Category Archives: Alumni

Hana Vuong

Yonsei University Aquamour Swim Club

NAME: Hana Vuoung

MAJOR: Business Administration

PROGRAM: ISEP Direct –Yonsei University – Fall 2024

EMAIL: hana.vuong@sjsu.edu

BIO: 

Hi, my name is Hana Vuong (she/her). I graduated from San Jose State University in Spring 2025 with a with a degree in Business Administration, concentrating in International Business and specializing in Marketing. I’m now continuing my journey as an MBA student at SJSU!

During my time as an undergraduate, I studied abroad at Yonsei University in South Korea through the ISEP Direct program. That experience was truly transformative; it pushed me to grow more independent, immerse myself in Korean culture, and embrace being more adventurous.

I chose to study abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself. Living and learning in a place where I wasn’t familiar with the language or culture allowed me to see the world from a fresh perspective and reminded me how much there is to explore beyond what we already know.

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

When I chose to study abroad, I set personal, academic, and professional goals for myself.

Personally, I wanted to challenge myself to adapt to new and unfamiliar environments. At home, my daily routine had been the same since grade school, so I was eager to break out of that pattern, experience life at a different pace, and embrace new adventures.

Academically, my goal was to deepen my understanding of international business and cross-cultural communication. As a fan of K-pop, I was especially curious about the business side of Korea and how its practices differ from those in the U.S. With so many exchange students in my classes, I also looked forward to hearing diverse perspectives and comparing how my American point of view on international business might contrast with someone who grew up in Korea.

Professionally, I wanted to build skills that would prepare me for a career in international markets. My dream is to work in the global music industry, so developing a global mindset and learning how to collaborate across cultures and languages was essential. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to start building those skills and preparing for the kind of career I aspire to.

 PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?

The biggest impact that my study abroad experience had on me was the confidence I gained in stepping outside my comfort zone and adapting to completely new environments. Living in Seoul without my family pushed me to navigate challenges independently. It taught me to be flexible, resilient, and embrace the uncertainty as there is always an opportunity for growth.

 ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?  

While studying at Yonsei University, I took four courses: Digital Media, Emerging Markets, International Marketing, and Strategic Management. Before leaving, I worked closely with my study abroad advisors to confirm that my credits would transfer back to SJSU. Since course registration at Yonsei is first-come, first-served, I prepared backup options—but fortunately, I was able to enroll in all the classes I wanted.

The courses were more project-based than what I was used to at SJSU, where classes often rely on smaller weekly assignments. I adapted quickly and did well academically, earning three A’s and one B+. To stay on top of my studies, I made it a priority to attend every class, review material ahead of time, and stay disciplined about deadlines.

At the same time, I knew balance was important. After finishing assignments or studying, I made sure to give myself breaks by exploring nearby cities or trying something new. This helped me avoid burnout and kept me motivated to succeed both in and outside the classroom.

 CAREER: What skills did you learn / sharpen during your study abroad experience? 

During my study abroad experience, I strengthened key skills that continue to support my academic and professional journey. Living in a new culture sharpened my adaptability as I navigated unfamiliar routes and language barriers with limited guidance, while studying in a global environment enhanced my cross-cultural communication through group projects with students from diverse backgrounds. I also became more independent and confident in my decision-making, which has not only contributed to my personal growth but also prepared me to thrive in globally connected professional environments.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world? 

As part of the ISEP Direct program, I lived off-campus in an apartment shared with local Koreans, which gave me a more authentic experience of daily life in Seoul compared to living in a dorm with other exchange students. Immersing myself in the local community taught me to appreciate home in new ways and highlighted the importance of open-mindedness, as I built connections with both my neighbors and fellow exchange students who all had unique reasons for studying abroad but shared the same desire for new experiences. Living in Seoul also showed me how deeply culture shapes lifestyle; adjusting to the city’s fast-paced rhythm was challenging at first, especially coming from California’s more laid-back pace, but over time, the experience strengthened my adaptability and confidence to thrive in dynamic environments.

FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future? 

