Tag Archives: Business Administration/Marketing

Salvador Lopez Rosas

Friends made in courses

NAME: Salvador Lopez Rosas

MAJOR: Business Administration/Marketing

PROGRAM: CSU IP – Micefa – Universites De Paris – Spring 2025

EMAIL: salvadorlopez449@gmail.com

BIO:

I am soon to be graduate marketing major, and I spent last semester studying abroad in Paris. I chose to go because I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of living in a completely new place and immersing myself in a different culture. More than anything, I wanted an experience I could look back on and say, “I did that, it was mine.”

Studying abroad was also a way for me to step outside my comfort zone in a big way. People always say to go out and explore the world because there is so much more out there, and I have always believed that. But actually living it, navigating a new culture, learning to adapt, and taking it all in, was something I had always wanted to do. Now I have, and it is an experience I will carry with me forever.

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

A personal goal that I achieved when I had flew out there was creating a life for myself beyond school. Making friends, learning the culture, the language and connect with as many people as possible. Academically was to pass the courses I took in the first place, but also to challenge myself with taking a lot of classes and balancing experiencing the most as well. The professional goals I had when I embarked my journey was to connect with many people in the case that I wanted to seek employment there in the future. I leveraged my professors networks and was able to connect with specific people in specific companies in the case that I want to seek employment, my professors also added they would be willing to extend letters of recommendation in the case where I might need one.

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

The biggest impact study abroad had on me was being able to experience more. In doing so, I now want to experience cultures I may not be too familiar with. Experiencing that there is more has given me the confidence that there is no challenge I cant overcome. From starting landing in a country I had never been before nor speak the language, making connections I never thought I would make and now having an experience that I created for myself, there is nothing that I am completely intimidated by. The experience is something that will stick with me forever and more so something I will use in my everyday life!        

  1. For a small example I was working yesterday and started talking to a couple in French, we talked about they’re stay here and where in France they’re from. I didn’t even know how to say hello in French the beginning of the year. 

 ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad? I took a total of 8 courses, an A0 French course, French course, Competitive Intelligence, Principals of Finance, Doing business abroad, Web Marketing, Data Analysis, and Global Brand management. I formed/created study groups within each class in order to make sure every assignment/ topic was being covered, furthermore I made specific schedules of when I would do work for a specific course as well as a priority list for projects including deadlines. So far it has translated into my personal/professional life in being able to manage time a lot more efficiently.

 CAREER: What skills did you learn / sharpen during your study abroad experience? Studying abroad in Paris completely changed my mindset and the way I approach life. Experiencing a new culture, forming friendships, and having conversations with people from different backgrounds helped me become more open-minded and independent. Academically, I challenged myself by taking eight courses and staying organized through study groups and scheduling, which has improved my time management back home. Personally and professionally, I built a life beyond the classroom  learning the language, immersing myself in the culture, and networking with professors and professionals who offered long-term support. Overall, the experience helped me grow in every aspect and continues to shape how I think and engage with the world.

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

It has changed completely, in having conversations with friends I made abroad, professors, and comparing our cultures I see things differently as well as think differently. I feel as if I’m no longer tied to a specific cultures way of thinking. Things or scenarios I once would might have a negative opinion on I now seek to understand, it goes further than a perspective I would argue it goes for some as deep as identity. 

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

Studying abroad has prepared me for the future by pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me become more adaptable, independent, and open-minded. Living in a completely different culture taught me how to navigate unfamiliar situations, communicate across language barriers, and think from different perspectives. Managing eight courses while balancing cultural experiences taught me strong time management and how to prioritize, which I now apply to my personal and professional life. On top of that, building connections with professors and professionals abroad gave me confidence and opened doors in case I want to work internationally. Overall, it gave me the mindset and skills I need to take on whatever comes next!

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

Experience as much as possible, and say yes to as much as possible while you are abroad. Take that extra trip and talk to everyone in your class or job! You will only be that old again, in that city, country or region so make the most out of it! 

