News from the Office of Connected Learning
From Greenwich halls to the streets of London: Learning how to tell time by the Big Ben and navigating my first time traveling to a new country – w/ Miriam Alshammary
Miriam Alshammary talked about how joining the Study Abroad Program to London affected her significantly in embracing challenges and fostering personal growth. Though feeling intimidated by the foreign surroundings, she was able to explore the astonishing places and cultivate her independence while enjoying the amazing journey.
September 4, 2024
Finding my passion in Seoul: a self-growth journey – w/ Angie Turcios
For the purpose of pursuing her passion for K-pop and cultural immersion, Angie Turcios embarked on a three-month Study Abroad journey in Seoul, South Korea. This program provided her with valuable internship experience while helping her grow personally and professionally through various adventures, leaving a distinct experience in her academic path.
September 3, 2024
From Seattle to Seoul: A first-generation Cambodian American’s journey to Independence and Adulthood Abroad in South Korea -w/ Ryan Him
Encouraged by his father and friends, Ryan Him flew across the sea to enroll in the “Summer Korean Studies in Seoul” program at Yonsei University in South Korea. This Study Abroad Program cultivated Him’s self-growth and broadened his global perspectives in business, helping him to return home with a deeper appreciation of his multinational identity.
August 28, 2024
Exploring Britain’s Dark Empire: Academic Journey about Race and Health – w/ Nima Warsame
Inspired by her experience growing up, Nima Warsame joined the Public Health London program with the Study Abroad Program to find out the connections between race, health, and society. She gained insights into the history of Britain’s colonial past, current health outcomes, and race relations, strengthening the goal of dedicating herself to public health.
August 27, 2024
Determined to make a mark in mental health
Well aware of the potential of anxiety in mental health, Emerald Chuesh participated in the SMARTS project to research mindfulness and its effect on reducing test anxiety. Not only actively pursuing education in mental health but also engaging in volunteering as a day camp leader for children with disabilities, she was awarded as one of...
August 22, 2024
A Day in My Life as a Study Abroad Student in Rome, Italy! – w/ Sofia Soderblom
Participating in the Study Abroad Program to Italy broadened Sofia Soderblom’s global perspectives and encouraged her to build connections during the trip. Soderblom took on several challenges, including culture shock and currency exchange, while enjoying the stunning views and learning abundant knowledge about Italy.
August 21, 2024
Goals Beyond the Pitch: The Politics of Soccer in Spain – w/ Nick Babak
Though uneasy about the first foreign trip to Spain, Nick Babak overcame the anxiety and achieved self-growth during the Study Abroad Program. With various interactions with the locals and wholehearted support from his host family, Babak learned the value of flexibility, resilience, and cross-cultural communication, hoping to continue advancing his language skills after the program.
August 20, 2024
Rediscovering my Childhood Dreams: A Summer in Greece – w/ Soeun Son
The decision to join the Study Abroad Program in Greece helped Soeun Son rediscover her childhood dream and reignite her passion for travel. Visiting historic sites, interviewing locals, and researching sustainability throughout the program had shaped Son’s aspirations for a future in international relations and built a deep connection to this lovely country.
August 19, 2024
Najma’s crazy Month in Spain: Living, Learning, and Thriving as a Foreigner – w/ Najma Abdille
Spain’s lively culture, astonishing buildings, and enthusiastic sports spirit stunned Najma Abdille when participating in the Study Abroad Program. Despite struggling with the language barrier and homesickness, Abdille was able to actively learn from the locals and improve her Spanish with support from the host family.
August 13, 2024
How a dream became a reality: A letter to first-gen students looking to study abroad. Spain – w/ Catherine Cruz
After conquering struggles of financial concerns and anxiety about adapting to the new environment, Catherine Cruz was able to go through an inspiring Study Abroad experience in Spain. She was able to gain practical experience in the program while immersing in the enriching Spanish culture, language, and local craze for the 2024 Euros.
August 6, 2024