant effect on their personality; for example, whether growing up in America versus growing up in Japan would drastically change your personality traits, like extroversion, adaptability, openness, and the like. Since this was an upper division course for a major I’m not in, I had to put in a lot of work to understand the academic papers I was reading and answer the homework assignments in a comprehensive, detailed, and informed way. Our cohort would often get together to do the homework and read through the papers together, taking notes and discussing as a group. I would take the time to reread the paper until I understood it, and ask the professor questions about the things I didn’t understand. Being able to tackle subjects that were foreign to me confidently, and developing the courage to speak up about my ideas in class, has translated nicely to life back at SJSU, where I can comfortably participate in class, raise my hand, and sign up for courses that I know I might struggle in, because I’m confident I’ll be able to reach out for the resources I need without feeling awkward or insecure.

On the beach in Mallorca.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: The cultural immersion I experienced last summer didn’t just start or stop in Ischia. It wasn’t just the experience in bonding with and learning from Italian locals, but also from students coming from different parts of the U.S., like Boise, Idaho, or Omaha, Nebraska. In such a politically divisive time in our country, it was really valuable being able to form friendships and bond over our similarities with students who live in communities much different from ours in San Jose. So to start with my perspective on a domestic level, it was really eye-opening for me to meet people who have radically different local customs, beliefs and ideologies, ambitions, and backgrounds, but call themselves American just as I do.

On an international level, I was really happy to immerse myself in Italian culture because it felt almost nostalgic for me, being in the place that Buenos Aires so clearly was inspired by. The elderly Italian locals who invited us into their homes and taught us about their way of life felt like my Argentinean grandparents, with similar ways of displaying their comfort around you and their affection. The immersion made the issues of globalization, commercialization, and capitalism a lot more important to me because I had the opportunity to see firsthand how, for example, American corporate influences like chains such as McDonalds and Starbucks took away the power from local businesses who had to compete with these giant brands, and who felt that their cultural identity was being erased.

CAREER: One of the skills that studying abroad helped me improve was my ability to empathize with others from backgrounds that are different than mine. Its one thing to sympathize with the struggles, ambitions, or needs of a community you aren’t a part of, but it is another thing entirely to truly empathize with them. Being able to witness firsthand how local Italians are affected by regional politics, the economy, and the tourism industry helped me truly visualize how their lives are impacted, instead of feeling detached from their issues, like I might’ve been had I only heard about it in a book or on the news. Growing your ability to truly empathize with others is extremely valuable in law, which is what I want to go into. I would like to go into law school to being a labor law attorney, helping workers protect themselves in hostile environments and stand up for their rights. Being able to empathize with Italian employees whose lives are dependent on the tourism industry, which might not always treat them favorably, and figure out solutions when they were being mistreated, was an emotional and poignant learning opportunity for myself and for my classmates.

PERSONAL GROWTH: My study abroad experience challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone. I get so anxious when confronted with new things that I tense up and retreat into myself. Being surrounded by my classmates who were unapologetically themselves, and threw themselves into the beauty of new experiences, new smells, sights, sounds, and adventures, was really inspiring and helped my personal growth. I learned so much from being around students that had already finished their undergrad and were well into their adult lives, who told me about their college journeys and made me feel more confident about where I was at. I learned from them just as much as I did with my guides abroad, who showed me the joys of human connection and braving the unknown. Will a new experience always be perfect or pleasant? No. But the mantra we were taught by the tour guides, “Life isn’t perfect at home, so why would it be perfect here?”, while on a surface level somewhat negative, really helped me get over my fears and the “what-ifs”. I understood that life always has a potential to go wrong or take you in an unexpected direction, whether you’re at home or abroad, so why not take the chance and try something new anyway? That mantra stuck with me through the entirety of the summer and I think I’m a much more confident person having learned it.

IDENTITIES: I feel that my Latina identity become more prominent over the course of my trip as I became more comfortable and familiar with a culture that embraced the Latin personality. Italians are very similar to Argentineans in mannerisms, slang, body language, outlook on the world, even down to things such as aesthetics, interior design, flora and fauna, and food. It was empowering to be around a culture that felt like it celebrated the things that are so personal to me back home, especially when in my own life, I feel like my Argentine identity isn’t always accepted or understood— particularly in the way that I see my parents get treated, and how they sometimes face judgment for their accents, their slipups speaking in English, their lack of familiarity with American customs. I also felt empowered because of the many Latinx students in our cohort, some of my classmates being Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Colombian, to name a few, with whom I get to bond with over our shared cultural heritage.

FUTURE:  Italy Abroad and my summer overseas help me develop into a more confident and proactive individual. I was a very anxious person before I left for my trip, unsure if I would be able to survive the discomfort and confusion that comes with the unknown. But now, I’m ready to tackle new experiences and uncomfortable situations by successfully managing my anxiety.

TIPS: Look out for your mental health and learn to rely on your friends! Traveling abroad can be really overwhelming, but its important to remember to be kind to yourself as you’re trying new things and putting yourself out there, and to remember to support your classmates just as they support you, because you’re all experiencing these new things together.  Get a good amount of sleep the night before an excursion or activity. Traveling is really fun, but some times the days can be quite busy, so practicing good time management so you can finish your homework, take care of your personal needs, and get a good amount of sleep is crucial.

Sophia Garske

Sophia Garske

MAJOR: Communication Studies

PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain

EMAIL: sophia.garske@sjsu.edu

BIO: Navigating different cultures has been a part of my life since before I could logically understand what “culture” meant. My mother is Colombian and my father from the United States, meaning bilingualism has been a norm not only in my home, but in any environment I found myself in. Growing up, I had the luck of living in both the U.S. and Colombia. By the time I arrived in San Jose, I knew my time to see the world was not over, but only just beginning. Since my very first day on campus at orientation, the moment I met Julie and learned that studying abroad was an option, I was set. I had a deep understanding that, no matter what country I chose, studying abroad in college would be in the books for me, and I was lucky enough that I had the continual support and opportunities to make this dream come true.