Danrielle Cruda

Supporting our friend, Shingo, on the KGU football team at their first game of the season!

NAME: Danrielle Cruda

MAJOR: Business Administration/Marketing

PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan – Spring 2025

EMAIL: danrielle.cruda@sjsu.edu

BIO:

Hello! I’m Danrielle Cruda and I am a 4th year student studying Business Administration in Marketing. I like to label myself as a creative individual who explores all aspects of art, whether that be pottery to painting with acrylics and oils. A huge part of my identity derives from my passion for art. I love to try new foods, embark on spontaneous adventures with my friends, travel, and appreciate the mundane in everywhere I go. I am a strong advocate for living life to the absolute fullest. 

As a Filipino-American daughter who shares the first-gen experience, I always possessed a strong sense of curiosity in culture and tradition. Growing up around the Bay area helped fuel my desire for community and diversity. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of visiting Japan and immersing myself in Japanese culture. I wouldn’t say I was an “otaku,” but I loved to learn the basics of the language and watch Japanese media. I watched anime, studied simple phrases and terms, and took note of all the food and places I wanted to experience one day. Upon entering my first year of college, I was encouraged by my brother to approach the study abroad booth at the Freshmen Resource Fair. I was very hesitant at first. Spending time outside of the country that I grew up in seemed utterly insane. However, my brother told me that his biggest regret as an SJSU alumni was never taking the chance to study abroad. Those words changed my life. I approached the booth, and kept the idea of studying abroad in the back of my mind. From Spring 2023-Fall 2024, the application to study abroad in Japan opened and I jumped at the chance to combine my childhood dream with this once in a lifetime opportunity. 

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

Before studying abroad, I had a clear vision of how I wanted to grow both personally and professionally. I realized I had grown too comfortable in San Jose, and it felt as though it was hindering my personal growth. I knew that it was time for me to expand my horizons. However, I was anxious at the idea of leaving America for longer than 3 weeks. But, I know that if I let my fears drive my consciousness, then I will never be able to accomplish all the amazing goals I have set out for myself. 

I wanted to become more independent while I studied abroad. I enjoyed spending time on my own and handling things myself, but I still felt dependent on the normal, daily routine I was used to. As March approached, I took note of everything I wanted to achieve for me, and no one else:

  1. Be okay with doing things for myself and not for other people. I struggled with being a people pleaser and giving up my own values and morals for the sake of other people’s happiness. It started to take a hit on my mental health prior to my departure, so I wanted to take advantage of being in a new environment to practice self-love. I had plenty of time outside of my university schedule in Japan, so I used it to spend time with myself and navigate through my emotions.
  2. Give roses to my everyday efforts. I am quick to devalue any achievement I have because I see it as something I was supposed to do, and not something I should be proud of myself for. I always thought that the checkpoints of my progress had to seem grand, but it’s through the efforts I make everyday where I am becoming the woman I want to be. Studying abroad in Japan is a childhood dream of mine that I am very proud of myself for accomplishing. 
  3. Be culturally and academically sound. As a hardworking student, my performance in the classroom has never fallen short. But, spending time abroad helped me realize that knowledge extends beyond four walls and a textbook. Being in my 20s, I recognize that this is a formative time of my life – my brain is a sponge, and I am in my prime to absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible. I want to understand and learn about all the different cultures around the world. I don’t want to be a tourist at the places I travel to, but rather a local who prioritizes community and connections.

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

My study abroad experience helped me learn who I was always meant to be. Before departing to Japan, I was unsure of what I wanted for myself. My vision for the future was clouded with uncertainty and doubt. I wasn’t confident in who I was, and I desperately sought for a sense of purpose and clarity. I was hoping that my time abroad would guide me towards the direction I was meant to take, and it did just that. I want to explore what the world has to offer, and embrace every opportunity that will shape me into a wiser and compassionate person. 

