Study abroad is an essential part of the Husky Experience
Through global study, research or internships, students put their classroom learning into action. They gain self-knowledge, cultural competency and the skills necessary for success in today’s global workplaces. But what’s more, students come home with an appreciation and cultural understanding that would not be possible otherwise. This helps to foster a more accepting environment on our campuses, ensuring that the UW remains a place for people of all backgrounds to learn, discover and thrive.
These passionate students traveled the world in pursuit of learning and discovery. Their experiences are as boundless as their destinations.
Gabriela Claravall
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: Honors Public Health -Global Health, Medical Anthropology and Global Health, Anthropology of Globalization
Study abroad program: The Culture and Politics of Food
Destination: Rome, Italy
Tell us about your background.
I’ve long been interested in studying issues surrounding food disparities, production and consumption. I hope to use this knowledge towards a more integrated approach in my future medical career, using nutrition and food as a way to promote health and prevent diseases.
Describe your study abroad program in a few sentences.
This study abroad program gave me the opportunity to take part in Italian language classes, take field trips to various locations such as local markets and receive cooking lessons from our professor and an Italian co-partner/instructor. We had the opportunity to live in three different places within Italy: Rome, Trevignano, and Pulicaro.
Why did you choose to study abroad?
What drew me to this study abroad program specifically was the teacher, Ann Anagnost. I had had her as a professor for two previous quarters at the University of Washington and really enjoyed learning about social movements regarding food sovereignty, and how food systems are related to economic and political structures of inequality.
How will studying abroad prepare you for your future career?
With my study abroad experience, I was able to explore the differences in terms of food production between Italy and the United States and examine the social and economic structures related to food markets. I’ve also been able to learn how food is made using non-industrial methods. I believe this kind of knowledge will enrich my way of working with communities, especially in underserved areas, about the benefits of proper nutrition and diet, promoting health, and integrating healing of the mind, body, and soul with food.
Describe your favorite or most transformative experience while abroad.
My favorite experience abroad was learning from two farmers in Pulicaro, Marco and Chiara. They taught us how the lack of biodiversity that humans have has contributed to a globalized industrial agriculture system, thus affecting human health. Therefore, it was transformative to learn how the loss of such biodiversity leads to imbalances within our bodily systems.
Zhinuo Li
Hometown: Shenyang, Liaoning, China
Major: Computer Science
Study abroad program: Computer Science & Engineering Departmental Exchange with École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Destination: Switzerland
Tell us about your background.
I was born in China and moved to the United States a few years ago. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I also love sports, especially Badminton and tennis. On campus, I participate in Husky Robotics and am the director of community engagement at UW Mobile Development Club and the tech lead at Google Developer Student Club.
Describe your study abroad program in a few sentences.
The program I attended was a one-semester study abroad program at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. We were free to take Bachelor’s and even Master’s-level classes at this engineering-focused university, and we could participate in world-class research programs there. There was a lot of freedom in choosing what to study.
Why did you choose to study abroad?
I chose my study abroad program mainly because I wanted to travel around while learning in a new environment. My program at EPFL was perfect for me because of it’s location in Switzerland. Switzerland has it’s own unique culture that incorporates French, Italian, and German cultures. Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland has a great geographical location and a very reliable public transportation system that allows you to travel anywhere in Europe conveniently. EPFL is also considered one of the world’s best engineering universities. Choosing the EPFL study abroad program was the best decision I made because it aligns with my purpose perfectly: learn, immerse, and travel.
Who encouraged or supported you to study abroad?
As I was growing up, my parents would often take me on trips during breaks. Rather than visiting the incredible Taj Mahal, we would dance along with the joyful local songs in a little square market. Rather than busily catching up with the travel agency’s schedule, we would spend all day sitting on a golden beach in Australia and be amazed at people’s surfing skills. We would also spend a month traveling to five states in my motherland, China, experiencing the cultures and customs. My parents boarded me on the adventure and encouraged and supported me along the way.
How will studying abroad prepare you for your future career?
My study abroad experience taught me a lot of things that will prepare me for my future career. I gained valuable experience in frontend web development and User Interface design in my classes while in Switzerland, which prepared me for my recent summer internship. I also learned to quickly adapt to a new environment and manage stress properly, which are very important skills for any software role.
Describe your favorite or most transformative experience while abroad.
My favorite experience was traveling to a famous mountain in the Alps called Matterhorn. It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve found yet. We took a few buses and trains to get there, finding ourselves completely embraced by snow and spectacular mountains. Lots of people were skiing on the slopes as we explored. Matterhorn is famous for its near-symmetric pyramidal peak, which became the logo of the well-known chocolate company Toblerone. I bought a Toblerone bar and used it to take a photo of its logo covering the real Matterhorn.
Tiffany-Ashton Gatsby
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: Medical Anthropology and Global Health & Interdisciplinary Visual Arts
Study abroad program: Rome in Residence
Destination: Italy
Tell us about your background.