LEADERSHIP, VOLUNTEER, AND JOB EXPERIENCES: While abroad, I participated in several volunteering opportunities that were made available to me through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The Reach The World organization and Fulbright Lectures in Catalan High Schools outreach program allowed me to raise awareness on international education among elementary and high school students in the U.S. and Spain.

Firstly, the Reach the World program allowed me to document my first months in Spain through articles that I sent every week to a fourth grade classroom. These articles have since been used in several elementary school classrooms to encourage global curiosity and empathy among young students. This program lasted throughout the duration of my first semester abroad.

During my second semester in Spain, I travelled throughout the region of Catalonia to speak in front of high school students, sharing my knowledge on higher education in the United States, and offering resources for those interested in pursuing this path. I visited 6 schools and spoke to up to 90 students at a time; in total, I reached 460 students. This experience motivated me to continue sharing resources for those interested in obtaining a global education. Interacting with students from different regions of Catalonia, and seeing how excited they were at the possibility of studying in another country was one of the most gratifying experiences from my time abroad.

After participating in several outreach programs to speak on international education, I am excited to continue motivating others on this path. As a person who has deeply benefitted from the opportunities to study abroad offered by SJSU, including the phenomenal programs, guidance, and scholarship opportunities, I would be tremendously grateful if another individual could enjoy the same life changing experience.

This day we had taken a bus from Barcelona to Collioure, in the south of France. We watched a painter as he made a portrait of this very landscape.

GOALS: One of my main goals was to learn the Catalan language. For context, after I arrived in Catalonia, I was surprised to see the omnipresence of this language. Catalonia being a region that politically belongs to Spain, I was equally surprised by the unappreciation expressed toward the Spanish language by some individuals, who felt more deeply connected to Catalan, as well as belonging to the Catalonian identity instead of Spain. Catalan is a language spoken mainly in the region of Catalonia, Valencian Community, Balearic islands and the country of Andorra, with about 13 million speakers. This language is believed to be dying out since many arrive in Catalonia speaking only Spanish or English and do not bother to learn Catalan. I wanted to be part of the community that cared enough about Catalonia to learn, and take care of their language. My goal abroad, although I was dissuaded by many since Catalan is not as widespread, was to be able to communicate in this language.

In a personal sense, my goal was to connect with Catalan natives by practicing cultural empathy; the “fight” to preserve Catalan is observable daily in Catalonia. I was excited, and deeply motivated, by the smile on people’s faces when I spoke to them in their language, no matter how rudimentary. My second semester I took a Catalan language course, and fell in love with learning languages. This led me to become more deeply invested in the skill of learning languages for professional purposes.

Since studying in Barcelona, I ultimately became more sure of my decision to declare a major in Business Administration, International Business, and continue to make my experience abroad relevant to my professional life. Learning languages, in addition to sparking a deep passion within me, is also a skill that can be deeply valuable for interpersonal connection, and therefore useful in a career doing business on an international scale. As I began studying the Catalan in a classroom setting, I also became enamored with the Italian language, and became fluent in both languages in a parallel dedication of my time. In my professional life, I hope to continue to use these abilities to create connections with others and make the most of my upcoming career path.

In sum, learning the Catalan language began as a small spark that over time led me to discover many aspects of myself, in a personal and professional sense, that were previously buried. My passion for learning languages was unexpected, and I am grateful to bring this with me in future professional, academic and personal endeavors.

ACADEMICS: I took several GE courses while abroad, including Marine Science, Catalan language, Comparative Literature, and several others, and would describe this experience as enriching. This experience has impacted my academics in the sense that I am more grateful for the style of teaching and guidance practiced by teachers in the U.S. I practiced frequent communication with my teachers on projects and presentations, and got the highest grade in the marine science class I had in Catalan, which was an 8/10. In hindsight, one of the main tips I would give to another student is to make sure their Academic Approval Form (AAF) is finalized before classes begin. Overall, my academic experience in Spain prepared me to navigate academics in a new, and more appreciative light of the system that exists in the U.S., as well as share perspective to guide other students planning on studying abroad.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: After engaging with the Catalan community, as well as other international students studying in Barcelona, I realize just how valuable an experience living abroad is for creating mutual understanding and empathy. In many cases, I noticed that the individuals who had previously experienced multiculturality tended to be open minded and accepting of others. I noticed how many naturally understood that “different” is not equivalent to strange, but actually an opportunity to become familiar with a different life experience, and even try something new. Going forward in my life, I hope to grow my engagement with individuals from cultures that I may not even be familiar with in this moment, to continue to grow my different interests, and even my ability to connect with people on different levels.

CAREER: Through my experiences volunteering in high schools, I realize that creating awareness on different opportunities and resources is very gratifying to me, and on campus I continue to seek these opportunities.

The Fulbright Lecture Series volunteering in high schools opened up several valuable opportunities to hone my public speaking skills, while sharing my knowledge on practical steps to studying in the U.S. for international students. I practiced educating myself on a topic- U.S. higher education opportunities- then speaking publicly on the subject in Spanish or English, with the average audience size being about 60 students. This experience was quite new to me, yet I know I will bring this ability with me to any room that I walk into. I discovered that I enjoy sharing resources with people, and continue to seek opportunities to do so on campus, such as the Global Ambassador program.

In sum, the skills that I acquired speaking and sharing resources in high schools abroad have equipped me with the public speaking abilities and drive to motivate others toward the path of international education, as a Global Ambassador.

PERSONAL GROWTH: I was immersed in an environment that I see myself in the long run: traveling through different countries, meeting different people, learning about the different experiences that people have based on their languages and places of origin. I met individuals who taught me about friendship, and why the people in our life are important. I discovered differences in how topics are discussed, at least by some, from my Polish-German roommate, Emmi, who had an incredibly interesting and educated critical point of view. I experienced kindness and connection in every country that I went to, spanning from meeting Americans in Belgium, having great conversation with a group of Austrians and a Slovenian in Andorra (the country), or visiting Morocco and having a laugh (and panic) when our lovely tour guide laid in the middle of the street just to see us smile (we told him he shouldn’t do that).