Meeting people from all over the world who shared a passion for traveling rubbed off me like laughter in a crowded room. This commonality among us was plentiful and warm, and I was inspired by the stories I heard from my friends when they visited other countries. It was refreshing to hear different perspectives of the world outside of the mindset I was comfortable in. As my international friends narrated their journeys from across the world, I grew to understand the beauty of traveling. It is a privilege to feel uncomfortable, to set your eyes on wonders unfamiliar to you, and to educate yourself on a new culture. I realized that the act of traveling was less of the destination, and more of the experience that you curate it to be. 

Now that I returned to the states, I yearn for the cultural exchange that I was surrounded by every day. Studying abroad accelerated the growth that I wanted for myself, and I am deeply grateful to carry these experiences as defining moments in my early twenties. Japan has impacted me in the most surreal ways and has given me the courage to step foot into the unknown. I love the independence I gained from my time abroad, and I hope to nurture this moving forward. 

 ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?

These are the courses I chose to take for credit at Kwansei Gakuin University in Nishinomiya, Japan:

  • Human Resource Management in the USA, Multicultural Collaboration in English, JSC Global and Local Actions around in the SDGs, Management A, Basic Management, JSC Modern Japan Seminar B1, JSC Pragmatics and Cultures in Japan, JSC Innovation and Intrapreneurship, JSC Environment Issues in Modern Japan

At first, I was worried about taking more classes than I’m used to. I had classes from Monday-Friday, with my latest class ending at 6:40pm and my earliest class starting at 8:50am. The classes were around 1hr 45mins, which is longer than a regular lecture at SJSU. It took some time getting used to the longer class time and navigating through a much larger campus. Nonetheless, I was able to adapt quite quickly and found my routine here. 

My courses met up once a week, so the homework for each class was due the following week or the weekend before. This made it easy for me to finish my work and ensure my academic success. I procrastinated less than I usually do back at SJSU. When an assignment was given, I finished it a few days before the deadline because I was incentivized to give myself free time to travel or explore. My professors were relatively forgiving when it came to make-up work. KGU does not allow more than 5 absences for the Modern Japan Track, so that forced me to keep going to class. My friends and I would occupy the study rooms in our dorm and stay up to finish homework as well. 

The work assigned at KGU for the exchange students was more manageable compared to the assignments in my courses at SJSU. I was given more time to finish my homework abroad, so returning to SJSU is an academic shock for me. I need to re-adjust to how fast-paced the courses are. On the other hand, receiving feedback and the opinions of other international students in group projects has helped me become a more well-rounded team member. I am more receptive and understanding in collaborative settings. 

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

As a business major, it is extremely important for me to develop strong networking skills and communicate with people effectively. My extroverted personality made it easier for me to initiate meaningful conversation. However, studying abroad challenged my ability to adapt to different communication styles. I realized that the context of the conversation itself is essential in understanding cultural differences. I had to refine my English and reword the way I said certain things so it was simple enough for someone to comprehend.

Upon returning to my on-campus internship with Associated Students, I had a meeting with my supervisor to discuss the changes around the marketing department. I pitched ideas to improve the organization’s marketing tools and we worked together to reinvent the creative direction for A.S. promotion materials. The group projects I worked on abroad encouraged me to take the initiative and lead with confidence. Collaborating with students from very different cultural backgrounds forced me to be intentional with my work as some acted more passively. I carried this over to fulfill my responsibilities at Associated Students. 

The constant exposure to a new environment challenged me to practice different forms of expressions. I understood that direct statements may project the wrong tone, so I learned how to adjust my dialogue depending on who I was working with in the classroom. From this, I developed a sharper sense to navigate through unfamiliar situations and assess the most appropriate way to respond to my peers with respect and empathy.

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

Immersing myself in Japan has transformed my perspective of the world and my place in it. One of the moments I was very excited to experience abroad was making friends from all over the world. I wanted to engage with people from different backgrounds, but I wasn’t sure how people perceived Americans, especially because I am multiethnic. However, it never posed an issue. It was super fun to meet new people and hear what country everyone was from. I made life-long friends from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Canada, Indonesia, South Korea, and of course, Japan. We shared each other’s values, traditions, national foods, and described how our cultures were similar and different. 