Studying abroad has prepared me for my future by strengthening my skills and mindset needed to succeed in a global career. Many careers look for candidates who have strong adaptability, cultural awareness, and problem-solving skills, which my study abroad experience equipped me with. My time in Seoul taught me how to navigate new environments with confidence and remain resilient through uncertain experiences. I now feel more prepared to pursue opportunities in a globalized industry, collaborate with diverse teams, and embrace new opportunities with an open mind.

TIPS: What advice would you give to future Global Spartans?  

My biggest advice to a future Global Spartan is to keep an open mind and fully embrace the experience, even when things feel uncertain. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, such as trying new foods, exploring unfamiliar places, and talking to the locals there, even if there is a language barrier. Take in everything, as your study abroad experience is very short and will go by faster than you would know. The lessons you learn abroad will stay with you for a lifetime. Another advice is to document your journey, whether that is through photos, videos, or just blogging. You’ll appreciate to have something to look back on when coming back home.

Yesenia Guzman

Yesenia Guzman

NAME: Yesenia Guzman
MAJOR: Business Marketing
PROGRAM: France – SJSU Exchange – University of Strasbourg Business School
EMAIL: yesenia.guzman@sjsu.edu

BIO: Please tell us about you and why you chose to study abroad.

My name is Yesenia Guzman (she/her). I was born and raised in San Francisco, California and moved to San Jose when I began my undergrad journey at SJSU. I recently graduated in Decemeber 2022 as a Business Marketing major with a Chicana/o Studies minor. I am a first generation, Mexican American and college graduate. My family immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in the 70’s, and settled in the Mission District of San Francisco. My first language was Spanish, and was fortunate enough to take bilingual classes during my first years of elementary school. I grew up closely to my culture and community in Jalisco, Mexico, which allowed me to explore many different cities and states in Mexico. This further strengthened my navigational skills and inspired my interest in global traveling!

One of my greatest goals when thinking about college was to study abroad. I didn’t know when or how I would go abroad, but I knew I would find out. As a first generation collge student, the opportunity to study abroad seemed almost unreachable – personally, financially, and academically. I didn’t limit myself, though, and continued to explore my study abroad options. I attended information sessions, met with advisors (academic and from SAA), considered various programs for my major degree requirements, and finally – after a three year contemplation and pandemic – I fiinalized my decision for the Spring 2022 semester. I knew this experience would grealty enhance my overall personal, academic, and professional life.  I was intentional about chosing a program in a city and country that was outside of my comfort zone, but I had a special connection to – France. I also wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to learn in a different country, culture, and language. I chose to study abroad because I knewo this experience would not only support my own personal and academic growth, but it would also open up the doors of possibilities for myself and my family. Studying abroaf was defintely one of the best choices I made during my undergraduate journey.

CAREER: What skills did you learn/sharpen during your study abroad experience?

Reflect on how your study abroad experience and the skills, knowledge, or networking has enhanced or contributed to your life back on campus or home.