All in all, the integration of the connection I experienced, and seeing how every person in the world just wants to feel loved, while all having different languages to express this has profoundly touched me in ways I don’t think I ever will understand. I just feel lucky to have lived, and experienced these beautiful people, and know that I bring this love with me wherever I go, no matter how my environment looks.

IDENTITIES: My identity as “Colombian and American” experienced many complex shifts during my time abroad, as the language that I spoke in determined how people processed my actions.

When I spoke to people in Spanish, I experienced comments on my heavy Colombian accent, very different to the Spanish accent (from Spain). Many enjoy listening to the Colombian accent, yet in Spain there are many stereotypes on Latin Americans in general, and I received comments about documentation, deportation and to “be careful with police” on several occasions. These moments had a reverse effect in my brain, motivating me to share the beauty of Colombian culture and biodiversity, with the goal of giving others a new topic of conversation. I also grew to bond more frequently with Latin Americans from countries other than Colombia, including Peru, Chile, and Mexico, and enjoyed a sense of community and cultural understanding, while learning about the Catalonian culture which was new to all of us.

In hindsight, I had many positive experiences as a result of my culture, and can also reflect on the impact that ignorance and the propagation of stereotypes can have on seemingly neutral interactions. As always, I stand by the richness of culture present in Colombia, and I use my awareness of offhanded comments to craft new points of conversations with individuals from countries who also do not have the “best fame”, with the goal of uncovering the beauty within cultures that often go unnoticed.

FUTURE: My experiences through studying abroad have prepared me to continue seeking opportunities on an international scale. This experience has fundamented my decision to declare a major in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business, and based on the opportunities that have been made available to me, I am excited to continue learning about this path.

One of the most exciting experiences I remember was being flown to Brussels, Belgium to attend a study tour of the European Union, where we met other Gilman Scholars and EU officials. The chance to attend this study tour felt like a profoundly touching gift, and knowing that these opportunities exist, I am prepared to open myself up to more in my future, choosing for example to study International Business, continuing to learn languages and make the most of the opportunities to travel abroad.

TIPS: Make the most of every opportunity, and give yourself grace in the process. Studying abroad creates access to a wealth of exciting opportunities, whether that be chances to meet people, participate in a scholarship program, or attend a new cultural event. This being said, there are moments where our familiar identities or understanding of life no longer fit where they are “supposed to”; in other words, uncomfortable and frustrating moments are completely natural. More than natural, these are the moments that ultimately give us tools to discover new parts of ourselves. Uncomfortability results, I believe, from experiencing potential that our brain does not yet have the tools to process. The beauty in this is that we are changing, and the way that a person changes during studying in a new country can feel so deeply rewarding in the long run and can open up a completely new and unexpected life path.

Dustin Wagner

Dustin Wagner

MAJOR: Anthropology

PROGRAM: FLP – Nevis Archaeology Field School, Nevis & St. Kitts

EMAIL: dustin.wagner@sjsu.edu

BIO: I am a student in the SJSU online Applied Anthropology program. Attending a field school is a requirement for becoming a working archaeologist. I was fortunate to find that experience offered through Study Abroad under the direction of Dr. Marco Meniketti. Dr. Meniketti is an expert in his field, and the one-on-one teaching he provides is top-notch. It was a no-brainer to choose the Faculty-Led program. Being in Nevis and St. Kitts allowed the team to practice all aspects of anthropology, from interaction with local stakeholders to helping with cultural resource management of degrading features. The locals of Nevis were happy to oblige us to participate in all aspects of island life due to the respect Dr. Meniketti has cultivated over 25 field seasons. It was a lifelong dream to practice archaeology in a foreign country, and this program fulfilled my dream while opening opportunities to become a working archaeologist.

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: Telecare Corporation:

Collection and transportation of medical hazardous waste, sharps and pharmacological waste from government, non-profit and private clinics across four counties to disposal sites. Collection and transportation of medical hazardous waste, sharps and pharmacological waste from government, non-profit and private clinics across four counties to disposal sites.

R&D Transportation Services, Inc:

Empowered people with developmental disabilities to use the public transportation. Provided job coaching by shadowing clients at their place of employment and at day programs, Collaborated with teachers at the ARC facilities for best training practices and insights. Empowered people with developmental disabilities to use the public transportation. Provided job coaching by shadowing clients at their place of employment and at day programs, Collaborated with teachers at the ARC facilities for best training practices and insights.

Secorp Industries:

Off-Shore oil platform Hermosa. I am the sole medical provider and Helicopter dispatcher at sea. I am responsible for all egress and survival gear, including closed air supply and lifeboat maintenance. Off-Shore oil platform Hermosa. I am the sole medical provider and Helicopter dispatcher at sea. I am responsible for all egress and survival gear, including closed air supply and lifeboat maintenance.

GOALS: My personal goal was to test myself physically, mentally and emotionally as to if Archaeology is the right fit as a career. The Nevis field school pushed me in a positive direction and has motivated me to go further in my education.

ACADEMICS: Our days were packed with lessons and real-world experiences specific to archaeology and anthropology. I woke up every day ready to work and learn while bringing a positive attitude to every new experience. Field notes were a must and were turned in to the director for the ongoing research in the area. I was able to work side by side with more experienced graduate students and received their backing to become a graduate student as well. After this experience, I am more motivated to apply to graduate schools, including SJSU.

Ready to work! Carrying tools to the Bath house dig site on Nevis.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: We rode local transportation, stayed in a Nevisian local’s home, and ate lunches at local eateries. During downtime, we relaxed in areas where the locals relaxed. We saw that every place in the world has its unique culture and aspirations. The main bus station had the same people one would find in the U.S. or Japan. Most were traveling, with some trying to separate you from your money. This left an impression on me as far as pondering the same economic divides that happen in the U.S. is apparent in a nation that is celebrating 50 years of statehood.

CAREER: We were taught all aspects of practicing archaeology by modern standards. We performed site surveys and artifact collection. We dug into our assigned units and were responsible for conducting a scientific inquiry into our findings. We processed artifacts and wrote field report notes daily. At the end of our work we properly repatriated the artifacts of lesser interest to the Nevis Legacy Heritage Association.

