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<p>From stolen phones in Madrid to sleepless nights in Florence, three UC students reveal that studying abroad isn't always picture-perfect—and that's exactly what makes it transformative. Through honest stories of culture shock, small victories, and unexpected friendships, they share how the challenging moments become the ones that matter most. Whether you're dreaming about study abroad or already navigating life in a new country, discover why the messy, beautiful reality of studying abroad is more valuable than any carefully curated social media feed.</p>

<p>Join three UC Berkeley students as they reveal how they made study abroad affordable - from navigating Singapore's expensive city life to stretching financial aid across two semesters in Europe. Their practical guide covers everything from choosing the right program and finding affordable housing to managing daily expenses abroad.</p>

<p>What does it take to shake off impostor syndrome and shush your inner critic? Read the practical steps that Natalie Glennon (UC Santa Barbara), a financially challenged first-generation student, implemented to overcome impostor syndrome and make the most of her study abroad experience in the Netherlands.</p>

<p>What can you get out of a short academic program abroad? Turns out, you can learn a lot in three weeks! Divyanshi Saha (UC San Diego) says studying abroad is not just about academics - it's about stepping out of your comfort zone, making memories, and discovering who you are in the process.</p>

<p>If you're a shy, introverted person, could you travel almost 6,000 miles away from home to study abroad on your own? Francesca Casimiro (UC Berkeley) did and you can too. Read her story and learn how you can too.</p>

<p>Gigi Engalla (UC Berkeley) asked a well-traveled stranger for advice on the American study abroad experience and received a prophetic response. The lessons she learned about culture, politics and society on four months in Paris lead to unexpected self-discovery.</p>

<p>Why study abroad for a year? Typically, a full year abroad is the cheapest option - something that Katia Griffin (UC San Diego) learned when she decided to further her mother's legacy by living abroad as she did.</p>

<p>Too many students - especially first-gen students - stop before they even get started because they assume their budget can't handle study abroad. The good news is there are so many scholarships that await you! Check out (UC Irvine) Qi Jun Chen's roadmap for earning scholarships to study abroad.</p>

<p>As a child, Joshua Swank (UC Irvine) witnessed the naturalization ceremonies for new US citizens and thought, "how do they do it?" Little did he know he was witnessing student diplomacy at work! Study abroad reminded Joshua of the value of student diplomacy.</p>

<p>When you hear you should "research the location" before you leave for study abroad, what do you do? Here's a list of all the things to research before you leave the US on your study abroad adventure.</p>