I am a queer-disabled, genderfluid person of Ashkenazi descent living with Multiple Sclerosis. When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a surgeon, but life decided that wasn’t in the cards for me. I left home when I was still in high school and experienced homelessness and food insecurity and eventually became a teen parent. I settled into a successful career in property management but wasn’t fulfilled. After a relapse of MS took me out of the workplace, leaving me homebound for nearly a year, I turned to art to cope with a body and mind that often turned against me. I experienced unintentional harm navigating through the healthcare system and medical treatments, and I began volunteering but knew that in order to make any significant systemic change I would need to go back to school.
I attended Seattle Central College where I was the VP of the Queer Cooperative, an editor of the Seattle Collegian, and an art studio tech before transferring to UW where I went on to major in Medical Anthropology and Global Health & Interdisciplinary Visual Arts with a minor in Diversity. As an artist, activist, and anthropologist, I now focus on representing issues faced by the queer-disabled community and am an active volunteer serving on the board of the Seattle Dyke March and fundraising annually for the National MS Society. During my time at UW, I was involved in Phi Sigmi Pi National Honors Fraternity, Mortar Board, and Qmunity and was a GSBA, Pride Foundation, and Gilman Scholar and a 2021 UW Homecoming Scholar. I graduated summa cum laude and completed departmental honors in both Medical Anthropology and Interdisciplinary Visual Arts and was a Husky 100 for 2021 and the recipient of the 2022 President’s Medal for the most distinguished academic record in my graduating class. I’m officially now a Double Dawg, as I recently began my doctoral program at the UW.
Describe your study abroad program in a few sentences.
I was part of the first Rome in Residence cohort, which varied slightly from traditional UW faculty-led programs. Rome in Residence offers a variety of courses appropriate for students of any class standing and provided the opportunity to customize my course selection. I chose to study Art History, Architecture, and Travel Writing which included classes at the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, and even local cafes and restaurants!
Why did you choose to study abroad?
My child (UW Class of 2018) participated in the Comparative History of Ideas program in Prague in 2017 and I had the opportunity to visit them. Their professors were extremely supportive and encouraging and all of the students in the program were welcoming during my visit. Seeing what a positive impact the experience had on my kiddo was one of the main reasons I decided to go back to school. When I returned from the trip, I enrolled in community college. I knew that my undergraduate experience wouldn’t be complete if I couldn’t participate in a study abroad program. As a returning adult student, I knew it would be particularly impactful as not many people get the chance to take a break from their life and travel the world with both educational and financial support. I knew it would also give me the opportunity to connect with younger students who could provide a completely different perspective on the experience.
Who encouraged or supported you to study abroad?
At a transfer student preview event, I met Kiana Parker with the UW Study Abroad office. I was a bit concerned that being disabled might disqualify me from any study abroad opportunities, but Kiana encouraged me to apply and assured me that accommodations would be possible. I was also worried about how to pay for such an expensive program, but she provided me support and resources for scholarships and funding as well. Additionally, the professors and advisers in the School of Art + Art History + Design were constantly talking about how I shouldn’t miss the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program. Even through the challenges with COVID-19, which caused the cancelation of two scheduled study abroad programs I planned to attend, they continued to write recommendation letters for each of my subsequent applications and helped ensure I could make the courses work with my graduation schedule and degree plan. I worked with UW Study Abroad and with Disability Resources for Students to work out accommodations for my living arrangements, for additional financial needs while abroad, and with my professors all prior to arrival.
How will studying abroad prepare you for your future career?
I’m continuing my education at UW in a doctoral program for Sociocultural Anthropology, specializing in Medical Anthropology. My research focuses on socially engaged art in the queer-disabled community as a site of resistance and healing to cope with trauma from the healthcare system. Having the opportunity to study abroad in Italy allowed me to interact with their healthcare system which provided valuable comparative data for my future qualitative research. Additionally, I saw how challenges to accessibility impact the daily lives of both residents and tourists, which sparked an interest in wanting to delve deeper into international disability studies. I’m hoping that someday I’ll be able to teach an annual study abroad program that critically examines and challenges standards of accessibility outside the US.
Describe your favorite or most transformative experience while abroad.
Rome was the last place on my list of study abroad locations, but I truly fell in love with the city and didn’t want to come back home! As a person with disabilities, one of my biggest challenges is mobility issues and I worried that Italy would be too challenging to navigate. And while it was much more difficult navigating the streets of Rome and the ancient sites than it was here in Seattle (or even in many other parts of Italy), I felt welcomed and embraced by Romans and classmates alike. By my third day living in Campo di Fiori, the staff at the local restaurants would shout, “Ciao, Tiffany!” as I walked by. On my fourth day, we went to the Colosseum where my classmates carried my walker up the stairs so I could safely hold on to the railings and not have to miss exploring the ancient ruins. These types of gestures don’t typically happen to me here in Seattle. Being supported in that way meant the world to me. I built relationships that will last a lifetime with my fellow students and with friends I made in Italy. Italy feels like my second home and I can’t wait to go back.
Zynab Hafid
Hometown: Lynwood, WA
Major: Finance and Information Systems
Study abroad program: Business Ireland
Destination: Ireland
Tell us about your background.
