Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your programs?
A: As a first generation college student studying Management and Business Economics, I always knew I wanted to see more of the world. Growing up, traveling internationally was never something I imagined I would be able to do, so when I learned about study abroad opportunities, it felt like a door had opened for me.
I decided to study in Madrid, Spain and Seoul, South Korea because I wanted to challenge myself and experience life in two completely different cultures. Both cities are global and full of history, and I wanted to understand how people live, work, and interact in different parts of the world. It was also my first time leaving North America, and being the first in my family to do something like this was both exciting and a little intimidating. Looking back now, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: The highlight of my experience was the people I met along the way. While the cities themselves were beautiful and full of history, what made the experience truly special were the friendships I built with people from all over the world. Meeting students from different countries and hearing their stories made me realize how connected we all are despite our differences. Some of my favorite memories were the simple moments like sharing meals with friends, walking through the city together, or exploring places we had only seen in pictures before. Seeing these places with my own eyes made me appreciate how big the world really is and inspired me to keep exploring it.
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: One of the biggest challenges for me was adjusting to unfamiliar environments. Before studying abroad, I had always lived within a familiar routine and environment, so suddenly being in a completely new country felt overwhelming at times. Learning how to navigate new transportation systems, communicating across language differences, and understanding cultural norms all took time. There were moments where I felt unsure of myself, but those moments helped me grow the most. I learned to ask questions, be patient with myself, and embrace the unknown. Over time, what once felt challenging became part of my daily routine and made me more confident in my ability to adapt.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: My coursework abroad had similar academic expectations, but what stood out most was the global perspective in the classroom. Many discussions focused on how business, culture, and society interact across different countries. As a Management and Business Economics student, it was really interesting to see how the concepts I study apply in international settings. Studying abroad allowed me to experience those perspectives firsthand and helped me better understand how interconnected global business and culture truly are.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: Studying abroad helped me grow in ways I never expected. I became more independent, confident, and open to new experiences. Being in a completely different environment pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and trust myself in unfamiliar situations. As a first generation student, the experience also meant a lot to me personally. It showed me that opportunities like this are possible and that taking risks can lead to incredible growth. Studying abroad not only changed how I see the world, but also how I see my own potential.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: My biggest advice is simple: take the opportunity if you can. It might feel scary or uncertain at first, especially if you have never traveled far from home, but those feelings are part of the experience. Be open to new cultures, try new things, and talk to as many people as you can. Some of the most meaningful moments abroad come from the unexpected experiences and connections you make along the way. Most importantly, stay curious.
Q: What do you wish you learned about studying abroad before you left for your program?
A: One thing I wish I had known before leaving is how quickly the experience would go by. When you first arrive everything feels new, but once you start building friendships and creating routines, time seems to move incredibly fast. If I could go back, I would remind myself to explore as much as possible from the very beginning and take advantage of every opportunity. At the same time, I would also remind myself to slow down and appreciate the small moments that make the experience so meaningful.
Q: Describe a typical day abroad.
A: A Typical Day in Madrid
9:00 AM – Breakfast at a small café near my apartment
9:45 AM – Take the metro to campus
10:30 AM – Arrive on campus and begin lectures
2:30 PM – Finish classes and head back home
3:15 PM – Arrive back at my apartment
3:30–5:00 PM – Siesta (a much needed afternoon nap)
6:00–9:00 PM – Dinner with friends somewhere in the city
9:30 PM – Dessert and sometimes a movie
11:00 PM – Head back home
11:30 PM – Go to bed
Madrid quickly taught me to slow down and enjoy the day. Meals were long, evenings were social, and the city always felt alive.
A Typical Day in Seoul
11:30 AM – Wake up and get ready
12:30 PM – Stop by 7-Eleven or a coffee shop
1:00 PM – Walk to campus
1:05–5:30 PM – Attend lectures
5:35–7:45 PM – Dinner with friends
8:00–10:00 PM – Play pool or go to karaoke
10:15–11:30 PM – Study and prepare for the next day
Life in Seoul felt fast paced and energetic. There was always something to do after classes, whether it was late night food, karaoke, or exploring the city with friends.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
A: If I could go anywhere tomorrow, I would continue exploring new countries and cultures. Studying abroad in Madrid and Seoul showed me how much there is to learn from different perspectives around the world. Even though I have already studied in these places, there is always more for me to explore. Traveling has inspired me to keep learning from global experiences and to stay curious about the world