PERSONAL GROWTH: As a combat veteran with disabilities, I always worry about my capabilities as a professional. Will I work well with others? Can I physically perform the task, or will my medicines interfere with my abilities? Attending the field school and pushing myself out of my comfort zone allowed me to attain a lifelong dream. It has shown me that I have a place in the career field and can still accomplish tasks that help our fellow human beings.

IDENTITIES:I can be productive and attain goals.

By completing my education, I have not only started to attain my dreams but am also fulfilling the dreams of my grandparents and parents.

Veteran Status as It has shown me that I can overcome and work through the challenges of being a veteran.

FUTURE: This program has given me real-world experiences and a professional network. Nevis is a location I would like to continue working at. I was able to practice mobile scanning and plan to record more sites on the island nation in the future for a graduate school project.

TIPS: I recommend researching everything there is to know about the location and program directors’ research. This will make the experiences feel better as an informed student and less of a culture shock. It will also give you personal goals for what types of experiences you want to participate in.

Ashley Sosa

Ashley Sosa

MAJOR: Biological Sciences/Molecular Biology

PROGRAM: SSA – Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea

EMAIL: ashley.sosa@sjsu.edu

BIO: Hey! My name is Ashley Sosa and I’m a third year majoring in molecular biology. I am both a first-generation college student and a first-generation American. I’ve always had a strong interest in other languages and cultures, which contributed to my desire to study abroad. I wanted to experience life in another country. However, due to my major and other reasons, most semester-long programs weren’t an option for me. I was so happy to find a program in South Korea (a country I already wanted to visit) that worked with my schedule and allowed me to study a language I’m interested in. It was an incredible and highly enlightening experience! I did and saw quite a bit, and yet there’s still so much I would like to go back and do someday.

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: I’ve volunteered as a tutor and written for a magazine. At one point I also ran a small online business.

GOALS: One goal I set for myself before studying abroad was to explore as much of Seoul as possible, along with other cities such as Busan. I wanted to learn more about Korean culture and do well in my class. I wanted to make some new friends, but I also wanted to be more comfortable with going out and exploring on my own. Another personal and professional goal I set for myself was to be able to hold a basic conversation in Korean by the end of the summer. I believe I accomplished all of these.

ACADEMICS: I took a beginner Korean language course. There were around 20 students in the class, and the instructor was a native Korean. Most of the grade was based on the final exam. To ensure my academic success I attended all classes on time, participated in class activities and group work, reviewed my notes after most classes, and studied with friends. While studying Korean I noticed some similarities between Korean and Japanese (which I’m currently studying at SJSU). These similarities have helped me make connections between the two languages as well as better remember vocabulary and grammar structures.

At the Namsan Tower

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Through SKKU I was able to participate in various highly insightful cultural activities, including exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, looking for clams in Incheon, visiting the National Museum of Korea, participating in a K-pop dance class, and attending The Painters show. On my own and with friends, I explored various areas of Seoul and some of Busan. One of my favorite activities we did was going to a noraebang (karaoke) and singing together as a group. I also tried various Korean foods, such as bibimbap, and made an effort to speak Korean whenever I could. Being immersed in Korean culture helped me have a much better understanding of the culture and language overall. One of the things that stood out to me the most and gave me a new perspective was safety in South Korea. There’s obviously still crime and you should still be careful, but it was really interesting to see how people often left their belongings alone at times. I also met students from all over the world, and my fellow classmates helped further broaden my worldview and teach me more about other cultures.

CAREER: One skill I sharpened during the program was respectfully interacting with others and respecting their cultures (both Korean and others). A second skill I strengthened was reaching out to people and making new friends more easily. I interacted with a large number of new people throughout the program, and I soon learned how to quickly introduce myself. This has been very helpful now that a new semester has started, such as when meeting new classmates or reaching out to different graduate schools for more information. I know I will continue to use this in my future career. I also learned how to better adapt to unexpected situations and travel on my own. Time management and finding a balance between studying, hanging out with friends, and exploring the city is yet another skill I was able to improve that I think will be very useful during the rest of my time at SJSU and beyond.

PERSONAL GROWTH:  think one of the biggest impacts this trip had on me was increased confidence that I can travel and navigate life in a foreign city on my own. This was my first solo trip ever, and the fact that it was an international trip to a country across the world made me even more nervous. When I was first accepted into the program, I actually questioned if I should even go. I’m so glad I did because it was such an amazing experience and I was able to grow so much. At the start of my trip, I was anxious about public transportation – where to take buses and subways, how to pay for them, where to get off, how to reload my T-money card, and so on. But by the time I left South Korea I felt really comfortable commuting around Seoul by both bus and subway. I think the other big impact studying abroad had on me was in terms of how much I interacted with new people. Before going abroad I usually preferred to keep to myself, but throughout the program I talked to and hung out with so many more people than I ever would have at home. Playing cards with some of the other students in the dorms quickly became one of my favorite activities to do at night.

IDENTITIES: Each of my identities affected my study abroad experience differently. As a young woman, I feel like I always have to be extra careful when I’m out. This was still true in South Korea and I was still cautious, but overall I felt very comfortable exploring unfamiliar areas and walking around late at night (both in small groups and on my own). As someone who is visibly not Korean, before studying abroad I already expected to stand out. While walking around Seoul I would sometimes notice people staring at me. But as I became more familiar with Seoul and more accustomed to people staring at me, this bothered me less. So while it didn’t become less visible to others, in a way, it felt less visible to me. And although I’m queer, people rarely realize unless I tell them directly – therefore, it didn’t impact the way strangers interacted with me. However, it did help me connect with many students in the program. It was nice to meet so many queer people from all around the world.

FUTURE: I believe I’m better prepared to understand and respectfully interact with people from all cultures, which is something I’ll be doing on a daily basis in my intended career. Increased confidence in myself and experience interacting with new people more frequently will also help me as I apply to different graduate schools and jobs. My ability to navigate unfamiliar and unexpected situations, as well as live in an unfamiliar city, will help me if I relocate in the future.

