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As an introvert who found her stride in Edinburgh's cobblestone streets, Jillian Jimenez (UC Los Angeles) shares how she discovered magic in saying "yes" to unexpected adventures.
From hidden bookshops to spontaneous pub nights with surprise celebrity encounters, she offers practical strategies for introverts to thrive abroad while staying true to themselves.
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NEXT STEPS FOR YOUR STUDY ABROAD JOURNEY
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WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR STUDY ABROAD TRAVEL HEALTH KIT
Your tickets are purchased, your health clearance has been sorted out, and your bags are packed—almost.
The quality and availability of common medicines and health supplies abroad cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, it's a good idea to have your own travel health kit. Use this checklist to prepare for your adventure abroad.
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BEYOND THE SEMESTER: WHY A YEAR ABROAD CHANGES EVERYTHING
It seems that "more is better" when it comes to study abroad.
Through four seasons of cultural traditions and deep friendships, Aliyah Flamson Rubalcava (UCSC), Elias Veran (UCSB), Sarah Schecter (UCLA), and Shaun Colegado (UCM) share how their year abroad shaped not just their education but their entire worldview.
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IMMERSION 101: HOW TO GO FROM TOURIST TO LOCAL IN 3 STEPS
Larisa Rodriguez (UC Berkeley) arrived in Barcelona with detailed itineraries, only to discover the magic of unplanned exploration.
In this guide, she shares her journey from rigid planner to spontaneous local, revealing how unscripted moments transformed her tourist experience into authentic living.
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5 STEPS TO BREAK THE COMFORT ZONE TRAP AND ADOPT A STUDY ABROAD MINDSET
Before studying abroad in Rome, Monique Evdokiou (UC Berkeley) felt fully prepared, but quickly found herself stuck in a limiting routine, a new 'comfort zone.'
By resetting her expectations and embracing curiosity, she discovered a mindset shift that made her semester unforgettable. She learned resilience, independence, and the joy of living intentionally.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...
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DON'T FEAR THE CULTURE SHOCK!
When Marisol Mendoza (UC San Diego) arrived in Barcelona, she thought her Spanish language skills and previous travel experience would help her avoid culture shock.
Nine months in Spain taught her she wasn't prepared, and it became the most valuable part of her study abroad experience!
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New stories coming soon:
- Inside Sweden's Student Culture and Traditions
- The truth about study abroad is messy, beautiful, and worth it!
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"Though nine months sounds like a long time to be away from home, it seems to have flown by in an instant. As I look back on the success from my year abroad, I am happy to have found the perfect balance between academic commitment and personal adventures."
Elias Veran · UC Santa Barbara · France
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If you're curious about studying abroad and want to know more, sign up to attend the next UCEAP 101 webinar.
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If you're planning to study abroad in the future and have questions, sign up for an advising appointment to chat with one of us!
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Looking for authentic content and student stories to share in your student communications? Please feel free to add these posts to your emails, website, and social channels.
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As always, thank you for your support sharing these articles with students. If you have a topic that you'd like to suggest or explore writing with us, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
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Through international academic experiences, the University of California Education Abroad Program inspires students to explore and transform their lives, UC, and the world.
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