One important realization I had was how culturally ignorant many Americans – including myself – can be without realizing it. I had specific reservations about each country and would ask my friends if it was true, or if it was a stereotype that I was taught to believe in. It was really interesting to hear what was true or not about certain countries. For example, I thought Australians were associated with bugs and kangaroos. My Australian friends told me that they actually do eat kangaroos. One of my friends who live further from the city limits of Sydney has them in her backyard. In return, many people see Americans as self-absorbed and loud. After learning about low context and high context cultures, I explained that Americans are generally more direct in comparison to other countries. It may come off as rude to others who prefer less direct communication. For example, America is an individualist society that embraces diversity while Japan is a collectivist society that emphasizes harmony and peace. 

Studying abroad has been such a privilege in deepening my understanding of different cultures and broadening my global perspectives. I can confidently say that I am growing into a more open-minded version of myself who values education on diversity and the cultures that shape the world that we share. 

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

 FUTURE: How has studying or interning abroad prepared you for your future?

Studying abroad in Japan gifted me with the newfound ability to find peace in my solitude. As I work to finish my last year at SJSU, I realize how much of my future weighs in every decision I choose to make moving forward. These decisions are up to me and no one else, and that in itself can become lonely and anxiety inducing at times. However, I always remind myself that if I was able to navigate through a foreign country all on my own, then I can absolutely tackle any objective that comes my way. 

In Japan, I was often faced with conflicts alone, whether that be the public transportation system, ordering food at a restaurant, or simply communicating with the cashier at the convenience stores to check out. While it felt frustrating at the moment, these situations strengthened my problem solving skills and tested my resourcefulness. I allowed myself to embrace discomfort and converted the frustration into a lesson that would prepare me for future obstacles. Furthermore, communicating with the locals enabled me to learn different communication styles and how to approach language barriers effectively. This prepares me to collaborate with different kinds of people in both my corporate and creative career. 

I was always surrounded by an excited environment, which forced me to hold myself accountable when juggling my academic and social life. I also learned how to budget while being an unemployed, extreme spender. My time in Japan introduced me to the reality of adulthood and pushed me to develop critical thinking skills that I can apply in leadership roles and project management. 

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

Don’t vacation like a tourist, live like a local. BE OPEN-MINDED. I believe that it is extremely important to say yes to almost every opportunity that presents itself abroad. As a future Global Spartan, you are about to embark on one of the most amazing experiences in your college career. Not everyone is able to take the opportunity to study abroad outside of their home country, so it is truly a blessing to continue your academics while taking the time to study a culture you are unaware of. There is a version of yourself that you cannot access in the current environment you are in, so water that seed that is outside of the garden you have always tended to. Find the beauty in the mundane, relish in the nights you club all night, and cherish the late night conversations with the friends you will make from all over the world. Studying abroad is a healing experience, and you get what you make out of it. You are made for it all. 

Sean Su

NAME: Sean Su
MAJOR: Business Marketing
PROGRAM: CSU IP – Taiwan National University
EMAIL: sean.su@sjsu.edu

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

Hello my name is Sean Su and I am a 4th year Business Marketing major at San Jose State University! Last semester I had the opportunity to experience a study abroad program hosted by CSUIP at National Taiwan University. A lot of factors contributed to this decision but it dwindled down to these 2 reasons. As a Taiwanese-American growing up in a Mandarin/Englsih spoken household, I was constantly surrounded by Taiwanese culture through the foods we ate, the holidays/events such as Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn festival, and most importantly, the language, which was used to communicate with family/relatives. The 2nd reason was “cause why not?” Many students would pounce on the opportunity to live in a foreign country, free from the shackles of their parents while simultaneously contributing to their undergraduate education. And now that the party has ended, I have met many like-minded individuals with similar backgrounds from different parts of the world, also wanting to learn more about the country, culture, and experience.