I was born and raised in Washington but come from an Islamic and Libyan background. Being a child of immigrants in the United States has allowed me to appreciate the different cultures and backgrounds found within the communities of Washington. I am currently in my second year at the UW and am fortunate enough to be studying at the Foster School of Business. I am currently undecided about which degree concentrations I want to pursue but can see myself taking the Finance and Information Systems route. Post-college, I hope to be working abroad in the tech world!
Describe your study abroad program in a few sentences.
Study Abroad in Ireland was an absolute dream and I truly admired how the program was perfectly balanced between academics and entertainment. The people of Ireland are extremely welcoming and accommodating– I have never met nicer people abroad. Ireland also holds a deep history and the people are very proud to talk about the country’s dark past and how they have recovered from these hard times. Ireland is also the perfect mix for people who enjoy the city and country side, as I experienced a good variety of both. All in all, studying abroad in Ireland was one of the best experiences of my life.
Why did you choose to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad in Ireland because it seemed like it had the most to offer in terms of academics and experiences.
Who encouraged or supported you to study abroad?
The program director Leta Beard was a big part of why I went through with the Study Abroad trip as she was so welcoming and kind in the interview process and was also very transparent with us about what it is like to study abroad in Ireland. Also, a huge shoutout to the UW Study Abroad Scholarship and the Norm and Lisa Bontje Scholarship for making it possible for me to enjoy my trip to Ireland without worrying about the expenses!
How will studying abroad prepare you for your future career?
Studying abroad helped prepare me for my future career because I have always known I wanted to take my career international and work outside of the United States. This experience gave me a great understanding of what it is like to adapt to a new culture and surroundings.
Describe your favorite or most transformative experience while abroad.
My experience while abroad allowed me to become more independent. Even though I was always surrounded by my peers and program directors, I still had to keep myself accountable in terms of punctuality, respect for others, being mindful, and also being open-minded. I definitely thank this program for allowing me to grow more independent and showing me how important it is to rely and trust in yourself.
Isaiah Cuadras
Hometown: Tacoma, WA
Major: Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
Study abroad program: Aeronautics & Astronautics and Oceanography in Australia
Destination: Australia
Why did you choose your study abroad program?
I chose my study abroad program because I began feeling a shift in my academic interests towards a direction that aligned well with what the program had to offer. It exposed me to engineering in the context of helping our oceans ecosystems. I got to work with underwater equipment and helped write preliminary algorithms for underwater vehicles. With the program being located along the coast of Australia, it was the perfect opportunity to participate in cutting edge oceanographic research.
Describe your program in a few sentences
The program that required us to get in small groups (3-4 each) and complete a research project within a one-month time frame. There were opportunities for different concentrations of oceanographic research. My group attempted to use image processing techniques to create an algorithm that would guide underwater robots along the paths of seagrass beds. The motivation for this research was to be able to better track dying patches of seagrass through autonomous monitoring.
What was something unexpected that you got out of the experience?
Taking part in this study abroad increased my involvement in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), a program that seeks to increase the participation of underrepresented minorities in STEM programs. This trip was largely funded/sponsored by LSAMP, with the program coordinator tagging along for the duration of the trip. I had the opportunity to connect with the coordinator and other LSAMP students and have since been a “student ambassador” for the program.
Did you have any concerns about studying abroad?
I was concerned about the financial burden that would come with studying abroad. Luckily, the UW Office of Student Financial Aid was able to guide me through the process for applying for summer aid. They also pointed me to scholarship resources from UW Study Abroad that ended up funding my trip. Having scholarships helped relieve the stress that came with having to finance the program and allowed me to focus more on my academics.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
I would like to do research in my future career, so this program was the catalyst for me beginning that path as an undergraduate research student. I hope to obtain a PhD, so the basis of research skills I got during this program will help propel me toward being a successful student in my PhD program.
Jennifer Santiago
Hometown: Ephrata, WA
Major: Public Health
Study abroad program: Windows to Oaxaca – Migratory Impacts and Leadership on Sustainable Developments Goals
Destination: Mexico
Why did you choose your study abroad program?
I chose the program as a means to learn and delve more into the history and culture of my identity as an indigenous Mexican American woman. I wanted to go abroad, so I thought why not the country where my family is from? It was an opportunity that I needed to take advantage of or else I would definitely regret it later on.
Describe your program in a few sentences
The program was an immersive experience through language, education, and culture. I learned in an academic setting about migration and the impacts it has on language, education, and culture in the indigenous communities of Oaxaca. Learning wasn’t only in the classroom, but in the immersive experience of going to Oaxaca. Exploring what the community had to offer in a sustainable manner coinciding with our studies of sustainable development and cultural intersectionality.
What was something unexpected that you got out of the experience?
As a person of color living in the United States, I have always felt out of place. However, for the first time, I felt like I belonged. I would have people approaching me and asking me for directions, something that I’m not really used to. While it was unexpected, this sense of belonging helped boost my confidence and pride in my identity because it made me see the beauty of all aspects of who I am.
Did you have any concerns about studying abroad?