Some of the skills I learned/sharpened during my study abroad experience were…

  • Navigational skills – using various modes of transportation – bus, train, metro, and plane! I grew up traveling on public transportation (MUNI in San Francisco), which helped me feel comfortable and confident in navigating various cities on public transportation in not only my host city, but also various other major cities in Europe (which was ideal). This helped me feel more confident in traveling and asking for help visiting new places, back home.
  • Time management : One of the greatest skills I strengthened when abroad was my time management skills. I had to adjust my morning routine to ensure I accounted for the time it took me to commute and arrive to school every morning. I never had to commute to class in college because I always lived a walking distance away. When I was abroad, I had to account for a 20-30 minute commute in the mornings. At first, it was making sure I made it to the tram stop in time to make it to my 8 am class. Then, it was making sure I arrived to the bus stop on time to make it to my 8 am class. I was almost 20-40 minutes late to class for the first month of the semester. It was a challenge to adjust. I then decided to rent a bike and THIS made a hige difference. After learning from my experienced with the tram and bus, I succesfully adjusted my time to leave my house with enough time to bike to school, park my bike, and make it to class 5 minutes before session. This was a skill I defintinitely appreciate developing abroad. This really helped me manage my time better and always mentally prepare to arrive to events/classes/responsibilites with atleast 20-30 minutes in advance.
  • Networking and collaborating with students from various part of the world! – My program offered courses for all exchange students to take and learn in together. This meant that I was taking classes with other exchange students who were also studying abroad, from diverse countries and cultures. I met students from Finland, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Germany, France, India, and was able to learn, work, and socialize with them in and outside of school. I learned so much about their cultures, lifestyles, and native languages. Now that I am back home, I feel like I have friends across the world that I continue to learn from and connect with (virtually, through social media). This is truly fascinating to me. It has enhanced my life in a unqiue way. I now feel more inclined to learn about exchange students at SJSU! I felt personally welcomed by many French students at my host university, and realized the importance of connecting with students who are visiting San Jose/California/USA for the first time. It can make a positive difference in offering support on how to navigate the school and city.
  • French language: My daily life activities required me to strengthen my overall French language knowledge. I made an effort to speak in French for any experience – buying groceries, ordering at restaurants, shoping at malls – to help me improve. This has helped me in communicating with French speaking people in the States! Although I am still at a beginner level, I am better able to recognize and understand French words, which therefore has allowed me to connect with others uniquely. When working at my part-time coffeeshop, which I encounter many French tourists and am able to hold a short and sweet conversation with them. This leads me to sharing about my experience in France, while also learning about their own life in France. ​​​​​​​
  • My Cultural Knowledge and Awareness: I did not know much about Europe before studying abroad. Everything was a new experience for me. When abroad, I traveled to 10 different countries. I experienced various cities, communities, cultures, and gastronomies. My cultural awareness grew so much. I made so many historical connections and finally visited many of the monunents and landmarks that I learned about in school ( i.e the Eiffel Tower, the leaning tower of Pisa, Big Ben). I am now able to share these experiences with my family, peers, and colleagues and understand references made about different European countriesa and cities.

 

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

Reflect on the personal, academic, and professional goals that you had set out to achieve on your study abroad experience?

My goals for studying abroad were –

  • Professionally:
    • As a Business Major attending a Business School in France, I was excited to learn from, and collaborate with, Business students from other countries. My goal was to create informative and detailed Business presentations with my teams, that represented each of our ideas, cultural knowledge, and own personal insight.
  • Academically:
    • One of my main academic goals was to be intentional about my presence in class – take detailed notes, be proactive with my assignments and projects, ask questions in class, and connect with as many peers as I could in each class. Essentially, succeed as a student.
    • Beyond my academic goal of passing all of my classes with high scores, I set the goal of meaningfully engaging with the content I was learning by researching additional information about the readings and making connections between the lessons being taught about in Europe to the ones in the USA.
    • One of my greatest goals was to dedicate an adequate amount of time on research and group projects to ensure I presented my best work at my host university, and even be able to share it back in my home university.
  • Personally:
    • Truly immerse myself in the life, culture, and community abroad – I aimed to truly explore the city I was in, engage in community events and activities (i.e farmers markets and biking), speak as much French as I could (significant effort), and try as many local restaurants I was interested in.
    • I aimed to slow down and truly cherish the experience of studying abroad. Growing up in major urban cities like San Francisco and San Jose, I am used to the rapid and busy lifestyle of moving from one place to the other, thinking about multiple things at once, and living/planning a lot in the future. When I was abroad, I aimed to shift into a more calm mindset and lifestyle – take more time for rest, leisure, social hangouts, and travel! I saw how people sat near the river and spent their time eating, reading, listening to music, or talking with a friend. I soon started to do the same.
    • Grow mentally: Develop healthier ways of thinking, living life, approaching situations according to what I was seeing in my host city.
    • Reflect: Reflect on daily experiences and lessons from life with friends, in school, and when traveling.
    • Travel: Expand my horizons and meaningfully experience various European countries, cultures, and communities.
    • Create meaningful friendships and memories with new people I was going to meet abroad –​​​​​​ Meet new people, genuinely get to know their story, share my own story with others, and create meaningful memories with others abroad!

 

PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?

