NAME: Cara Cahambing
MAJOR: Public Health
PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Liverpool John Moores University, England
EMAIL: carajordan.cahambing@sjsu.edu
BIO: My name is Cara, and I’m a fourth-year student at SJSU. In the spring of 2024, I studied abroad in England, which was an exciting experience for me. I’ve always loved traveling, and this trip gave me a chance to explore a new place. I chose to study abroad because I wanted to grow as a person and learn more about myself.
LEADERSHIP, VOLUNTEER, AND JOB EXPERIENCES: I’ve held internship positions and leadership roles in my campus organization. Some of these internship roles worked within local communities and leading a hgihschol cohort of students in community outreach. I’ve also been selected to attend leadership conferences, which took me to Seattle and Mississippi.
GOALS: During my study abroad experience, I set out to achieve several personal, academic, and professional goals. Personally, I wanted to become more independent and confident by navigating a new country on my own. Academically, I aimed to broaden my perspective by immersing myself in a different educational system and learning from diverse cultural viewpoints. Professionally, I sought to develop skills that would make me more adaptable and globally aware, qualities I believe are essential in today’s interconnected world. Each of these goals helped shape a more well-rounded and self-assured version of myself.
ACADEMICS: While abroad, I took mainly public health courses and one nutrition course for my minor. The school wasn’t very strict about attendance, as most of the course materials were posted online, and there were no regular homework assignments. Instead, the focus was on the final exam and independent research. Adjusting to this system was challenging because they used different research methods and writing formats. The classes were smaller, requiring active participation if the professor was engaging. However, many professors simply lectured for hours until the class ended. Academically, these courses gave me insight into the public health issues that are more prominent in the Eastern hemisphere. For the finals, we were often allowed to choose our own topics, and the professors encouraged us to select something that genuinely interested us.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Studying abroad has shifted my perspective on many aspects of life, from daily habits to my overall outlook. I had always heard that Americans are judged for pursuing careers that make them happy, even if it doesn’t align with their family’s expectations. Meanwhile, the stereotype suggests that people in other countries are more academically driven to meet family expectations. However, I found this isn’t entirely true. In fact, people abroad often live by rules that promote a healthier lifestyle and a more relaxed approach to life. Students immerse themselves in topics that interest them, with an education system that encourages deep research rather than assigning excessive homework.
During my stay with family in Italy, I noticed they were strict about meal times and only drank coffee after 11 a.m. to avoid dependency. I enjoyed the more relaxed pace of life, and surprisingly, I felt healthier, especially compared to how I usually feel in the U.S.
CAREER: My experience abroad taught me how to adapt more effectively to different cultures, both professionally and socially. Being in a foreign country without speaking the native language can be challenging, and it’s crucial to stay respectful of the local culture. Professionally, I faced language barriers despite studying in England, where English is spoken. The use of unfamiliar slang and accents in class was difficult to understand, requiring me to adjust. Networking was particularly challenging, as many students already had established friend groups from primary school. I had to push myself to engage socially and make a conscious effort to connect with classmates.
PERSONAL GROWTH: Participating in my abroad program had a profound impact on me, as I successfully navigated a new life in an unfamiliar country all by myself. This experience taught me a great deal about who I am, revealing my true interests, what I value in friendships, and what brings me fulfillment. It gave me a renewed sense of independence and the confidence to embrace significant life changes on my own. The lessons I learned during this time continue to shape my approach to challenges and personal growth, making this experience one of the most transformative in my life.
IDENTITIES: As an Asian American in Liverpool, I stood out quite a bit. I joined the club lacrosse team and performed well, which gave me an advantage since lacrosse isn’t a popular sport there. This helped me start building my social life in Liverpool. Many people were excited to learn I was American and asked me a lot of questions. This was a frequent experience throughout my time there, and I often met people who were surprised to meet me.
FUTURE: Studying abroad has significantly benefited my professional development. It pushed me to improve my networking skills and step out of my comfort zone. I had to make new friends and get involved in activities I wasn’t used to. Facing constant change helped me adapt to different personalities and cultures, which is valuable experience for any career. This repeated exposure allowed me to practice and refine skills I hadn’t used consistently before.
TIPS: Be open-minded and explore campus clubs to make new friends. One thing I regret from my experience is not staying longer and building stronger friendships. As you enter a new place as a foreigner, embracing new opportunities and connecting with others will set you up for success. Being open to different experiences and people will help you make the most of your time abroad and create lasting memories.