My biggest concern was the financial aspect of studying abroad, however there were many resources at my disposal. I spoke to study abroad advisors who helped find the right scholarships for my study abroad. Luckily, I received a scholarship for my study abroad which helped greatly.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
Studying abroad has helped me in my future endeavors because it helped solidify a confidence in my identity and who I am as a person. Moreover, it made me realize the importance of my experiences because while it may be something I alone experienced, the situations that I have come across are not. There are many students who are first-generation, indigenous, or experience other adversity in their lives. It made me realize that I am not alone, nor have I ever been.
Mary Elworth
Hometown: Newcastle, WA
Major: Mathematics
Study abroad program: Aarhus University Exchange
Destination: Denmark
Why did you choose your study abroad program?
I have long been fascinated with Scandinavian culture, especially with the social benefits and trusting society that is prevalent there. I wanted to see firsthand how these traits affect their educational systems and so I began looking at programs that would allow me to study at a university in this region.
I became particularly interested in Denmark when I learned about their innovative approaches to sustainability. It has been a growing passion of mine to learn about how different societies are pursuing more sustainable futures. I was intrigued by how, even as a small country landwise, Denmark has become a global leader in utilizing renewable energy.
Receiving a Scan Design @ UW Fellowship was the final step for me in making the decision. It provided not only the funding to make my study abroad dreams a reality, but also provided a wealth of opportunities to engage with Danish culture and interact with Danes.
Describe your program in a few sentences
During daily lectures and weekly quiz sections, I tackled problems in mathematics and economics. In addition, I had courses on philosophy of science and ethical responsibilities in science where I learned about scientific fields from a humanities perspective. In these courses I also conducted small research projects alongside Danish and fellow international classmates.
My Danish classmates were especially keen on creating informal study groups, so I had the benefit of studying and socializing with them in a relaxed setting outside of lectures. This reinforced my understanding of course material and became a natural way to engage more in the cultural exchange aspect of the program.
What was something unexpected that you got out of the experience?
I didn’t expect how much I would use the bicycle that I rented while I was there. I knew that Danes are passionate about biking, but I had no idea how well designed their urban areas are for bicycles. I ended up biking nearly everywhere in the city and in every kind of weather.
I also didn’t anticipate meeting so many fellow international students, but some quickly became very close friends. I had the chance to visit them in their hometowns after the program was finished, which I did—and the experience was incredible! I’m very lucky to have friends all throughout Europe now that I can visit, and hope that they visit me in Seattle too.
Did you have any concerns about studying abroad?
I was concerned about being away from my family and friends for such a long time. I certainly missed them, but I also felt so welcomed in the student dorm community that Aarhus became like a second home to me.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
Through the experience I discovered a master’s degree program that I’m planning to pursue after I graduate from the University of Washington. I’ve realized that I would like to use my mathematics degree in an applied way, and while I was in Denmark I became very interested in climate research. I hadn’t considered pursuing this field before studying in Denmark, but now I appreciate how essential mathematics is to climate data analysis and predictive modeling. This is a field I would like to learn more about in my graduate studies.
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Izet Mendoza
Hometown: Rainier Valley, WA
Major: American Ethnic Studies
Study abroad program: The Politics of Blackness and Indigeneity
Destination: Peru
Why did you choose your study abroad program?
I chose my study abroad program because I wanted to know more about Blackness and Indigeneity from a Latin-America perspective. I come from a family of Indigenous Oaxacans from Mexico and in the Latinx community there is an obvious anti-blackness bias while the Indigenous peoples are perceived as “uncivilized” and “backward”. This was the perfect program for my interest and helped me unpack my own thoughts and feelings around identity, immigration, and community.
Describe your program in a few sentences
We were a small group and this felt like the perfect size to me. I spent quality time learning and interacting with everyone and our professors always answered questions and made sure we were not only learning about Peru but also thinking critically about identity politics.
What was something unexpected that you got out of the experience?
From personal experience, I know racism exists in the United States, but I wanted to see how it looked like in Peru. Anti-indigeneity and anti-blackness are very real in Peru and knowing and understanding the racial history and tensions that exist helped me understand how a post-war nation deals with collective memory and trauma. While visiting the Afro-Peruvian town of El Carmen Chincha it was very frustrating to see women and young children selling dolls that had black skin but blue eyes. This kind of dichotomy between the expression of art and the political things that are happening in the community helps me understand and hopefully undo stereotypes in my own family and community here in Seattle.
Did you have any concerns about studying abroad?
My fear was picking a study abroad program that felt more touristy than educational. I have seen some of my peers being infatuated with the idea of studying abroad in an “exotic” location and coming back with pictures of animals and children or amazing foods they’d tried without learning much about the real issues affecting that country. However, our professors made sure that was not our experience and I’m grateful for their effort.
