Posing at the Oculus in Manhattan

NAME: Felipe Vazquez

MAJOR: Social Science – Preparation for Teaching

PROGRAM: NSE – University of Massachusetts Boston – Spring 2025

EMAIL: felipe.vazquez@sjsu.edu

BIO: 

Studying on the East Coast has been a college-long dream of mine. Participating in an East Coast exchange was socially relevant as equally academically relevant for my growth as a student, and as a global citizen. The East Coast offered unparalleled American History, a topic that has recently been increasingly relevant in my major and desire to study. Likewise, studying away from home for the duration of a semester has allowed me to grow increasingly independent and has even given me the space and opportunity to live away from home for the first time ever. In this experience, I learned that I would love to teach social science on the East Coast in the near future, either as a graduate student or as a full-time educator.

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

I chose the University of Massachusetts Boston campus for my SJSU NSE experience due to its proximity to American Revolutionary History. In doing so, I had the privelage of visiting a what felt like endless number of historical locations. From the Boston Tea Party Boat, to the exact location of the Boston Massacre, I had such unique opportunities to immerse myself in my subject of focus. Similarly, I would love to move to and teach on the East Coast in my near future, and having the opportunity to explore the East Coast before making a permanent move to the East Coast reassured my dream of making the big move Eastward.

 PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you? The most significant impact that my exchange has had on me was proving to myself that I can succeed on my own. My personal, social, and professional network has been excellent for me here on the West Coast, but being alone on the East Coast allowed me to learn that I can be fine and even excel and flourish under new and unfamiliar conditions. Learning that I can start from square one and begin all over again through all aspects of my life has motivated me more than ever to finish out my education and begin my career somewhere new and exhilarating, like New York City!

 ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?

While at UMASS Boston, I took 4 in-person courses, including Brazilian History, American Revolution History, Environmental Justice, and Intro to Urban Education, while simultaneously taking an online SJSU Intro to Grad School course. Totaling 16 semester credits, I ensured to always allocate enough time each week to complete assignments and study for exams, while reserving my weekends for immersive opportunities, like weekend trips to New York City, to visit more historical locations, like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, 9/1Memorial, and Ellis Island. As of currently, I have yet to resume my education at SJSU for the Fall 2025 semester, but I look forward to bringing my passion for exploring historical locations back to the Bay Area. UMASS Boston truly trained me to balance immersive and in classroom educational experiences.

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

My study exchange, which took me 3,000 miles from home, trained me to be self-sustaining. At home, I have a close-knit network of family, friends, and peers, resulting in staying in my comfort zone. Being away trained me to sustain myself personally and academically. This skill has proven to be effective in increasing my producativity while away from home in my Stanford Internship experience. I have been working and living on campus, away from my home town, and friends. But thanks to my Boston exchange experience, I have been able to sustain myself abundantly while at work.

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

With my deep interest in Immersive Education Experiences, I look forward to moving away from home, to the East Coast, to experience Eastern American culture, soon after completing my education here in California. I have also been looking at international jobs for fun and immersive experiences in the summers to come.

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

I feel that I am better equipped for my future, as I learned to navigate a new and unfamiliar education and social environment, as well as learned to sustain myself in regard to social, physical, intellectual, and professional development. Most importantly, I learned that I can find success on my own and through adversity.

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

Just do it! Choosing to leave your familiar environment can be daunting, but sometimes, the shell you chose that once felt comfortable can also be constricting your ability to reach your dreams. Remember to choose a destination that will bring you social, emotional, cultural, academic, and professional fulfillment. Oh, and save lots of money to be able to enjoy your stay 😉