TIPS: Talk to people, particularly other international students! Most are friendly and want to make new friends. Speak the language as much as possible, even if you only know a few words or phrases. In my experience, most locals greatly appreciate it. Explore the country as much as possible – if you can, visit cities or countries other than the one you’re studying in. Some professors might be able / willing to recommend places to visit. I also recommend keeping a travel journal of some sort and/or documenting your trip as much as possible with photos and videos – it’s something nice to look back on once you return home. If you plan on doing Summer School Abroad at SKKU, I highly recommend doing the pre-session if you are able. It allows you to form closer bonds with some of the international students, participate in more cultural activities, and stay in South Korea for longer. And no matter what country or program you choose, enjoy your time there!

Alex Osorio

MAJOR: English/Creative Writing

PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Kyushu University, Japan

EMAIL: alexander.osorio@sjsu.edu

BIO: My decision to study abroad was mainly influenced by my interest in Japanese culture and media, and wanting to learn at a deeper level by completely immersing myself in it. It is also, of course, related to my minor in Japanese

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: I was in the Boy Scouts of America for eight years, being elected to serve as Patrol Leader for two years and Instructor for another two—both of which involved coordinating group activities and providing mentorship and education to younger scouts. We worked numerous hours of local community service and on many other related projects. Achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on May 2021.

GOALS: To benefit my pursuit in writing, one of my main reasons for studying abroad was to expand my perspective on the world. I also have a great interest in Japanese history and literature and wanted to take time studying it. Besides this, I hoped that living in a foreign country for nearly one year would greatly impact me on a personal level and change the way I see things in American society and culture, something which turned out to be absolutely true.

Cherry blossom festival at Maizuru Park in Fukuoka

ACADEMICS: I enrolled in a mix of Japanese culture and Japanese language courses, the latter of which I placed the bulk of my focus on due to my minor in Japanese. However, the university I chose did not have a wide variety of humanities courses, so I was unable to continue pursuing units for my major in English while abroad.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Like I described earlier, I think living in another country has given me new insight into my own home culture. How Japan treats things such as health insurance and public transportation, for example. But also the differences in society, being more focused on the collective rather than our straight individualism. I think there is much to be learned from each other and we can mutually benefit from continued cultural exchange (exchange is, of course, a two-way thing).

CAREER: I think I have greatly enhanced my social and networking skills and can now more efficiently communicate with people from a wide variety of different cultures. It takes a lot to be accommodating of people’s differences on a cultural and individual level and I think that this environment was the perfect way to gain some experience.

PERSONAL GROWTH: I would say that my experience studying abroad has helped me cultivate a much stronger sense of independence and responsibility, and reflect on myself and my own experiences in a way that I think I could not have otherwise. I have made strides in opening myself up to people and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. Without this I firmly believe that I would not have grown as much as a person.

FUTURE: Studying abroad in Japan has given me firsthand experience with learning a new language, which I believe will be invaluable if I do decide to pursue teaching English in the country. In addition, as a writer this has offered me a great deal of rich and interesting personal experiences from which to pull from.

TIPS: If you do decide to study abroad, don’t be afraid to jump straight in and get involved at the start. It took me a few months to really start getting to know people and get involved with campus activities and I think that closed a lot of doors for me. Everyone will be in a similar situation, so keep in mind that you won’t be the only one feeling a bit overwhelmed and that there will be people to support you and guide you.

Ryan Huynh

Ryan Huynh

MAJOR: Business Admin/Business Analytics

PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Okayama University, Japan

EMAIL: ryan.huynh02@sjsu.edu

BIO: I chose to study abroad for a variety of reasons. One of my main reasons for choosing to do this program was that I wanted to explore the world and do some soul searching in a sense. Doing things like living by myself, paying bills, and going to classes. Plus I get to learn how a country, such as Japan, operates and learn how to traverse it. Another reason why I choose to study abroad is that its been a life dream to study abroad in either a different state or country

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: I’ve done a lot of traveling and volunteer projects which I would say greatly contributed to my leadership abilities. I’ve taken a class where we spent a weekend participating and helping the locals perform the Tottori, Misasa festival. During the festival we would help the locals with each and every part of the preparation of the festival. Such as, preparing the driftwood, making “ties”, and assisting fellow participants with what to do in order to finish the preparations of the festival in time. For traveling with friends I would be the main person figuring out how to get to a certain destination. My friends would give me places they wanted to go to and I would be the one to figure how and when to go. For example, the address, which train to take, how long, etc.

GOALS: My main goal for studying abroad was learning how the country of Japan operates, both in the city and in the rural parts of Japan. Which I think now I have a very good understanding of the history, culture, and why its the way it currently is. Another goal they I’m really glad I learned was how to learn and adapt to visiting/living in another country. Since I’ve never lived in another country, outside of USA, for very long I wondered if I would have been able to adapt.

At a shrine in Kyoto

ACADEMICS: Extremely different compared to how academics works in USA, in Japan the first term is rather easy. With many holiday breaks and 3 day weekends. However, their is no break between 1st and 2nd term plus the pacing of the classes drastically changed. Instead of one chapter per week it was more like 1 chapter every 2 days. The main courses I took was introduction to Japanese 1, Reading and writing 1, and Comparative politics for both terms, except for Comparative politics which I only took for 1 term.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: My experience has greatly impacted my perspectives of the world because of all the connections I made with people from Burmese, Europe, Korea, and Japan. I have a completely different view of the world compared to when I only really lived in the states. Like their are so many benefits that countries such as Japan or Poland that we Americans have to pay for, but at the same time there are many things that at least for me living in Silicon Valley that I’m really grateful for. Such as the power of the USD and very high minimum wages compared to the rest of the world.

CAREER: One of the main skills I learned during my study abroad experience is how to plan. For example, when planning a trip to Osaka, Tokyo, etc. in order for efficient use of time and Maximum fun.

PERSONAL GROWTH: The biggest impact that this experience had on me was a combination of finding what I wanted to do with my life and making meaningful connections with people abroad. Living by myself and making new friends have really made me realize what I am capable of and what I would like my future to look like.

