Near the river in Budapest in the pest side!
NAME: Jeremy Gaviola Quero
MAJOR: Engineering Technology Manufacturing Systems
PROGRAM: Business and Society – Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences – Rotterdam Netherlands (Spring 2023), The Intern Group – Hong Kong Special administrative regions of China (Summer 2025)
EMAIL: jeremy.quero@sjsu.edu
BIO:
Prior to this experience, studying abroad was not part of my academic plan. I had envisioned my college journey as a straightforward path—attending classes and returning home for four years. However, that perspective changed when a study abroad representative visited my engineering careers class and introduced the possibility of studying internationally. This encounter ultimately led me to spend the Spring 2023 semester at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), an experience that I believe every student should consider. I stepped out of my comfort zone, got to understand Dutch culture as well as the many other cultures present, and most importantly, I traveled across Europe with the friends I made in Rotterdam. In Summer 2025, I will further enhance my international experience by participating in The Intern Group program in Hong Kong for ten weeks. This opportunity will allow me to gain practical experience in engineering while expanding my professional and cultural understanding on a global scale. To any student considering studying or interning abroad—take the leap. These experiences go beyond academics; they are transformative opportunities for personal and professional growth, cultural exploration, and self-discovery.
GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?
I wanted to challenge myself by immersing myself in a completely new environment—living in a country where I had no prior experience, adapting to its culture, and learning how to navigate life on my own. My goal was not just to study abroad, but to truly understand how the Netherlands operates—both culturally and academically—and to prove to myself that I could succeed in a foreign setting. Living independently in a new country taught me valuable life skills, from managing day-to-day responsibilities to building connections with people from diverse backgrounds. On a professional level, I embraced the challenges that my host university presented, tackling them head-on with determination and resilience. Through this experience, I not only grew as a student but also as an individual, gaining confidence in my ability to adapt, overcome obstacles, and thrive in any environment.
PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?
The biggest impact this experience had on me was not just gaining a global perspective, but also rediscovering my own identity. As an American citizen, I’ve always been immersed in a diverse culture, but studying abroad reminded me of my roots—what it truly means to be a Filipino. Being in a foreign country, away from familiar surroundings, allowed me to reflect on my heritage and appreciate the values instilled in me by my culture. Living alone and adjusting to a completely new environment pushed me to become more independent, resilient, and adaptable. I learned how to navigate challenges, embrace uncertainty, and find ways to succeed on my own. Beyond personal growth, this experience also changed the way I see education and work. Observing how students from different countries approach learning, problem-solving, and collaboration opened my eyes to new perspectives. I took the best aspects of their work ethics and applied them to my own, ultimately shaping me into a more well-rounded and globally aware individual.
ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?
When it comes to research and presentations, ensuring success requires more than just preparation—it demands initiative and action. To excel, I make it a priority to take the first step by actively engaging in the process. Instead of relying solely on existing information, I go out into the field, make observations, and gather firsthand insights. By applying this proactive approach, I not only strengthen my research but also build confidence in my ability to analyze, present, and communicate effectively. Taking initiative allows me to develop a deeper understanding of my subject matter, making my presentations more insightful, engaging, and impactful.
CAREER: What skills did you learn / sharpen during your study abroad experience?
During my time abroad, I developed and strengthened several key skills: focus, resiliency, and perseverance. Focus: Studying abroad meant balancing independence, academics, and social life. I wanted to make the most of my time in Rotterdam—exploring the city and enjoying activities with the friends I made. However, I knew that in order to fully enjoy these experiences, I had to stay disciplined. I made it a priority to complete all my assignments before heading out, ensuring that I met my academic responsibilities while still making time for adventure. Resiliency: Adapting to a new academic system came with its challenges. The professors at RUAS often had different expectations, and there were moments when assignment instructions lacked clarity due to a lack of communication between faculty members. Rather than getting frustrated, I learned to adapt, ask the right questions, and deliver my best work despite the uncertainties. Perseverance: Moving to a new country alone meant stepping out of my comfort zone in more ways than one. I had to rebuild my social circle from scratch, which pushed me to take more initiative both in and outside of school. Through this, I formed friendships with students from all over the world, from Germany to Indonesia. This experience expanded my perspective beyond Dutch culture, allowing me to immerse myself in a truly global community. These skills—focus, resiliency, and perseverance—not only helped me thrive during my study abroad experience but continue to shape me as a student and professional today.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world?