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.

Being born in America, you speak english everywhere. That being said, my mandarin was falling behind as the chances to speak the language only resided amongst family. Ever since going to Taiwan, my Mandarin speaking has improved as I had no other option when it came to everyday activities such as ordering food, meeting new people, and literally anywhere you go. On top of that, I learned to read and write traditional chinese characters as before I never needed to know how to read or write in America. Lastly, my extraverted side came loose as I had to be social in order to make friends, create plans, and make fond memories with one another. I was able to make a ton of friends from different parts of the world and if I ever need a place to crash at in their respective country, i’ll have a place to stay.

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 personal goals for studying abroad was to enhance my knowledge on my chinese speaking ability and to learn how to read and write in chinese. On top of that I wanted to learn how to be independent. Whether I starve to death is up to me, no one can help me but myself. Additionally I was responsible for keeping my room tidy, my bathroom clean and toiletries stocked. I was able to live by myself and for myself.

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

The biggest impact that study abroad had on me was definitely the friends I made along my journey. I now have my best and closest friends all around the world. Down the line, if I ever need help I know I have a wide range of people to call on if it ever comes down to it.

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?

My academic experience at National Taiwan University (NTU) was amazing as I was taught how to read and write mandarin and on top of that able to learn business the way Taiwan teaches it. NTU is known as the Harvard of Taiwan so the experience of going to a prestigious foreign school was also another thing I was able to have under my belt. Now that I returned to SJSU, I am able to adjust to the rigor that the classes entail as NTU and its classes were not easy.

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

My program which was based in Taiwan, a second world country in Asia has a completely different way of life compared to America. First and foremost, the biggest difference I saw was the amount of priviledge we have in America where the standard of living is alot higher than most countries in the world, Taiwan included. The things we take for granted such as $10-20 worth of food is normal but in Taiwan a normal meal costs around $3-5 and theres no obligation to tip. The people of Taiwan go through trial and fire to make a living while a normal person in the America has a minimum wage 3x more than those in Taiwan.

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

Study abroad has prepared me for the networking/communicating abilities that I have learned as I will meet more diverse and culturally different people in my life. This is experience is one to look back on in the future and give me alot of nostalgia as it was the best decision i’ve ever made in my life that I have experienced.

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

One advice that I would give to a future Global Spartan is to be extraverted to meet new people in the beginning of the semester and be open-minded to the difference and culture compared to America and embrace it as your own.

Katherine Huang

NAME: Katherine Huang
MAJOR: Business Administration/Marketing
PROGRAM: ISEP Tokyo National University
EMAIL: katherineh885@gmail.com

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

I’m Katherine Huang, and I studied in Japan in Fall 2022 as a third year business marketing major. I came to SJSU the fall of 2020 when life was heavily impacted by Covid-19. My first two years of university were compromised due to the pandemic. Going into my third year, I was set on taking opportunities whenever I could. After talking to a few friends about their amazing experiences abroad, I only grew more excited. Eventually, I chose Japan, because I have always been intrigued by their culture, such as their food, car scene, cultural festivals, public transportation, nature/national parks, etc. I wanted to put myself in an unfamiliar environment to see what I’m capable of and to challenge myself to grow. Spoiler alert: I grew. A lot. And now I have precious memories of my time abroad. It was a lot of work, but I don’t regret any of it. I would do it all again in a heartbeat! It was truly one of the best choices I ever made for myself.

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.

I was placed in an environment that pushed me to grow my soft skills. The saying is true: You get out what you put in. Once you’re abroad, you have to put yourself out there and take risks. I was nervous about making friends and building a community with people so different from me. I didn’t want to miss out though, so I took opportunities to talk to people in the dorms, in class, around campus, and even when I ran into them at the train station. I was able to meet people from all walks of life—people from other cities, states, and countries. We still keep in touch, and there’s a mutual understanding that we’ll be there to help each other if we’re ever in the same area.