IDENTITIES: Being an mainly international student really changed the way Japanese people would approach me. First I have a tattoo so its one of 2 things; I’m either a yakuza member or a foreigner so Japanese people find it hard to approach me.

FUTURE: Studying abroad has prepared to meeting new people from all over the world, regardless of gender, race, religion, or nationality. Plus I’ve learned how to travel into a completely new country and figuring out how to navigate any particular country with minimal issues.

TIPS: I would advise future Global Spartans to take a chance, it might be the best choice of your life. But do balance between School work and Having fun.

Jaime Elepano

Jaime Elepano

MAJOR: Software Engineering

PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Kyushu University, Japan

EMAIL: manueljaime.elepano@sjsu.edu

BIO: I’m a 5th Year Software Engineering Major who also does a lot of work in education/mentorship, working as a swim coach and a tutor with Peer Connections. In the early stages I explored studying abroad due to curiosity, partly because a friend at the time has told me about a similar experience. I’d always been interested in immersing myself in Japanese culture as more than a tourist and this was a prime opportunity to do so while keeping up with academics. As my program approached, I’d also hit a point in my life where I began to stagnate and so I used my opportunity to study abroad to reset and regain my passion for learning and exploration.

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: As mentioned prior, I’ve worked various jobs in mentorship and guidance. I’ve worked for 2 years as a Swim Coach with Pacifica Sea Lions Swim Club, am in my 4th semester working with SJSU Peer Connections as a Peer Educator, and also worked with SJSU Research Foundation in the Kyushu University ELEP Program as a conversation partner. I also had the role of a Martial Arts Instructor at Shaolin Kenpo Karate for over 5 years where I worked with students ranging from as young as age 5 to as old as 60. I can confidently say I have diverse experience in a leadership role, both in a volunteer and professional capacity, working with people of various age ranges (Often College Age) as well as various cultural backgrounds.

GOALS: Once again echoing previous responses, my primary goal was shift of perspective. Both to help with my stagnation, as well as break out of my cultural bubble, I wanted to truly immerse myself in a new culture: speak the native language, converse with natives and explore their ways of thinking, adapt to a new way of life. I can say that my experience was truly eye opening as I not only learned about another culture, but deepened my appreciation for my own native and ethnic culture (American and Filipino respectively). By speaking to Japanese natives, I both heard their stories as well as gained insight from their perspective on my home cultures, allowing me to more intentionally evaluate my viewpoints. Furthermore, I gained additional insight speaking to international students from other cultures, some I never expected to experience!

I biked the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road, a 75 km route connecting the main Japanese Island of Honshu (at Onomichi, Hiroshima) to Shikoku (at Imabari, Ehime)

ACADEMICS: Due to language restrictions, my class selection was quite limited. I studied in the Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation. I was able to explore subjects outside my primary major and it’s inspired some interesting ideas for future projects. In terms of strategies, the classes, due to meeting less and having content divided into more separate classes, I actually found my workload to be much lighter. If anything, it reinforced my confidence in the amount of experience I’ve accrued to this point. Because of this, I decided I wouldn’t settle for complacency and went above and beyond in my classwork, even working on some side projects to implement some of what I learned and enhance my experience abroad. In the past few days starting back with SJSU classes, this desire to go above and beyond has stuck with me as I’ve become even more focused and motivated to succeed in this last year. Beyond my academics, I’ve been hard at work to improve one of the on-campus clubs I am currently a part of. It’s been tiring work, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in this short time.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: I’d say the most significant impact of my immersion has been my perspective on international relations. As mentioned, I have a newfound appreciation for both my home country here in the US, as well as my ethnic culture of the Philippines. Before now, I’d never had a huge interest in travelling, but now I want to visit a number of other countries, not to see sights, but see how their people live. From the standards of service, to the way people communicate, the stark differences between Japan and the US became clear to me. I also heard similar insights from my fellow international students from Germany, Thailand and Hong Kong, making me curious to visit these countries and gain firsthand experiences with these nuanced cultural differences.

CAREER: As my workload was much lighter, I was able to more intently reflect and plan. I got back into journaling and meticulous scheduling that revolved daily action items as well as daily reflections. The impact this had on my mood and my productivity was night and day and I hope to carry this over to my last year at SJSU. I also have a new sense of self confidence and independence. I went on numerous solo trips to other cities and constantly found myself spontaneously trying new things and making mistakes along the way. Rather than discouraging me, I found myself wanting to go on more adventures. The allure of the unknown awakened a sense of curiosity within me making want to constantly try new things and go on new adventures, despite the bumps along the road. Now I’m this new semester, when faced with a choice to settle for the comfortable option or try a new, uncertain option, I almost always choose the latter, relishing the chance for a new experience.

PERSONAL GROWTH: Almost everyone who’s welcomed me back has commented on how much “brighter” I am. As mentioned before, I have a new sense of confidence, with the difference from before my term abroad being so significant, many can see it from my face alone. A lot of the specifics have been covered in previous sections, but essentially, my self confidence has improved, as well as my appreciation for everyday life and new experiences. I find myself more inclined to throw caution to the wind in return for new insights and knowledge, we well as more motivated to strive for greater heights, both academically and personally.

IDENTITIES: In my last year, I haven’t done much in terms of my career (applying to internships and the like) due to other circumstances and have also felt inferior to many of my colleagues. Seeing how my skills contributed to the work I did abroad, as well as having the time and space to reflect on myself and my life in the present moment reinforced just how much experience I truly have, and helped reestablish that personal confidence in myself.

FUTURE:  As I’ve mentioned many times already, my self confidence has been greatly improved. I feel this is the first step to many opportunities. On that note, my newfound curiosity I feel will also open many more avenues, making me more inclined to not let good opportunities slip by in favor or staying within a comfort zone. Finally, my desire to learn more and more will certainly make me a better person both personally and professionally, allowing for more growth that the already significant development that I’ve already gained up to this point.