It is very difficult to chose one single impact out of the many that this experience had on me, yet if I had to identify one as the biggest, it would be the significance of travel experiences with friends. I was fortunate enough to travel to various cities during my time abroad, and live each journey with different groups of people. The traveling not only expanded my mindset and horizons, but it also made me realize the importance of sharing these travel experiences with others. It taught me something new about the friend I was traveling with and strengthened many of the frienships I had. I learned how different people travel in different ways, and how important it is to plan, communicate, and make it EARLY to your train station. I learned SO much from each journey, specifically and especially to enjoy the simple act of sightseeing, packing light, and chosing the important things to pack.

I now have these stories to remember with each of these friends, as well as share with future ones.

ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?

Share what courses you chose to take abroad and the strategies you used to ensure your academic success. How has the experience impacted your academics now that you have returned to SJSU?

I took 7 different courses abroad:

  • Retail Marketing and Logistics
  • Strategic Brand Management
  • Luxury Brands Management
  • Storytelling & Time Management
  • Introduction to French Language II
  • International Consumer Behavior
  • (One asynchronous SJSU course): CCS160: Gender and Sexuality)

I made sure to schedule all of my courses and important deadlines on my Google Calendar. One of my strongest strategies is to sit at the front of the class and take detailed notes. I also work on the homework assigned for the class right after the lecture, or that same day – when it is recent in my memory. Reviewing my notes and saving class presentations really helped in ensuring my full comprehension of the weekly lectures.

When I came back to SJSU, I had to readjust to classes being twice per week, 1.5 hours becasue my courses abroad were once per week, for 3-4 hours.I also had to readjust to working on homework more frequently, becasue it was rare to receive homework abroad. Studying abroad definitely strengthened my time management skills and helped me prioritize my assignments/projects.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world?

Although this was mentally understood, I was further affirmed about the power and magic of cultural diversity. Living in Europe made me realize that everyone is living in completely different realities, depending on you region, environment, and time zone. My life in Europe was so unique and so different than my life in the states. I was riding my bike everywhere abroad, experiencing life outdoors more, being more eco-conscious and friendly, traveling ebery weekend, as well as cherishing leisure time more in Europe. Life was different everyday. In the states, life is different, more routine-like, more indoors, and busier.

I also realized how much Europe works around the seasons – not everything is available all year round. For example, I was trying to order iced coffee in February but no coffee shop offered it because they had no ice and it was Winter, which meant iced coffee was only available in the Summer. Restaurants also change their menu items every season.

FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future?

After studying abroad, I am not interested and ready to travel the rest of the world. I am now a wiser and more conscious traveler and visitor. I am more mindful of the pre-departure process – looking into Visas, preparing important documents, accomodations, foreign exchange/payment methods, essential equipment and cultural awarenes.

I am prepared to communicate with people from diverse cultures, outside of the US. I am prepared to bike more frequently, recycle and repurpose my glassware, and plan out travel inquiries on a budget! I am prepared to invite my family to future travel experiences and lead/coordiante a group abroad! I feel more comfortable and confident with taking various methods of public transportation.

Most importantly, I am now prepared to share my own experience with future study abroad student and support them with in their own study abroad journey! I am now prepared to inspire and inform students about study abroad opportunities in college and how to approach them, apply to them, and prepare for their own.

TIPS: What advice would you give to a future Global Spartan?

Some of the most important tips I would offer a future Global Spartan are:

I. Before applying to a program:

  • Attend a SA&A information session
  • Seek a peer or staff mentor, who have experience studying abroad, when chosing a program! This can offer a sense of direction and understanding when it comes to the process of navigating the SAA portal, meeting with advisors, and chosing a program
  • Choose a program/country that is new and outside of your comfort zone – this is an opportunity to expand your horizons!

