The world is full of new and unfamiliar possibilities. When you study abroad with UCEAP, those possibilities become yours. As a University of California program, UCEAP expands on the UC experience. It introduces you to the people and places where ideas are born. Journeying to a new country, you'll encounter cultures, traditions, languages, and stories that surprise, delight, and expand your intellect. As you shift your view of the world, you'll test the boundaries of who you are and what you're capable of achieving. You'll discover unknown abilities that fuel your confidence and empower you to seize new challenges. Where will your journey take you?
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Studying abroad was not only for the sake of living somewhere else and receiving an education in another country, but also to show future generations of my family that it is possible to experience these types of opportunities. As the oldest of four, it is very important to me to show my siblings that with perseverance and learning what resources are available, a student can make their dreams come true.
Though nine months sounds like a long time to be away from home, it seems to have flown by in an instant. As I look back on the success from my year abroad, I am happy to have found the perfect balance between academic commitment and personal adventures.
My time in Rio de Janeiro was truly transformative. It taught me that success has many paths and inspired me to be a lifelong learner through travel, culture, and human connection. I discovered that real learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms, but out in the world—through conversations, museums, and neighborhoods—where you begin to understand the depth and nuance of different communities in ways no textbook can.
Studying abroad pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. I never imagined living alone in a foreign country, navigating daily life in my fourth language. What made the experience especially meaningful was the personal connection to my research: my aunt’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s inspired me to focus on better tools for understanding neurodegenerative diseases. Combining this motivation with my interests in computer science and data modeling showed me that I want to continue bridging technology and healthcare, especially for underserved communities.