As someone who doesn’t come from wealth, funding was another major concern. I applied and received the Global Opportunities Scholarship. Despite being a first-generation college student and daughter of Indigenous immigrants, academic achievement and new learning experiences are possible even under the most unimaginable obstacles.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
As a womxn of color, I want to pursue a Master of Public Health and help bring critical thinking of race and ethnicity into the Public Health sector. I would like to advocate for the inclusion of Afro Latinx and Indigenous Latinx in the healthcare system because often these communities are ignored and continuously exploited. The study abroad program provided me the space and opportunity to speak freely and have difficult yet important discussions around race and politics and intersectionality.
Marquis Wright
Hometown: Federal Way, WA
Majors: English and Communication
Study abroad program: Dark Empire
Destination: London, United Kingdom
Why did you choose your study abroad program?
Studying abroad was my “big dream” when I got to the UW, but I wasn’t sure it would come true. I had lots of running start credits along with an A.A. degree when I got to the UW, so I was worried I might not have time to study abroad since my college experience was almost halfway done. However, Tory Brundage, my Brotherhood Initiative adviser, encouraged me to apply for the Dark Empire program. He talked about the opportunity as being a condensed program that would be great for anyone who wanted to get a small dose of experiential learning. The program fit with my schedule and was financially feasible, so I went with it.
Describe your program in a few sentences
It examines facets of public health in context of Britain’s National Health Service and how Britain’s society intersects with social and cultural factors. Even though the focus of the trip was public health, the course also examined topics such as race, gender, sexuality, immigration and religion. The classes were discussion-based and involved learning tours of London and the Imperial War Museum in Greenwich.
What was something unexpected that you got out of the experience?
I knew study abroad was going have its share of culture shocks and I thought I was prepared as I had seen and learnt a lot about London and British society via the media. However, I was surprised by every facet of London. I was shocked at how different every little thing was — things I never really think about in America. For example, the streets are super tidy and there are set sides for walking on the sidewalk. There’s an abundance of public transportation options but you had to put out your hand in a very specific way to get the bus to stop for you! The fashion sense is conservative and lacks bright colors … the list could go on. My favorite part of the trip was observing British norms and seeing how much if it would rub off on me in the span of four weeks. The small details paired with the larger societal issues, like the socialized healthcare system and its intersections with social and cultural identities we learned about, made everything I interacted with a learning experience.
Did you have any concerns about studying abroad?
One of my biggest worries with this trip was funding. Thankfully, through scholarships and financial planning with my parents, I could fund the trip and live comfortably while abroad.
Tell us your favorite story from studying abroad
One day, we didn’t have anything planned, so we spontaneously decided to go to Buckingham Palace after class. We just caught a bus into London and saw that we were close enough to walk to the palace. Being able to see such an iconic piece of history with these new friends that I made was a memory that I will never forget.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career (or other endeavors)?
I’m interested in media writing, with the end goal being screenwriting. I feel the study abroad experience helped me better understand how media is a vital tool in learning about other societies and cultures. It is important to take the time to travel and explore the world outside of the ideological bubble one grows up in.
Marshall Sherrell
Hometown: Bremerton, WA
Majors: English and Japanese
Study abroad program: Keio University Direct Exchange
Destination: Tokyo, Japan
Why did you choose your study abroad program?
I wanted to stay in Japan for an extended period and the direct exchange program allows for that immersive experience. I wanted a deep dive into the study abroad experience — the full enchilada, so to speak! I relished the idea of exploring a Japanese university on my own. My first choice was Keio University because it offers intensive Japanese language training which would help further my future career as a language teacher.
Describe your program in a few sentences.
I’m a program designed for foreign students. The default language of instruction is English, but I’m able to take several Japanese language courses as well. My favorite was the Japan-America Shared Histories class taught by Mukesh Williams. I attended that class on a lark, but stayed because of how knowledgeable the professor was. We also had the editor-in-chief of Japan Spotlight magazine as a guest lecturer. Now we’re featured in the magazine’s March/April issue!
What was something unexpected that you got out of the experience?
Attending Keio University has expanded my network. I knew the university was reputable, but didn’t realize it would provide the platform to interact with influential people in Japan. My connections have helped me find current employment as well as secure opportunities for future employment. My best advice for other students: be social and reach out because the people you meet in and around Keio tend to be well-connected and might play a role in your career development.
Did you have any concerns about studying abroad?
My biggest concern had always been funding. As a self-supporting, low-income student I’ve worked all sorts of jobs while attending classes. My dad passed away when I was 18 and my mother is disabled and subsisting on state aid so there was no option for me to live with my parents to save on living costs. I started taking classes in Japanese after my interest in Japan and Japanese culture was rekindled (thanks to [Japanese manga series] Attack on Titan), and I ended up declaring Japanese as my major. Even then I didn’t think studying abroad was a possibility for me unless I got super lucky and won those all-inclusive scholarships that pay for everything. But then I talked to a study abroad advisor and learned there were lots of scholarship options available. So I set to work and put all my effort and explored every funding possibility. Thanks to scholarships, I made my dream of studying abroad a reality.
Share a favorite story from studying abroad
I recently took a bike-and-train trip to Osaka where I decided to test their legendary reputation for friendliness. I was not disappointed! During my first day in Osaka, I walked from my hostel to a local restaurant for lunch. This was during the Winter Olympics and people were watching it on television. There was an elderly woman seated at a stool next to, me, so I decided to strike up a conversation.