II. After applying to a program:

  • Contact a previous Global Spartan that attended your host university or country: This will also offer valuable insight on how to best prepare for your unique program!
  • Create a timeline and plan in advance! : Consistently check on updates and ensure to note down importance deadlines for your study abroad program – Application deadlines, Visa requirements, Passport updates, Travel dates, + all other important documentations for pre-departure
  • Ask your SA&A advisor questions: Stay connected to your SA&A advisor and do not hesitate to ask them your pending questions/curiosities.
  • Meet with an Academic Advisor: Your academic advisor is a part of your dream team. Make sure to meet with an academic advisor who will be guiding and supporting your course equivalencies & approvals for your host university!
  • Watch Youtube Videos on your host university/city & country – If this is your first time traveling to this city/country – watch youtube videos of other people who have studied abroad there and can offer specific tips on what to pack and prepare for before going abroad!
  • Check in with your bank – Ask for foreign currency and check in with your credit/debit cards – make sure you can use it abroad with no international fees!
  • Calls and WiFi: Purchase a sim card abroad and make sure to check in with your current network/service provider; let them know you are going to study and live abroad!
  • Definitely pack light and pack comfortable walking shoes – ​​​​​​​you will be walking a lot
  • Take a journal – reflect on your experiences abroad – what realizations are you having? write out the emotions you are experiencing, the course content you are learning,  the people you are meeting, and the meaningful moments you are having,
  • Travel! Depending on your region, attempt to travel and get to know cities outside of your host city.
  • Take many pictures and videos!  These memories will last a lifetime <3

Janet Garcia Borbon

Janet Garcia Borbon

 

Congratulations to Janet Garcia Borbon who graduated in December with more than just a degree in kinesiology.  She is a first-generation college graduate, a DACA recipient, the #1 ranked Muay Thai fighter in the United States, and a study abroad alumnae of the business-focused faculty-led program in Germany in summer 2022. Prior to leaving for Germany for her study abroad experience, Janet represented the United States at the World Games in Alabama earning a bronze medal.

What’s your story?

Hi, my name is Janet Garcia Borbon. As a first-generation graduate and DACA recipient, I am proud to have achieved so much in my life. I am proud to have achieved so much in my life. Born in Mexico, I have called San Jose, California my home since I was nine years old. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also a skilled Muay Thai fighter and currently hold the #1 rank in the 48 kg weight class in the USA. Recently, I had the privilege of representing the USA at the World Games and brought home a bronze medal. I am grateful for all of the opportunities that have come my way and am excited to see what the future holds.

Why did you want to study abroad? 

I have always been fascinated by the idea of studying abroad and experiencing life in a different part of the world. Growing up, I never had the opportunity to travel outside of my home continent and this seemed like the perfect chance for me to step out of my comfort zone and explore a new culture. I am eager to see how people in other parts of the world live and experience life, and I believe that studying abroad will be a valuable and enriching opportunity for me.

What was your experience abroad in Germany?

My experience in Germany has been wonderful. I have had the opportunity to learn about a new culture and meet a diverse group of people. I have gained valuable insights into how business is conducted in Germany and how people view the world. I have also had the chance to try new and delicious foods and engage in meaningful conversations with locals. While the Germans may not be as outwardly friendly as Americans, they are extremely helpful and willing to assist whenever needed. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Germany and would love the chance to return in the future.

What is The World Games? 

The World Games are an international multi-sport event comprising sports and sporting disciplines that are not contested in the Olympic Games. They are usually held every four years, one year after a Summer Olympic Games, over the course of 11 days.

About 3,600 elite athletes from over 100 countries compete for gold in more than 30 of the fastest growing sports in the world. The first ever World Games took place in 1981 in Santa Clara, CA.

Tell us about your journey and experience at The World Games?  

My journey to the World Games began five years ago when I learned that my sport, Muay Thai, would be included in the games. I made the decision then and there that I would do whatever it took to represent the United States in the World Games. It was fortuitous that the next World Games would be held in Birmingham, Alabama. I spoke with my coach and told him that I wanted to be the best in the country. We worked hard for the next five years, competing against fighters from all over the country and climbing the ranks. Eventually, I won the USA qualifiers, securing my spot on the team and my #1 rank in the USA.

When I arrived at the Games, it was like a dream come true. I had worked so hard for this moment and it was finally here. I took in every moment, making sure to be present and savor the experience. The highlight of the tournament for me was when they called out “Representing the United States of America” and my name. That was when it all hit me: an immigrant child representing the USA. I never thought I would get the opportunity to hear those words and I was overwhelmed with joy. I wanted to cry, smile, and hug my mom to tell her that we had done it. But I had to put on a good poker face and get to work. As I entered the ring, I put all my feelings aside and fought with all my heart. After winning my first match, the crowd started cheering again, “USA! USA!” and all those emotions came rushing back. I hugged my coach and tears rolled down my cheeks.

