Tag Archives: Global Ambassadors

Imaan Siddiqui

Imaan Siddiqui

MAJOR: Psychology

PROGRAM: FLP – The Cultured Personality, Italy

EMAIL: imaan.siddiqui@sjsu.edu

BIO: I am a psychology major and not only did I want to take the Psychology of Personality course, but I wanted to do so abroad. Studying psychology in another country offered a unique opportunity to gain profound insights into the influence of culture on human behavior, broadened my understanding of global mental health issues, and helped me grow professionally and personally. I also love studying other cultures and what better way to do that than to be there in person and have that full immersive experience! Last but not least, I have always wanted to go to Italy!

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: In high school, I was the secretary of the Muslim Student Association, was the mascot of my class, was a part of the National Honors Society, was a Freshman Link officer, and was part of the DEI club. Currently, I am a writing tutor at the Writing Center here at SJSU and am the vice president of the new Sustainability and Climate Innovation Club. I have had lots of opportunities to work and lead students using the knowledge I have acquired through my experiences.

GOALS: Through participating in this program, my goals were to experience personal growth, learn about cross-cultural perspectives and comparative social psychology, as well as global approaches to mental health and applied research opportunities.

ACADEMICS: I took the Psychology of Personality Italy Abroad (FLP) program. I made sure to do all required assignments and keep up with readings to curate context and mindfulness regarding our itinerary. Keeping up with the readings allowed for meaningful discussion among our class and with tourists. Now that I have returned, I feel motivated to do assignments, keeping in mind various perspectives and practicing patience.

This me was visiting the city of Pompeii on a very hot and sunny day!

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: This class gave me exposure to how psychology is understood, practiced, and perceived in different cultures which broadened my horizons and promoted critical thinking about my own culture’s norms. Learning how culture shapes the expression, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions helped me become a more culturally sensitive and competent learner. Identifying which concepts and theories in psychology transcend cultural boundaries and are more specific to certain cultures deepened my understanding of the human mind’s complexities. Observing the dynamics of social groups in a new culture allowed me to compare social behaviors and norms, helping me understand the impact of culture on social interactions. Exploring the differences in how self-identity, social roles, and communication are shaped by collectivistic or individualistic cultures expanded my understanding of human interactions. Understanding how cultural differences can contribute to misunderstandings and learning the skills of intercultural communication is invaluable.

CAREER: Exploring the use of traditional healing practices, complementary therapies, and their integration with Western psychological approaches expanded my knowledge base of the various ways to provide mental healthcare. Learning about different cultural perspectives on resilience and effective coping mechanisms helped identify new ways to support people from diverse backgrounds. Understanding the global disparities in mental health treatment and the cultural stigma attached to mental illness helped me be an advocate for change. Hands-on experience in a cross-cultural setting provided invaluable insights into real-world applications of psychological principles and allowed me to make meaningful contributions.

PERSONAL GROWTH: Living and studying in a new culture challenged my comfort zone, fostered resilience, and encouraged me to be more open to different worldviews. Being immersed in a new environment led to introspection, and taught me more about my own cultural biases and personal values. By gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures, I developed a broader perspective and learned to become a more responsible and empathetic global citizen.

IDENTITIES: As a woman in Italy, you definitely get some lingering stares (not bad just noticeable). I also found myself questioning my own religious and moral beliefs being in a country which has lower drinking ages.

FUTURE: It has allowed me to become more independent and confident in myself. It fostered an environment for me to be able to grow more into myself. It has opened so many opportunities and connections for me! With these connections, I am able to try and learn new skills that are useful in my field.

TIPS: I would advise them to enjoy their experiences and be open to making life-long friends! This is an opportunity of a lifetime. While you travel, take the time to be grateful and open to new experiences. It will make the trip that much more memorable and meaningful.

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.

Kai Lim

Kai Lim

MAJOR: Business Admin/International Business

PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Sophia University, Japan

EMAIL: kai.lim@sjsu.edu

BIO: As someone who was born in Tokyo and has family over there, I share a strong connection with the city and Japan overall. I want to pursue a career in international business, which may involve long-term travel and interaction with diverse groups of people. Thus, I felt Tokyo to be a more than suitable location for my study abroad.

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: I have had two internships and two jobs, one in Tokyo! I was also the Service chair for my fraternity right before I left for exchange. Now I am the Alumni Relations chair for the same fraternity.

GOALS: I was hoping to be more immersed in Tokyo, to experience the life of being a student in Japan. I wanted to explore as many facets of Japan as I could. I was immersed in the fashion, the trendy areas, the local areas, food, nightlife, and general lifestyle. I wanted to make friends from all over, so that when I do further traveling in my own time, I can have points of contact during my travels. The goal was to make lifelong friends, and experience new experiences in Tokyo with them.

Yukata day at Sophia University. We boarded the booze cruise soon after

ACADEMICS: I would say the academics in Japan are easier, as their system has it so that middle and high school are intense, while university is more relaxed (much to the opposite of the United States).I did not want to take a heavy course load so that I can enjoy my time in Japan as much as I could, which I achieved. I even took another Japanese class, which met 5 days a week. I could have taken 2 business classes but I chose Japanese due to myself wanting further immersion.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: It makes me understand more that while every culture has different behaviors and mindsets, people are people at the end of the day. A German likes to party as much as a Brazilian, and a Japanese student likes to hang out and go to cafes like any other American, The world seems so different and vast, but we really are similar.

