Local Living

<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>For the first half of her semester in Rio de Janeiro, Katherine Rodriguez (UC Berkeley) found herself living in two time zones—checking good morning texts after full days of classes and lying awake at night for responses from California. Through therapy and establishing healthy boundaries, she learned that staying connected doesn't mean sacrificing sleep or the once-in-a-lifetime experience of studying abroad in Brazil.</p>

<p>When Marisol Mendoza (UC San Diego) arrived in Barcelona, she thought her Spanish language skills and previous travel experience would help her avoid culture shock. Instead, this nanoengineering student discovered that embracing cultural differences – from quiet Sundays to new perspectives on work-life balance – became one of the most valuable parts of her study abroad experience. Through nine months in Spain, she learned that culture shock isn't something to fear but rather an opportunity for growth that can reshape your future plans and global outlook.</p>

<p>If you lived in the same town your whole life, would you be excited or terrified by the idea of leaving it all behind to study abroad in another country? Both is probably the correct answer, and Morgan Taylor-Cohen (UC Los Angeles) says you have to embrace abundance to get you through to the other side.</p>

<p>Study abroad is an experience that teaches you beyond what you think you will learn. It stretches you, transforms you, and shakes you out of your comfort zone. See the most important lifelong lessons Nico Shin (UC Santa Barbara) learned while studying abroad in South Korea.</p>

<p>Ever wonder what it's like to spend Thanksgiving in another country, far away from your family and friends at home? Read (UC Santa Barbara) Elias Veran's story of spending Thanksgiving weekend on an olive farm in Provence, hosted by UC alum, Thomas Seale.</p>

<p>No trip to South America is complete without exploring the foods and flavors. From street carts to family tables, South America is a foodie paradise of flavor and texture - even for vegans!</p>

<p>No trip to Asia is complete without exploring the food. From street stalls to fine restaurants, Asia is a foodie paradise of new flavors and textures.</p>

<p>Making friends with locals can make your study abroad experience even more enriching. UCEAP alumna, Liz Lemerand from UC Los Angeles, shares her recent experiences making friends in France and England as well as tips on how you can make meaningful connections with the locals in your host country.</p>