TIPS:  As I’ve mentioned many times already, my self confidence has been greatly improved. I feel this is the first step to many opportunities. On that note, my newfound curiosity I feel will also open many more avenues, making me more inclined to not let good opportunities slip by in favor or staying within a comfort zone. Finally, my desire to learn more and more will certainly make me a better person both personally and professionally, allowing for more growth that the already significant development that I’ve already gained up to this point.

Conrad Avery

Conrad Avery

MAJOR: Computer Science and Linguistics

PROGRAM: SSA – Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea

EMAIL: conrad.avery@sjsu.edu

BIO: My name is Conrad Avery(He/Him) and I am going into my second year here at SJSU studying Computer Science. I recently finished up my Study Abroad term at SKKU in Seoul, South Korea this past summer and it was a wonderful experience that I will forever cherish. I chose to study abroad because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and experience education in a different country. I had also never been overseas before and thought that this was an excellent time for me to experience true independence and learn about myself in a different culture.

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: I have had many leadership, volunteer, and job experiences at SJSU. I was the academic chairman of my fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, where I was directly responsible for improving the academics of my brothers in the fraternity. I served as a student at large in the spring for the Associated Students Finance Committee. I am an active Army ROTC cadet here at SJSU as well. Most recently, I have joined the 2024-2025 SJSU college corps cohort where I will teach computer science curriculum to elementary school students.

GOALS: My goals for my study abroad experience were to interact with people from different countries and see how their educational upbringings differ from mine. I also wanted to engage with the local community of South Korea and understand what it is like to be the minority or foreigner in a country. On a professional side, I wanted to get a good experience of what it is like working with people of vastly different backgrounds and cultures and understand how to get past these differences to work towards a common goal.

Here I am wearing the hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace, embracing the beauty of Korean tradition

ACADEMICS: My study abroad experience will be unforgettable. It was an amazing time where I learned so much about myself and also about how different parts of the world outside of my United States bubble operate. I took a course that focused on developing sustainable computer science technology and I made sure to be friendly with my peers to help my academic success. This experience has impacted the way I view my academics back at SJSU because now I have a better understanding of how to communicate with people of different backgrounds and how to be more understanding of people with these different backgrounds.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Being someone who had never left the United States, let alone flown over seas, it was a very unique experience to be in an entire different country where daily things and tasks are run differently than the US. I could immediately notice the difference in culture in South Korea compared to the US whether it be the cleanliness, the work culture, or even the shopping culture. It was very interesting to me to see what I though South Korea did better than the US and what the US did better than South Korea and also ways that each country could adapt aspects from the other to make themselves more efficient. Coming back to the US now, I liked to compare small things to South Korea, for example the public transportation in the US and wonder how the US could implement a system similar to South Korea.

CAREER: I learned how to adapt to a new environment and also how to live when being outside of my comfort zone. Going to South Korea was something that was very daunting to me and was something I had never done before but I learned how to live with discomfort which has helped me back home where I am stressed or don’t like how something is in my life. On a professional and academic side, I learned better empathy. Hearing stories of my fellow students in the classroom opened my mind up more to the idea that people all come from different upbringings and have different experiences which shape their views which I should keep in mind when making decisions.

PERSONAL GROWTH: The biggest impact that my study abroad experience had on me was understanding that there is life outside of the United States bubble I had been raised in for all my life. I could only learn so much from reading or watching videos online, but actually living in South Korea and experiencing what it was like to live somewhere else very much opened my mind up to how different people in different countries live. I became so much more comfortable with the culture of South Korea that when I came back to the US, I felt homesick in the way that I still wanted to be back in South Korea. This was something that I never would have expected me to have felt, even on my last day in South Korea and it really showed me how much I missed the ability to explore both physically and mentally about what I enjoy.

IDENTITIES:  Being half Asian yet never having the chance to leave the US, I had always felt a little disconnected with my Asian heritage but when I came to South Korea I was able to get a better glimpse into what Asian culture is like and connect more with my Asian heritage.

FUTURE: Study abroad has prepared me for the future in that I now feel confident in having to start a life somewhere completely new. I now know I will be able to adapt to my environment and also learn from my environment. Study abroad has also helped me make connections and understand life outside of the US so I know how to consider different country cultures when talking to people of different backgrounds.

TIPS: Live in the moment and tell yourself to remember every second or write about every adventure. For me, South Korea was very packed with a different adventure each day and had I not been keeping track and logging everything I did, I would have forgotten about a lot of what happened.

Josie Hammar

Josie Hammar

MAJOR: English/Creative Writing

PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange –  University of Roehampton, England

EMAIL:  sisterjenny@jbear.org

BIO: My name is Josie Hammar and I am about to enter my fourth year at SJSU. I am studying English Literature because I have a passion for writing and reading stories that make an impact. I studied abroad in London during my spring 2024 semester and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I chose to do this for quite a few reasons, the first one being that I wanted to explore a world outside of the only one I’ve ever known here in the bay area. I wanted to be in a place where no one already knew me, where I could make my own friendships and connections as who I am now. Additionally, since I am studying English Literature I thought it would be appropriate to study at the heart of this major; in England. In my time there I traveled so much and learned immensely about their culture and history, as well as in the classes I took. I also wanted to be able to have new, riveting, life changing experiences in a place I had never before been to. I’ve always lived in the same place my whole life and I craved something new and thrilling.

LEADERSHIP, VOLUNTEER, AND JOB EXPERIENCES:I have taken part in many leadership/volunteer opportunities. For example, I am currently a mentor for the youth group at Sant Clara First Baptist Church and have been in this role for two years, and have been a camp counselor for two years as well. I have also volunteered at elementary schools and helped lead other nonprofit church events. For work experience, I was a barista at Teaspoon for over a year, and worked as a customer service associate at Sally Beauty Supply for about two months. And I am about to start a new job as a barista at Coffee and Water Lab.

GOALS: One goal I had was to change and grow as a person. I wanted to have my mind blown by all the new people I would meet, the places I would see and experiences I would have. I wanted to walk out of this journey different than who I was at the start. Another goal I had was to thrive independently, to be fully immersed in another culture and learn from the people there, and gain invaluable knowledge from my classes. I wanted to travel and experience different worlds than what I was used to. My other goal was to make lifelong friendships. And all of these, I am happy to say I have achieved.