“Do you come here often?” I asked. She smiled and immediately engaged with me about the Olympics, US politics, and other topics. Since we were speaking in Japanese, the waitress noticed me (a foreign person) and decided she needed to get my contact information so we could have language exchanges. The elderly lady also asked her for my information because I guess everyone in the restaurant knew each other already! This experience had a deep impact on me because it helped me gain confidence in my Japanese speaking ability, in addition to experiencing such a warm and friendly culture.
Maya Paschal
Hometown: Hansville, WA
Major: English
Study abroad program: Writers in Rome
Destination: Rome, Italy
Why did you choose your study abroad program?
The most memorable class during my first year at the UW was The Craft of Verse with Professor Richard Kenney. I realized that poetry was something I wanted to pursue specifically as a writer. Professor Kenney wrote to me and recommended that I head to Italy next for the Writers in Rome program. As I had already promised my summer to Seoul, Korea, I had to put this idea aside for a while. However, immediately after getting back from that first study abroad experience, I knew I had to travel again. I submitted my application for the spring 2017 Rome program as soon as the application process opened. Also, my great-grandfather was Italian, and I’ve always wanted to do a deeper dive into that side of my heritage.
Describe your program in a few sentences.
Kevin Craft and Katie Ogle were the most incredible professors and went above and beyond anything I could have imagined. They gave the program a kind of energy and meaning that surpassed my expectations in the best ways possible. The classes are all rolled up into one journey through the streets of Rome and delve into the history, architecture, art, and poetry of the city. We writers walked everywhere with notebooks and pens in hand and put the city and how we experienced it into words as best we could. It was a creative adventure every day!
What was something unexpected that you got out of the experience?
Friendship. I wasn’t expecting to develop such a close relationship with not only my cohort of writers, but with my professors as well. We were truly a Roman family for those three months, and we still keep in touch today, a year on. Kevin and Katie were also an enormous help in my endeavors after graduation, from my first writing/publishing job to the one I have now as an English teacher in Korea.
Did you have any concerns about studying abroad?
The biggest concern was the language barrier. Campus resources are useful, of course, but really the only thing that makes fears like that fade is experience, putting yourself out there—but also knowing that you aren’t alone doing it. Your classmates are also struggling with similar things, and your professors are there to help. Kevin and Katie helped us in so many ways, from the language to coursework to living situations to personal concerns or curiosities. They were invaluable, and my experience in Rome would have been so incredibly different had they not been there for us.
Tell us your favorite story from studying abroad
A fond memory that springs to mind is our performance of Julius Caesar right on the bank of the Tiber River. White sheets and scarves served as our makeshift togas, and we bore kitchenware weapons to act out the whole play. The best part was when Kevin jumped in with a sparkly flashing tiara to play Caesar’s ghost — he was very good with the swaying and ominous tiptoe-stalking, and even made several passersby turn back to watch.
How will study abroad help you in your future career?
I’m currently an English teacher living and working in Seoul, South Korea — I loved being here during my first study abroad experience, and I knew I wanted to come back as soon as possible. Rome had an enormous effect on my life as a writer — I’m more a poet than I ever was before because of Rome, and it changed so much of how I look at and approach writing. It gave me my first taste of Europe as well, and I know that I want to go back, either to work or to continue my education in creative writing. Whenever I may feel like my life and work in Seoul is drawing to a close, I will definitely be looking for opportunities there.
Vipech Bun
Hometown: Renton, WA
Major: Business
Study abroad program: Engineering Japan: Exploring in the Heart of High-Tech
Destination: Sendai, Japan
Why did you choose your study abroad program?
My initial intention was to go into business studies, but then I developed a strong interest in Human Centered Design. This was my first major exposure to engineering and the best part is it’s tailored for first-and-second-year students like myself who are exploring this discipline.
My study abroad experience is valuable because it will help guide my career path and interests for the next few years, but the experience would not be the same in a different country. Japan is one of the top influencers in terms of technology and as students we got access to award-winning faculty lectures and immersed ourselves in the local lifestyle and experienced first-hand how the culture informs their innovation.
Describe your program in a few sentences.
During daily lectures we tackled new engineering topics like disaster science, neutrino and material science but the weekly group competitions helped us apply our theoretical learning to actual projects. For example, during the paper plane competition not only did we have to design a plane that flew but also explain our thought process and techniques based on what we had learned in the classroom.
We also had interactive Japanese classes that let us mingle with the local students and visit sacred mountain sites and learn about earthquake recovery efforts.
What was something unexpected that you got out of the experience?
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world with a very reliable public transportation system. This allowed me to navigate the city on my own without fear of getting lost or ending up in dangerous situations. This was huge for me! It allowed me to explore the beautiful Japanese countryside and compare it with city life. It was an interesting experience trying to balance my lifestyle and time as both a student and tourist!
Did you have any concerns about studying abroad? How did you address your concerns?
Being able to afford the program was a major concern for me. I utilized multiple resources – including UW Study Abroad and the Foster School of Business – to search for funding, thanks to the guidance of my advisors.