Although I didn’t win the gold, earning a bronze medal was still a huge accomplishment for me. It was one of the best times of my life and I will always hold that moment dear to my heart.

What does it mean for you as a Spartan to be selected to represent the US in The World Games?

This experience has shown me that anything is possible if I set my mind to it. Being both a student and a top athlete can be challenging, but I have had great professors and counselors who have helped me along the way. Whenever I needed help from my teachers, they were always willing to provide it. They recognized the demands of my athletic career and did their best to help me balance my schoolwork. This has taught me that with determination and support, I can achieve anything.”

Any advice to Spartans?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! There are many resources available to make your college experience easier. I wish I had known this when I first started college, but now you do. Talk to your professors or counselors for guidance and they will point you in the right direction. Remember, you don’t have to go through this journey alone.

NOTE from the Study Abroad & Away office:

If you wish to support future DACA students to take advantage of our global experiences at SJSU, please consider donating to the Dr. Ruth Huard Study Abroad Scholarship which aims to help fund DACA students with their Advance Parole process.

Gabrielle LaBeaux

Gabriella LaBeaux

Gabriella LaBeaux

Gabriella LaBeaux (Alumni)
Major: Communications
Year Abroad: Fall 2019 and Spring 2020
Program Location: University of Strathclyde, Scotland
Current Position: Interior Designer
Company: Weedman Design Partners

How did your study abroad experience help you with your coursework once you returned to SJSU?

Because I studied abroad when COVID hit, I never actually returned to SJSU. I finished my degree online during COVID, able to graduate early due to my course load while studying abroad! Curriculum in the UK was research heavy with a focus on one final project. This prepared me for my senior year of college as I was working through my final Communications projects.

How did your study abroad experience help strengthen your job prospects?
Study abroad gave me access to different forms of communication, culture, and design influence that made me a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs. Both design firms I have worked with since graduating have highly valued travel experience for the added layer of insight and ideas evoked from my travels. Everyone I have worked with at both firms has lived or travelled in multiple different countries so we have a very diverse background.

Please describe any skills you learned abroad that you are applying in your current academic, professional, or personal life.
Academically I took away the importance of research and learned long term follow through backed by evidence.

Professionally I learned how to be adaptable to any style of communication or design. I learned the important in listening and asking thoughtful questions. I also learned to value timeless design practices and incorporating history into my work.

Personally I took away prioritizing life above your work. People in the Europe work to live and in America we live to work. In Europe life is more balanced and employers see the benefit in employees having more personal time. So I have looked for firms who practice this mindset.

What was the most memorable experience or moment from your time abroad?
In Scotland, I have so many good memories from pro futbol games, to high tea, and road-trips through the country. I have two memorable experiences.

The first most memorable experience was my birthday party. I gathered my American and Scottish friends and we went out for drinks and dinner. We ended the night in a club with a bounce house. It was one of those nights that was full of good company and lifelong friends.

The second was volunteering at a camp hosted out in the countryside at a beautiful old old old mansion. I got to mentor and give advice to high school students and share so many fun things with them about being American! They loved my accent- ha! I attended a Ceilidh for a fundraiser for the camp which was a traditional Scottish dance party and it was awesome! Yes the men really do wear kilts!

What other experiences do you wish you had optimized while abroad to help you in your career path?
I feel like I actually did this really well. I would tell any student to find some local professionals in your city and connect with them. Wether it be a coffee date, shadowing, or even just an email chain- make those connections. It teaches you about your passion and career path but in an international lens.

Any other advice to current Spartans about maximizing the study abroad experience? 
Save up and travel as much as you can! See your country but also fly to nearby ones. Traveling with friends can be so fun but set your expectations beforehand to be sure you are on the same page for activities and finances. I would even suggest a solo trip. I solo tripped to Iceland and made friends during my excursions. It taught me a lot about myself and how to be comfortable and aware being alone.

Connect with Me
IG: @gabriella_labeaux
Instagram Podcast: Listen Now
Apple Podcast: Listen Now

Kianna Vargas

Kianna Vargas

Kianna VargasKianna Vargas (Alumni)
Major: Psychology
Year Abroad: 2019-2020 Academic Year
Program Location: CSUIP / Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile / Santiago de Chile
Current Position: Language and Culture Assistant
Organization: Spanish Ministry of Education

How did your study abroad experience help you with your coursework once you returned to SJSU?

