Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your programs?
A: I decided to study abroad because I had the grades for it, but mostly because I needed a push to get out of my comfort zone. Also, because no one else in my family has ever gone to Europe, and it's always been a dream of mine to travel, studying abroad would have been a great opportunity to start, which it was.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: I think meeting people from different countries and getting to know different cultures. But also being able to travel within Europe since it's easier to go to different countries when you are already in Europe.
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: I think culture shock, being from a predominantly Latino community, I kind of felt alone in the United Kingdom because there wasn’t a lot of Latino representation, especially for Mexicans. How I overcame that insecurity by giving myself the chance to learn about different cultures and becoming more open-minded.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: It was kind of confusing trying to figure out how the grading system worked, but once I understood, it wasn't that hard. I would say I prefer UC Merced's coursework a little more, but my abroad coursework offered more options for what I want to pursue as a career.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: I gained a greater sense of independence by being able to spend time alone and step out of my comfort zone. When I realized I was the only person at UC Merced and in California who was going to my study abroad university, I was a bit scared. But that gave me the chance to learn more about myself and put myself out there to make friends, especially with those from different parts of the world, and it worked out perfectly because I have made friends that I would consider lifelong friends.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: It is okay to be scared and nervous, but at the same time, it is a life-changing experience that can be either good or bad, but at the end of it, you will have a story to tell, and it will be impactful. Be open-minded and learn about different cultures. It is the perfect time to do it, and don't hold yourself back because realistically, when are you going to have an opportunity like this again?
Q: What do you wish you learned about studying abroad before you left for your program?
A: I wish I had done more research on how much things cost in the United Kingdom. Also, the area and the weather.
Q: Describe a typical day abroad.
A: Realistically, I would wake up, go to the gym, get ready for class, have lunch with friends, and walk around campus. On days I would not have class, I would visit different parts of London and sightsee. During breaks, I would go backpacking around Europe because it is so much fun to visit countries I never thought I would ever be in.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
A: I would go to Rome. The reason is that when I mentioned how the culture shock was very impactful, when I visited Florence, Italy, I felt very at home. Even though it's not my Latino community, the languages are similar, and I was able to understand at least half of the language. Italy is so beautiful, and I would love to visit all the cities one day.