Tell us your favorite story from studying abroad
We visited the Ishinomaki preschool, a new community effort to rebuild the school after the 2011 earthquake. We got to learn about the history and interact with local children. Each student was paired up with a child and we had to do a lot of prep work before the visit. We all had to learn the preschool’s nursery rhyme in Japanese, which the instructor made us sing repeatedly during the bus ride.
How will study abroad help you in your future career?
The opportunity to immerse myself into another country and live in that culture — even from the perspective of an outsider — means I get to understand life from several new angles. These new perspectives will continue to help me grow into an empathetic leader. As a first-generation college student, I seek to boost this skill because I don’t just want to have a career. I want to be a passionate and outspoken leader in the fields that I choose to go into. I’m hoping to work in accessibility design and innovate ways to help those with disability, so they can use and interact with technology and change their lives for the better.
Ashley Richards
Hometown: Buckley, WA
Major: UW Tacoma Sustainable Urban Development
Study abroad program: Examining Township Community Development, Education and Racial Disparities
Destination: South Africa
Why did you choose your program?
I chose to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa for several reasons. The location seemed a bit more non-traditional than many of the other programs I have seen advertised at UWT and that was intriguing to me. I figured, when am I ever going to get the opportunity to go to South Africa again? It was also nice that the program tied closely to my major, Sustainable Urban Development, since there was a community development aspect of the curriculum. This made the decision much easier from the perspective of connecting the material to my education.
What was something unexpected that you got out of the experience?
I came home a different person than I was when I left. I grew up in a small town and was rarely exposed to poverty or witnessed racial discrimination. Because of this, I have gone through much of my life not fully aware of the obstacles which other people face on a daily basis. Going to Cape Town and seeing the conditions many people live in was a reminder of my own privilege and how fortunate I am to have a safe home with family and friends that love and care for me. This reality check wasn’t my reasoning for studying abroad, but it is probably the lesson I am most thankful for now.
Did you have concerns about studying abroad?
My biggest concern was leaving my family behind. Communication was challenging because of the time difference, and I wanted to let them know I was safe and sound. We eventually figured out a routine.
I was also worried about paying for the trip. UW scholarships and financial aid reduced finance-related stress and allowed me to enjoy my time abroad rather than worrying.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
Being a Sustainable Urban Development major, it is important to keep in mind that sustainability means something different to different cultures. Cape Town has many shanty-towns which linger from the days of apartheid, and what works for them in terms of development is typically not what has worked for us in America. I was constantly reminded and challenged to think “outside the box” about the development process in Cape Town, since many people were forced to live day by day rather than planning for the future with sustainability in mind. This experience has prepared me to serve other communities and be mindful of their needs rather than my own in order to accomplish a shared goal.
Areya Zugish
Hometown: Marysville, WA
Major: Pre-sciences
Study abroad program: Standing Together – Tribal Canoe Journey Field Study
Destination: Canada
Why did you choose your program?
I wanted to learn more about my Native American culture and others cultures, and I wanted to travel. This program gave me the opportunity to travel while learning about my heritage. It helped me find myself through my culture.
Did you have any concerns about studying abroad?
I was also worried about leaving the country, my home, and my family for the first time. I was nervous to be leaving for a month without family, or friends. It turns out I was not the only one with these worries, I ended up making friends along the way and tons of memories.
Tell us about something unexpected that you got out of the experience.
I made some unforgettable friendships with people from all over the place, and I learned life lessons. I choose to travel abroad to learn about the culture, but I walked away learning about the culture and myself. The canoe journey was a beautiful experience that showed me the true value of life.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
Study abroad gave me connections to tribal members from all over. I have close friends everywhere now, and these connections will strengthen my involvement at the UW with my First Nations club. In my future career, my experience abroad will give me a greater understanding of how to stand up for something as a group, and how to fight for what we believe in. It has also given me a sense of belonging.
Going on the canoe journey gave me connections to people and the wonderful land, and also a greater understanding of Native American culture and the health implications we are facing today.
Yesenia Velasquez
Hometown: Yakima, WA
Major: Gender, women & sexuality studies and business
Study abroad program: Exploration Seminar: Triple impact
Destination: Morocco
Why did you choose your program?
The program was perfect for me because it helped me connect my two majors. It was all about considering social, financial and environmental impact.
Did you have concerns about studying abroad?
Studying abroad had always been a dream, because I knew it would have a big impact on me as a student and a person. My parents didn’t go to college, so they don’t have any experience with study abroad. They saw it as a financial burden because just my tuition is already a big burden. As a family, we decided that there was no way I could go on the program without a scholarship. It would have been too expensive for us. Having a scholarship helped me to have this great experience.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
One of our major projects was to write a grant for local farmers. We had to interview the farmers and be respectful of their time, and make sure that their needs were met. I pushed myself to understand things from their perspective. It was challenging to write the grant as a group, and make sure that we were accountable to the farmers. After having that experience, I saw that writing and applying for grants can really have a big impact on people in need. In the future, I would like to write grants for a living and help others through that work.
