Personal Growth

<p>By Emily Hsi (UC Los Angeles) studied abroad at the National University of Singapore. When I first decided to study abroad, all I knew was that I wanted to be in Asia. As a Chinese American born and raised in California, I had my fair share of identity crises. I was raised in a city [&#8230;]</p>

<p>By Denmark Harris (UC Berkeley) studied abroad in Kyoto, Japan I was excited to study abroad in Japan—but I was also afraid. As a person of color, I knew I was heading to a country where the vast majority of people wouldn’t look like me. My biggest goal was to build meaningful relationships with local Japanese [&#8230;]</p>

<p>Three UC students discover how study abroad transforms identity in unexpected ways. Their stories reveal that studying abroad doesn't require choosing between who you are and who you might become—instead, it creates space for both authentic identity and personal growth.</p>

<p>Before studying abroad in Rome, Monique Evdokiou (UC Berkeley) felt fully prepared, but quickly found herself stuck in a limiting routine. By resetting her expectations, exploring on her own, and embracing curiosity, she broke out of my comfort zone and immersed in the culture. The mindset shift made her semester unforgettable, teaching her resilience, independence, and the joy of living intentionally.</p>

<p>A first-generation student discovers how embracing uncertainty led to an unexpected adventure in Dublin. What started as a semester abroad transformed into lasting friendships for Valerie Cruz (UC Irvine), turned into surfing the Atlantic Ocean, exploring new academic life, and a future she never imagined – returning to University College Dublin for graduate school.</p>

<p>As an introvert who found her stride in Edinburgh's cobblestone streets, Jillian Jimenez (UC Los Angeles) shares how she transformed from a self-described introvert into someone who discovered magic in saying "yes" to unexpected adventures. From finding solitude in hidden bookshops to spontaneous pub nights that led to chance celebrity encounters, she offers practical strategies for introverts to thrive abroad without losing their authentic selves.

<p>When FOMO struck during her semester abroad, Kylee Cochram (UC Irvine) found herself missing everything from friends to familiar routines. Through trial and error, she discovered practical strategies for managing homesickness while studying in Europe. From creating a cozy living space to setting healthy social media boundaries, Kylee shares honest advice for staying present during your international experience, complemented by guidance from UCEAP advisors.</p>

<p>Contributors: Annika Sundberg (UC Berkeley), Chloe Margulis (UC San Diego), Corra Nordheim (UC San Diego), Jolene Marie Ku (UC Davis), Leanna Chin (UC San Diego), 2024 blog writing contestants You&#8217;ll take thousands of photos during your study abroad semester—that&#8217;s a given. But what about the inside jokes with your roommates, the taste of that life-changing [&#8230;]</p>

<p>Rebecca Mendoza (UC Berkeley) arrived in Barcelona with a plan—take classes in English, stay comfortable, explore the usual tourist spots. But when she said yes to an intensive Catalan course, everything changed. From racing gravel bikes with professional athletes to volunteering at a gala in London, Rebecca's willingness to embrace the unexpected transformed her semester abroad into something far more meaningful than she ever imagined.</p>

<p>UC Santa Barbara student Sadie Bijlsma arrived in Glasgow carrying more than just luggage—she brought limiting beliefs about who she was and what she was capable of. By treating her semester abroad as "life on Creative Mode," she systematically challenged the negative stories she'd told herself, discovering that many of her perceived limitations were simply untested assumptions. Her journey proves that study abroad can transform not just how you see the world, but how you see yourself.</p>