My university in Chile was the number one university in the country meaning that my coursework was extremely rigorous. Attending this school taught me how to better my study happens and how to advocate for myself to professors.

How did your study abroad experience help strengthen your job prospects?
My time in Chile has made me a unique candidate for all jobs I have applied for. Studying abroad teaches you skills you could never learn in a traditional academic setting.

Please describe any skills you learned abroad that you are applying in your current academic, professional, or personal life.
The number one skill I improved on abroad is my Spanish language skills. Although I was confident in my Spanish before arriving to Chile, living and studying there was a humbling experience. In Chile, my Spanish improved immensely, and am now able to use it in all aspects of my life.

What is the most memorable experience or moment from your time abroad?
My most memorable experiences abroad were the solo trip I took to Colombia for a month, hiking Patagonia, and visiting my Chilean friends in their hometowns. A huge perk of studying abroad in the Southern Hemisphere is that the seasons are switched so if you study there for a year you get a summer break. My summer break was from December to March and I used this time to travel across Chile and other parts of South America (Colombia, Peru, and Argentina).

What other experiences do you wish you had optimized while abroad to help you in your career path?
I wish I had volunteered and participated more in school organizations. Due to COVID cutting my time short, I was unable to.

Any other advice to current Spartans about maximizing the study abroad experience? 
Say yes as much as possible, don’t be afraid to be outside your comfort zone, and try your best to make local friends!

Alycia Low

Alycia Low

Alycia Low (alum)
Major: Public Relations and Minored in Professional and Technical Writing
Term Abroad: Fall 2017
Program / Location: SJSU Exchange University of Roehampton, London, UK
Position Title: Recruiting Coordinator
Employer: Roblox

How did your study abroad experience help you with your coursework once you returned to SJSU?
Overall I think my experience helped me become more confident when it came to social interactions with my classmates. It also helped me see things from a different perspective. Having gone abroad, I recognized that there were other ways to approach questions I had about the world.

How did your study abroad experience help strengthen your job prospects?
It definitely helped me stand out as a candidate and was often a topic of conversation when interviewing. They would ask about my experience abroad and how that has shaped me. For me, studying abroad has really shaped the way I think about my career. It’s what led me to my position as a Study Abroad Student Assistant, which has helped me realize I want to go down this career path in recruiting/HR.

Please describe any skills you learned abroad that you are applying in your current academic, professional, or personal life.
Going abroad and having that experience has taught me how to have more grace and compassion for those around me who are from different parts of the world. While I was in the UK/Europe, I was a minority (as an Asian-American) and it helped me appreciate other cultures, including my own, even more!

What is the most memorable experience or moment from your time abroad?
During my last couple of weeks in the UK, I had the opportunity to travel alone in Scotland. This was probably one of the best decisions I had made. It taught me how to be self-sufficient and brought a whole new perspective on travelling. I had the unique experience of eating alone for consecutive meals, for example, and even asking fellow tourists/locals for directions or photos. Through this trip, I was also able to fully embrace the boldness I had learned over the past few months abroad, which helped me to be more confident in my social interactions and even my decisions.

What other experiences do you wish you had optimized while abroad to help you in your career path?
Although I had a great time in London, I do wish I had the opportunity to try living abroad for a longer period of time and maybe even challenge myself to go somewhere out of the ordinary. I also wish I was told that it’s okay not to travel all of Europe in that one semester, and that it’s okay to just sit and absorb what my home city has to offer. I was constantly travelling every weekend that I don’t feel like I truly got to experience London and all that it has to offer.

Any other advice to current Spartans about maximizing the study abroad experience? 
As I mentioned before, I’d highly encourage students to take time to really take in your home city/country. There’s so much your city has to offer and your program will be over before you know it, so really take it in. I think there’s a lot of pressure people put on folks (at least travelling to Europe) to explore as much as you can, but I really wish someone told me this before I planned all of these trips. This was my first time to Europe and I wish I had taken the time to get to know the folks and areas around me.