ACADEMICS: I took three classes. One was based on Greek and roman mythology, the other was a creative and professional writing class, and the last was literature based on film and philosophy. These are actually the first classes I took for my major now that I’ve completed my GE’s, so I went into them with excitement and motivation. In order to succeed, I made sure to be fully immersed in learning everything we were taught, and often consulted with my professors. It also helped that I was really passionate about everything we studied in these classes. Now that I’ve done school abroad, I am very much looking forward to taking more classes here at SJSU with a fresh perspective and hopefully can apply what I learned overseas.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: I not only met people from England, but from all over Europe as well as Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America. Being surrounded by those who weren’t just American was definitely a cultural shock for me, but it was also a very beautiful and eye opening experience.

CAREER: My communication, networking, and independence skills have all sharpened during my time abroad. Being a new student I was forced to meet as many people as I could, and I am very grateful for this because it led me to some of the most amazing people. Since I’ve been back I feel that I am able to better apply all of these in my daily and academic life. Overall, I am a much more confident and motivated person that is eager to get to know more people from different cultures.

PERSONAL GROWTH: This entire journey was the greatest decision I’ve ever made for myself. It was something so unfathomably new and exciting, but ultimately very liberating. This was the biggest impact for me. After going to a new country by myself and making an entire life there, I feel that I can achieve anything. It definitely put me in a vulnerable position at first but I believe that I needed to feel that way in order to see what I could do and build from the ground up. I want other students to be able to experience this as well.

IDENTITIES: When I first started college I struggled with severe anxiety and was at a very low point in my life. I never thought I would be able to do something such as study abroad, and yet every decision I’ve made since the start of my college experience led me here. It has helped me to realize that I’m much stronger than I give myself credit for.

FUTURE: Study abroad has prepared me for the future by helping me to expand my traveling, independence, communication, and networking skills as well as my knowledge of other countries and cultures. I can use all of this information in my future opportunities, friendships and careers.

TIPS: Trying something new is never a waste. Even the smallest decision you make can change your life in ways you never thought possible. Studying abroad is the best choice I ever made and it changed my life immensely. I’m much more confident, have friends and memories I’ll never forget, and have experienced a journey that most people have not. If you’re able to take this chance, do it and put all of your heart into it. You never know what may come out of an opportunity such as this or how it will shape you and your future. 

Isabella Dandoy

Isabella Dandoy

MAJOR: Journalism

PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland

EMAIL: isabella.dandoy@sjsu.edu

BIO: My name is Isabella Dandoy (she/her) and I am a senior at SJSU majoring in journalism. I chose to study abroad for personal and professional reasons. I wanted to make new connections with others in my field worldwide and learn from my professors and mentors. I also wanted to grow as an individual by harboring self-confidence and independence.

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: At SJSU, I spent a year working on The Spear, SJSU’s sports publication. I spent my first semester as a reporter and my second semester as a content editor. I am also the secretary and one of the musical directors for SJSU’s all-female a Capella club, the Spartan Stellas. Before my study abroad experience, I worked part-time as a retail associate at Tilly’s, a clothing store.

GOALS: I wanted to live independently and solo travel. Academically and professionally, I wanted to learn and connect with other mentors in my field. I wanted to excel in all of my courses and receive high marks. I also wanted to explore every corner of Edinburgh, so that if I returned, I could show my family and friends around in the best way possible.

ACADEMICS: At Edinburgh Napier, I took 3 courses: Digital Media Content Creation, Global Media Industries, and Sports Journalism. I made an effort to connect with each of my professors and always reached out for help or feedback whenever I needed it. I prioritized all of my schoolwork to be finished early so that I could allot the remainder of my time to exploring and traveling. Because the courses work much differently at Edinburgh Napier compared to SJSU, it was easy to adjust when I studied abroad. I was very prepared and motivated to receive high marks in each class.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: At Edinburgh Napier, I joined the book club with one of my international friends. I also joined a neighboring university’s Filipino Society (University of Edinburgh). I was able to meet so many people from different ethnic backgrounds. But it was also nice to meet other students who were also Filipino. In Edinburgh, I was able to tour the city and learn about its culture. I was also able to travel to the Highlands and experience its beauty. Because I come from a family that loves to travel the world, I’ve learned that travel is all about keeping an open mind and immersing yourself into different cultures. Though my travel didn’t change my perspective, it did strengthen it.

CAREER: I was able to further hone my skills in audio and video editing, as well as use my journalistic writing skills in a professional setting at a Scottish Premier Football League match. Through feedback and assistance from my professors and peers, I learned to adopt British English in my writing. I also did lots of presentations and gained more public speaking experience. I learned how to utilize different software like Adobe Audition and Shorthand to tell different stories in an intricate way. Through my courses, I was able to reignite my artistic expression and creativity.

PERSONAL GROWTH: My study abroad experience has granted me a newfound confidence that I wouldn’t have been able to discover elsewhere. Being far away from home, you’re almost forced to be self-reliant and independent. I was motivated to become the best version of myself. Studying abroad was one of the best, yet hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but I’m so grateful I did.

IDENTITIES: There were a couple of times I was met with sexist and bigoted exchange students who disagreed with the sentiments that and me and my female friends shared about equal pay/opportunity. There were also a few racist remarks I received from other exchange students that assumed my ethnicity. Despite all of these obstacles, both of these identities persisted and became even more visible. I was proud of who I was and never hid it.

FUTURE: I have connections around the world, both friendship and professional. I am more willing to leave my hometown of San Jose and grow elsewhere once I’ve graduated. I’m more confident in situations where I don’t know anyone; I’m not as much of an introvert as I was a year prior. Being “new” doesn’t scare me anymore. I’ve learned and honed more technical skills that I can utilize in future journalistic practices.

TIPS: Always keep an open​​​​​​​ mind and a willingness to learn. No matter what country you decide to study abroad in, your greatest strength as a student abroad is your ability to listen. Learn from those around you and immerse yourself in new cultures. By the time you return home, you can say that you were a local yourself.