ucb

<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>Three UC students share heartfelt advice on navigating family concerns about study abroad, especially for first-generation and Hispanic students. Drawing from personal experience, they offer a step-by-step guide to transform parental worry into support, emphasizing how thoughtful planning and open communication can help students pursue their dreams while honoring family bonds.</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>Step into Sweden's vibrant university culture, where centuries-old traditions shape daily student life in unexpected ways. From racing tandem bikes across the country to joining medieval student nations, UC Berkeley students Max Morena and Stella Keval discovered that studying abroad in Sweden means becoming part of a legacy where formal dinners include napkin-tossing rituals, stress relief comes in the form of collective 10 PM screams, and coffee breaks are elevated to an art form.

<p>For the first half of her semester in Rio, 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>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>Your study abroad experience will fly by in a blur of new cities, late-night conversations, and unforgettable moments. But how do you hold onto those memories beyond a camera roll full of photos? Five UC students share the creative ways they documented their time abroad.</p>

<p>UC students choose to study abroad for many reasons. From building a Mexican identity in México to finding unexpected joy in Ireland's quiet moments, five UC students share how study abroad transformed their lives in surprising ways. Their stories challenge common assumptions about the "right way" to study abroad or even attend college.</p>