Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A: I chose to study abroad my first day at UC Merced during welcome week because I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I chose my specific program because it would give me the opportunity to see the sustainability innovations of Singapore first-hand.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: The highlight of my study abroad experience was a trip to the Sustainability Museum, where I learned about Singapore's sustainability triumphs and struggles as well as the Marina Barrage, the seventeenth reservoir dam in Singapore.
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: I struggled academically more then I ever had before. I needed to change the way I looked at education and find inspiration for moving forward. I did so and managed to finish the semester strong.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: The coursework was significantly more challenging abroad. There were many similarities, but I struggled more overall with academics abroad than at UC Merced.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: I gained a new perspective on how to use my education to better my life and the lives of others. I found a passion abroad and hope to tailor my path around that passion.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: The experience is worth all the effort to get there. I would advise them to select an opportunity that they think is going to be challenging, so that they may push their limits and grow.
Q: Describe a typical day for you abroad.
A: A typical day would include: grabbing a coffee and pastry, taking the school bus to various lectures, having lunch at local canteens, doing homework in the school library (maybe late, which would require another coffee), and coming back to my dorm to sleep. I would also played ultimate Frisbee on certain days.
