Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A: Being born in Russia and moving to the United States at an early age, I instantly fell in love with travel and learning about other cultures. Having already traveled to places like Turkey, Ukraine, and Poland, when I found out I could study abroad to earn credits, it felt like a no-brainer. While the majority of students go to popular places like Japan or Spain, I wanted something a little different. I chose Barbados because I’ve always loved island settings, and I was really curious about the unique culture and history.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: There were so many amazing activities I got to do. From surfing on blue waves, snorkeling with sea turtles, hiking, and just exploring the island—everything I did was truly special. One of the best memories was when I joined a local hiking group and we did this wild hike through the rainforest. It got super dark, started raining, and we literally had to grab onto vines to keep going. It was a little crazy, but so much fun and definitely something I’ll never forget.
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: The biggest challenge for me was getting used to Bajan culture in a short amount of time. Even though they speak English, the accent and slang were totally new to me. I had to learn a lot of local phrases just by listening and talking to people. I also didn’t know much about the island’s history before going, but I ended up learning a lot through classes. And then there were little things, like how people fist bump instead of shake hands—that kind of stuff you just pick up from experience.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: Studying abroad made me realize how much of a privilege higher education is. In the Caribbean, attending the University of the West Indies is a big deal, and it made me appreciate my time at UC Merced even more. Classes were smaller than what I’m used to at UC Merced, which was actually kind of nice. The amazing professors did a great job of keeping the class engaged and very inviting for international students. The exams were definitely more intense, they were longer and stricter, but the overall setup with lectures and discussions was pretty similar.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: I think traveling and experiencing cultures different from your own makes you a better person. Studying abroad really helped me grow, not only in my academic pursuits but also my personal endeavours. I had to manage my own apartment, budget my expenses, and figure out how to balance school and life in a new country. It made me more independent and better at communicating with different kinds of people. It was a huge step in helping me mature and see the world in a different way.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back. Getting out of your comfort zone is one of the most challenging, but also rewarding things you can do. There’s so much more to the world than just your hometown or campus. Traveling teaches you a lot about yourself and others. It’s 100% worth it.
Q: What do you wish you learned about studying abroad before you left for your program?
A: One of my regrets is not doing enough research about the culture and history before I got there. But at the same time, figuring it out as I went made it more fun and memorable. There’s something cool about learning things through real-life experience instead of just Googling everything ahead of time.
Q: Describe a typical day abroad.
A: Every day was great and always had something meaningful going on. I made it a goal to make each day count. I’d start my morning in my apartment, make some breakfast, and then walk about ten minutes to class. I really enjoyed those walks—the view was beautiful, and I could even see the ocean from my place. There were always friendly people around to say hi to, which made the walk even nicer. Classes were always interesting, and I actually looked forward to going. Afterward, I’d usually grab something to eat, pick up a few groceries, or head to the beach. I’d hang out with friends, play volleyball, or explore the island with other international students. Every day was a little different, and that’s what made it so fun.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
A: As much as I’d love to go back to Barbados, I’m always up for a new adventure. If I could go anywhere tomorrow, I’d choose New Zealand. The nature there looks unreal, the people seem really friendly, and I’ve always wanted to see the place where Lord of the Rings was filmed.