One of the biggest takeaways from my study abroad experience was realizing that there is no single way to learn, work, or live. Different countries have their own educational systems, cultural expectations, and approaches to problem-solving. What might be considered a standard practice in one country can be entirely different in another. For example, at SJSU, the education system is structured with clear syllabi, assignment deadlines, and professors who frequently check in with students. In contrast, at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences , I noticed that the teaching approach was more independent, with professors expecting students to take more initiative in figuring out assignments. Sometimes, there were miscommunications between instructors, which required adaptability and problem-solving skills. This experience taught me how to navigate ambiguity and become more self-sufficient in my studies. Beyond academics, cultural differences also influence how people interact and collaborate. In some cultures, teamwork and collective decision-making are highly valued, while in others, individual initiative is encouraged. Meeting students from diverse backgrounds helped me see that there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” way to work—just different approaches shaped by history, traditions, and societal norms. Understanding this has made me more open-minded and adaptable when working in international environments. This realization is something I will carry with me into my future career. The world is increasingly interconnected, and being able to adapt to different working styles, respect diverse perspectives, and embrace new ways of learning will be crucial in any professional setting. This perspective has already pushed me further, leading me to apply for and secure a position with The Intern Group in Hong Kong for Summer 2025. I am eager to experience yet another work culture and gain even more insights into how people around the world approach education and business.
FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future?
This experience prepared me not just for school but for life. The way I see things now is completely different from how I did in those six months in 2023. Moving forward, studying abroad has taught me to be more independent and has given me greater confidence in my academic methods. Meeting new people from different backgrounds helped me realize that everyone has their own way of working and their own unique journey. Personally, I will continue to challenge myself by taking more risks to grow and become more successful. Studying abroad pushed me beyond my limits, inspiring me to seek even greater opportunities. Because of this, I took another leap and successfully secured a position with The Intern Group for the Hong Kong program in Summer 2025. This is another step in my journey of personal and professional growth, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
TIPS: What advice would you give to future Global Spartans?
If I could give one piece of advice to future Global Spartans, it would be this: take initiative and challenge yourself—not just as a student, but as a person. Studying or interning abroad is more than just an academic or professional experience; it’s an opportunity for personal growth, cultural exploration, and self-discovery. Wherever you go, embrace the journey with an open mind and a willingness to push your limits. It’s natural to feel nervous about traveling to a new country, especially if it’s your first time living abroad. However, don’t let fear hold you back. The only person stopping you from experiencing life is yourself. Say yes to opportunities, whether it’s trying new foods, learning a new language, or making friends from different backgrounds. Every new experience will help shape you into a more confident, adaptable, and globally aware individual. Opportunities like these don’t come around often. Make the most of them. Whether you’re studying, interning, or volunteering abroad, commit yourself fully to the experience. Engage with your host culture, get involved in local activities, and challenge yourself academically and professionally. There will be moments of uncertainty and challenges along the way, but that’s where the real growth happens. While academics or professional work are important, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Travel, explore, and immerse yourself in the culture of your host country. Meet new people, form lifelong friendships, and create memories that you’ll carry with you forever. The best stories come from the experiences you never expected to have, so be spontaneous and embrace the adventure. One of the greatest gifts of studying or interning abroad is the perspective it gives you. You’ll return home with a new way of seeing the world—more open-minded, more adaptable, and more prepared to take on future challenges. These experiences shape you into a better global citizen, capable of working and connecting with people from all walks of life. So to all future Global Spartans, take that leap of faith. Challenge yourself, step beyond what’s comfortable, and embrace every moment. The lessons you’ll learn, the friendships you’ll make, and the experiences you’ll gain will stay with you for a lifetime.