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, completing assignments, and returning home each day for four years. However, that perspective changed when a study abroad representative visited my engineering careers class and introduced the idea of studying internationally. That single moment reshaped my college experience and my outlook on life. It led me to spend the Spring 2023 semester at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), where I fully immersed myself in Dutch culture while connecting with students from across the world. I explored new ideas, adapted to new teaching methods, and traveled throughout Europe with lifelong friends I met in Rotterdam.

In Summer 2025, I took my global journey a step further by completing a ten-week internship in Hong Kong through The Intern Group with Novus Life Sciences, a biotechnology company specializing in advanced additive manufacturing for biomedical applications. This internship not only provided real-world engineering experience but also opened new professional doors upon returning home. The cross-cultural knowledge and technical experience I gained abroad helped me grow within my role as a Student Assistant at the SJSU Study Abroad & Away Office, where I mentor peers and encourage them to pursue global opportunities of their own. Both experiences—studying in Europe and interning in Asia—broadened my worldview and strengthened my confidence to take on new challenges. To any student considering studying or interning abroad, my message is simple: take the leap. These experiences go far beyond academics; they shape your perspective, build resilience, and open doors you never knew existed.

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

My goal for studying abroad was to challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing in a completely new environment. I wanted to live in a country I had never visited, adapt to a new culture, and learn how to navigate life independently. I wasn’t just interested in academics—I wanted to truly understand how people in the Netherlands think, learn, and live. I hoped to grow both personally and professionally by proving that I could adapt and succeed in an unfamiliar setting.

Living in Rotterdam gave me valuable life lessons that went far beyond the classroom. I learned how to budget, plan travel, and communicate across cultural and language barriers. I discovered how to work with peers who thought differently, and I gained a better understanding of what it means to collaborate in a global academic environment. Later, when I interned in Hong Kong, those same goals continued to guide me. I applied the adaptability and independence I developed in Europe to my work in Asia, where I navigated fast-paced projects, cross-cultural communication, and technical problem-solving with confidence. These experiences ultimately empowered me to pursue new career paths and leadership opportunities upon returning home, including my ongoing role as a Student Assistant helping other Spartans begin their own global journeys.

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

The biggest impact my study abroad experience had on me was rediscovering my own identity while gaining a deeper appreciation for others. Being in a completely foreign environment gave me the time and space to reflect on who I am and where I come from. As a Filipino-American, I’ve always lived within diverse communities, but being abroad made me more aware of my heritage and the values I carry. I became more appreciative of my culture’s warmth, adaptability, and strong sense of community.

Living abroad taught me resilience. From adjusting to unfamiliar systems to solving everyday challenges—like navigating public transportation or interpreting new academic expectations—I learned to rely on myself while also building meaningful relationships with others. When I later lived in Hong Kong, I noticed how much more confident I had become. I could adapt quickly to new work environments, build friendships across cultural boundaries, and communicate effectively in fast-moving professional settings. These experiences transformed the way I view personal growth—it’s not about avoiding discomfort, but learning to embrace and grow from it. This newfound confidence even translated into professional growth at home, where I now share my experiences with students in the Study Abroad & Away Office, helping them realize that stepping out of their comfort zone can lead to life-changing opportunities.

 ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?  

At Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, I experienced a completely different academic structure than what I was used to at SJSU. Classes were highly project-based, encouraging independence, teamwork, and creativity. Professors expected students to take initiative, seek feedback, and find their own ways to solve problems. To succeed, I learned to go beyond the classroom—conducting field observations, gathering firsthand data, and integrating practical insights into my research and presentations.

This mindset became invaluable during my internship in Hong Kong, where I worked on additive manufacturing projects involving 3D printing of high-performance materials. Taking initiative and problem-solving independently were crucial skills in that setting. Whether it was learning new software or troubleshooting technical issues, I realized that success depends on curiosity and the willingness to ask questions. Both academically and professionally, these experiences taught me that knowledge isn’t just absorbed—it’s built through engagement, experimentation, and persistence.

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

Studying and interning abroad strengthened three essential skills that continue to shape my professional journey: focus, resiliency, and perseverance.

• Focus: I learned to balance academics, social experiences, and personal responsibilities. In Rotterdam, I made sure to complete all my work before exploring the city or traveling, which helped me maintain both discipline and freedom.

• Resiliency: I adapted to new teaching and working environments that didn’t always have clear structures or communication. Instead of feeling discouraged, I learned to clarify expectations, stay proactive, and deliver quality work under uncertainty.

• Perseverance: Living alone in two different continents required me to rebuild my social circles, network with peers, and find my place in unfamiliar settings. Through this, I developed the confidence to start over and thrive anywhere.

At Novus Life Sciences in Hong Kong, I also strengthened technical skills related to additive manufacturing, research documentation, and process optimization. These global experiences have not only advanced my engineering abilities but have also made me more competitive in today’s job market. Upon returning home, I noticed how employers value international experience, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication—skills that have already opened new doors for me as I continue to build my professional network and prepare for future opportunities in engineering and global manufacturing.

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

My immersion abroad reshaped how I see community and collaboration. I learned that there’s no universal way to learn, work, or lead—every culture has its own rhythm and strengths. At SJSU, structure and guidance are emphasized, while in Rotterdam, learning is more self-driven, with professors expecting students to find their own direction. In Hong Kong, I saw how efficiency, innovation, and teamwork drive success in fast-paced professional environments.

These contrasts taught me the importance of flexibility and open-mindedness. I learned to value cultural diversity not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn new perspectives. Working alongside peers from Germany, Spain, and Indonesia in the Netherlands, and colleagues from Hong Kong and mainland China during my internship, showed me how different backgrounds can come together to achieve shared goals. Returning to SJSU, I brought that same mindset into my work as a Student Assistant, where I now encourage other Spartans to engage globally, connect across cultures, and expand their learning beyond the classroom.

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

Both studying and interning abroad have prepared me for the future in ways no classroom alone could. I’ve become more confident, adaptable, and forward-thinking. I now see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than barriers to overcome. Living abroad has made me more independent, improved my communication skills, and given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be a global citizen.

Moving forward, I plan to continue pursuing international opportunities within engineering and manufacturing systems. I want to apply the cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and project management skills I developed abroad to future professional environments. My internship in Hong Kong in particular opened professional doors back home, leading to new job opportunities and mentorship connections in the field of advanced manufacturing. Combined with my ongoing experience as a Student Assistant at SJSU, these milestones have helped me discover the value of global engagement in shaping both personal and career success. The lessons I’ve learned abroad continue to guide me toward new goals and opportunities for growth.

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 beyond what feels comfortable. Studying or interning abroad isn’t just about academics or career development—it’s about discovering who you are and how you connect with the world. Don’t be afraid of uncertainty or being alone; those moments often lead to the greatest breakthroughs.

Say yes to opportunities—try local foods, explore unfamiliar cities, and talk to people whose backgrounds are different from yours. Be open-minded and adaptable, and don’t let fear stop you from embracing the unknown. There will be challenges along the way—missed trains, language barriers, cultural differences—but each obstacle will teach you something valuable about resilience and empathy.

Whether you’re studying, interning, or volunteering abroad, immerse yourself fully. The friendships you make, the lessons you learn, and the memories you create will stay with you for a lifetime. You’ll come back not just as a student who went abroad, but as a more confident, culturally aware, and globally minded individual ready to take on anything. So, take that leap of faith—you won’t regret it. The world is bigger than you imagine, and each experience abroad opens new doors that can redefine your future.