Additionally, I still keep in touch with a professor! We bonded over a shared passion for Japanese sports cars, and he introduced me to another student who showed me around the local car scene. Being able to talk and network is a skill that I was able to hone, and it is arguably one of the most important skills for marketing majors. Now, I feel much more comfortable and confident initiating conversations.

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?

Personally, I wanted to branch out and meet new people. I was looking forward to a different pace of life and connecting with a new community. I didn’t just learn about Japanese culture, I met people who taught me all about their cultures and countries. It was a beautiful bonding experience meeting people and celebrating our differences just as much as similarities.

Academic-wise, I was excited about being on a completely new campus with new faces, new professors, new faculty, and courses that aren’t available at SJSU. For example, I was able to learn about Japan’s culture and society. Not only was this course fun, but it was also very helpful. I plan on working in Japan in the future, so learning about the culture was insightful.

Regarding professional goals, I was interested in observing Japan’s work culture first hand. There is no doubt that the work ethic in that country is well known, and I wanted to experience it and become inspired. Before I went abroad, I felt pretty burnt out in a lot of areas, including with my career. My goal was to come back to the states with renewed vigor, ready to give 100% to my career and education.

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

I truly feel like I came back wiser and braver. Being abroad pushed me to be fearless and spontaneous. I’m graduating next spring, and the reality of adulthood is starting to set in. The unknown is daunting, but I feel brave enough to face it. Japan started off as completely new, unexplored territory for me, but within four months, I was calling it home. My experience in Japan has taught me that I’m capable of much more than I had ever imagined.

I also have a newfound gratitude for things in the US that weren’t in Japan. For example, drive thrus! And In-n-Out. Costco $1.50 hot dogs. And ranch!!! I missed ranch so much. It’s my favorite sauce. In all seriousness though, I really do appreciate everything I have now.

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 four courses: Leadership, Creativity, and Organizational Renewal; Japanese Society, Social Media and Business; Business Communication and Productivity. First and foremost, I made friends in class. Having friends can help hold you accountable and incentivize you to come to class. Moreover, being familiar with classmates can make group projects much more smooth and enjoyable.

I also made sure I was recognizable to professors. I participated, asked questions, talked to them after class, and built a relationship with them. Establishing a connection with professors is imperative to academic success. It’s easier to ask for help when you’re familiar with your teachers.

Now that I’m back at SJSU, I still strive to be present and engaged in class for my peers and professors.

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

Studying abroad helped me discover a happiness I’ve never known before. Despite this experience being for me, I didn’t feel like the main character—and that’s a good thing! It felt so freeing to decentralize myself; it made my worries feel much smaller. I was more intent on learning about other people and other cultures; learning more about myself was just a byproduct of the process. Every individual I met is so unique and has a story that has impacted me. I am a mosaic of everyone I met; I carry little pieces of them with me.

Since coming back, I still keep that open mind and eagerness to learn about others. It’s amazing how much you can absorb when you listen more and talk less. Going abroad has humbled me and reminded me that I’m a student of life above all else. The vast world has so much to offer, and there’s always opportunities to learn and grow if you’re willing to look and listen.

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

I’ve always been in a rush to grow up and reach the next milestone, but being abroad has taught me to really slow down and smell the roses. Not having a car in Japan meant I had to walk most places, and although I didn’t like it at first, I grew to enjoy it. Walking allowed me to take the whole world in, soak up the sun’s warmth, and appreciate the journey.

I also grew more conscious about financials, and financial literacy is such an important skill for adulthood. Being abroad made me aware about currency exchange rates, my spending/saving habits, how much I’m willing to pay for experiences versus material items, and more.

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

Take a leap of faith. If you are on the fence, just go for it. You have a community of people who will support you and welcome you with open arms, whether that’s Study Abroad Alumni, SJSU faculty, host university faculty, host families, the local community, other students, etc. You are never alone in your endeavors, and you have so many resources available to you! Put in the work, and your efforts will come to fruition. I hope you study abroad; it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.