CAREER: I understood what mannerisms + behaviors are applicable to most people globally. I can just about converse with anyone from many different backgrounds. I figured out how to maintain global friendships.

PERSONAL GROWTH: So much of myself changed due to the study abroad program. I became more social than ever, and living on your own in a different country makes you a more independent individual. Creating friendships from scratch.

IDENTITIES: Being Asian American, especially half Japanese is an interesting dynamic in Japan. In Japan, to be truly Japanese, you need to be a part of the culture, to have grown inside it and understand the niche jokes of the generations.

FUTURE: It helped me a lot with independence and connecting.

TIPS: Talk to as much people as possible. DO Live in a share house with MANY other people. CONGREGATE in the lounge to make friends, and SAY YES to spontaneous adventures.

 

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.

Mikhail Benitez

Mikhail Benitez

MAJOR: Business Admin/International Business

PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Sophia University, Japan

EMAIL: mikhailhumphrey.benitez@sjsu.edu

BIO: Hi, I’m Mikhail Benitez, and I spent a year studying abroad at Sophia University in Japan. I decided to take on this challenge to immerse myself in a culture that had always intrigued me. Although I had always been fascinated by Japan, living there never seemed like a real possibility – especially since I had never even visited the country before. When I discovered SJSU’s study abroad program, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to experience life in Japan firsthand. It would push me out of my comfort zone, help me grow personally, and allow me to form connections with people from around the world. That’s why I chose to study abroad.

LEADER, VOLUNTEER, OR JOB EXPERIENCES: I’ve never been in any leadership roles but I’ve done a bit of community service before. The only job experience I’ve had is a part-time barista job.

GOALS: My goals for studying abroad were to grow personally and to immerse myself in a new culture. Looking back, I feel accomplished both. I became more confident and greatly improved my self-efficacy. I also learned to be more social, forming friendships with people I never expected. Studying abroad also pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and helped me become more independent. I learned to explore Tokyo alone, to handle paying my bills on time, and solving problems that arise.

A photo I took while surfing in Chiba with friends. The waves were bigger than I expected.

ACADEMICS: I was enrolled in a Japanese language class and business classes, and while the experience was rewarding overall, the first few days were challenging. One of the key challenges of studying abroad is managing your time effectively. I had to find a balance between studying for my courses and making time to explore Tokyo with friends. I didn’t want to spend all my time studying, but I also didn’t want to neglect my academic responsibilities. To stay on track, I wrote down everything I needed to do and carefully managed my time. This approach had a significant positive impact on my academics, allowing me to succeed in my classes while still enjoying my time in Tokyo.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: My study abroad experience significantly broadened my perspective of the world. Immersing myself in the culture of my host country gave me a deeper appreciation for its traditions, values, and way of life. By participating in cultural events and taking language classes at my host university, I connected with the local community and gained insight into everyday life that I wouldn’t have learned as a tourist. Meeting other international students was also a great experience. Learning about their home countries, their customs, and their unique experiences opened my eyes to the diversity of the world. The interaction I had with them motivated me to travel more and explore other cultures firsthand. It was through these conversations that I realized just how small my perspective of the world has been. Studying abroad helped me understand that there is so much more to learn and experience beyond my own familiar surroundings, and it fuels my curiosity to continue broadening my worldview.

CAREER: My study abroad experience significantly broadened my perspective of the world. Immersing myself in the culture of my host country gave me a deeper appreciation for its traditions, values, and way of life. By participating in cultural events and taking language classes at my host university, I connected with the local community and gained insight into everyday life that I wouldn’t have learned as a tourist.

Meeting other international students was also a great experience. Learning about their home countries, their customs, and their unique experiences opened my eyes to the diversity of the world. The interaction I had with them motivated me to travel more and explore other cultures firsthand. It was through these conversations that I realized just how small my perspective of the world has been. Studying abroad helped me understand that there is so much more to learn and experience beyond my own familiar surroundings, and it fuels my curiosity to continue broadening my worldview.

PERSONAL GROWTH: Studying in Japan had a big impact on me, especially in building my confidence. Naturally, I’m a shy and quiet person, and approaching others to introduce myself was something I rarely did. I struggled with low self-confidence and self-efficacy, though I wasn’t sure why. Before leaving for Japan, I made it a goal to work on that. While there, I faced situations that were challenging and uncomfortable. In the past, I would have avoided them, but those experiences ultimately helped me grow. Reflecting on it now, I feel that I made all the right choices, and I returned more confident than when I left.

FUTURE: My experience abroad has equipped me to handle challenging situations more effectively. Moving to a foreign country can feel overwhelming, with so much new information coming at you all at once. During my first few days in Tokyo, I faced several struggles – figuring out how to get an IC card, learning how to navigate buses and trains, and adjusting to living alone in a foreign country. It was intimidating, but it forced me to adapt and grow.

TIPS: My advice to future Global Spartans is to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the challenges that may seem intimidating. Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity for personal growth, as well as for creating lifelong memories with new friends. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there and fully enjoy the experience. Many of the students I met were initially shy, but by the end of their time abroad, they had gained confidence and were thriving in Japan. So, be bold. Approach your study abroad journey with the goal of having no regrets when its over and you won’t be disappointed.