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Sarah Flint
Hometown: Ellensburg, WA
Major: International Studies
Study abroad program: Critical Perspectives on Ecotourism in Tanzania
Destination: Tanzania
Why did you choose your program?
I chose this study abroad program because I have always wanted to visit Africa. The other exploration seminars held during the same time were going to places I felt I could go anytime. Tanzania was not a country I would be able to visit on my own without any connections if I wanted to get a full immersive experience.
Tell us about something unexpected that you got out of the experience.
Something unexpected is the friendship I made with the group I traveled with but also the students I spent time with in Emanyata. I am still in touch those the students at the school we stayed at for a week.
Did you have concerns about studying abroad?
My only concern about studying abroad was finances. I began applying for scholarships after talking to a Peer Ambassador at the study abroad office. I received a scholarship and got a revision in my financial aid that helped cover the expenses.
Yeh-Eun Lee
Hometown: Auburn, WA
Majors: Human Centered Design & Engineering and sociology
Study abroad program: Exploration Seminar: Information, Technology and Society
Destination: South Korea
Why did you choose your program?
I looked into all of the study abroad programs you can choose from, and this one was the best fit for both of my majors. It was very applicable to my engineering and sociology majors – we looked at the differences in technology use between the two cultures – and going to South Korea allowed me to explore my cultural background. It was a chance to go deeper with what I am studying.
Also, the instructor, Matthew Saxton, is incredible. I speak Korean, but I didn’t know anything about the culture outside of TV shows. He connected us with many different aspects of Korean culture.
Tell us about something unexpected that you got out of the experience.
My study abroad group bonded on a deep level. We went hiking on the most challenging trail I have ever experienced. There were students from all different majors. We found common ground, and I made many good friends. They are my family now.
Did you have concerns about studying abroad?
Before I knew I had the scholarship, I was really worried about studying abroad and I did not know whether it was a good idea to take out loans to cover the costs. I was even thinking about withdrawing from the program because I was so worried about finances. Receiving the GO! Scholarship was a confirmation to me that I should go ahead.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
Studying abroad helped me explore career options. While we were there, we took part in a research project. We had to collect and analyze research data, and present our findings at the end. My group looked at photo sharing content and behavior among U.S. and Korean students. We found that American students were more open with sharing, while Korean students were more private, but more research is needed.
Wilson Charles
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Majors: Political science and philosophy
Study abroad program: Direct exchange with Sciences Po University
Destination: France
Why did you choose your program?
Sciences Po is one of the best schools in France to train people for public administration and public service. The educational environment was fantastic because I was able to take courses that aren’t offered at the UW. For example, I took a course about U.S. intelligence in partnership with European countries. I got first-hand experience with how influential and important the U.S. is in those countries.
Tell us about something unexpected that you got out of the experience.
One thing that touched me was the historical aspect in Europe. I went to the place where the King of France would receive daily sacraments. Seeing the level of extravagance used on that space, when at the same time regular citizens of France were miserable. They were paying taxes but they didn’t get the services they needed, and that led to the French Revolution.
This is something that I can identify with because I grew up in Haiti, which used to be a French colony. It showed me how necessary it is to fight for equality.
I also realized that there’s still work to be done in Europe in terms of developing civic duty. As someone who is visually impaired, I saw people doing many things – like parking their cars everywhere and not picking up dog poop – that make it hard for people with disabilities to get around. But I learned to be more patient, more careful and to be respectful of new traditions and other societies.
Did you have concerns about studying abroad?
I had to budget carefully to go on my program. I had no option other than borrowing money. The scholarship helped me to borrow less money. That means I’ll be able to pay off my debt sooner and focus on my career in public service.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
My experience in France strengthened my desire to work at the State Department as a legal adviser or even a diplomat. When you study abroad, you learn about the bureaucratic system in a different country. I gained perspective on American systems and an outside perspective on how the U.S. is seen by other countries. This will serve me well as a public servant.
Jacob Drahos
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Majors: Art history
Study abroad program: Landscape Architecture China: Design Build
Destination: China
Why did you choose your program?
I was aware of some great work that the College of Built Environments did in the Seattle community at the Veteran’s hospital. My uncle is a Vet, so it was interesting to me. When I saw that the same professor was leading a trip to China to do a similar community design project, I wanted to get involved.
Did you have concerns about studying abroad?
I knew that studying abroad had the potential to help me understand the world around me and do good work, but I didn’t want to put myself into financial limbo. I wanted to be financially responsible. Receiving a scholarship reduced my worry.
Tell us about something unexpected that you got out of the experience.
While in China, I worked with fellow college students from the U.S. and China to design and build a park from scratch. I had less design experience than many of the other students, and there was a language barrier. I had to find a way to contribute to the team. I realized that I had some experience with construction, which was really helpful. In the end, I also presented about our project to a group of local Chinese officials.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
Study abroad put me in a completely different environment, and my brain worked in new ways trying to take it all in. I picked up a lot of new skills for non-verbal communication that are helpful when you don’t share a language with someone but you want to connect and work together.
Maddison Cowan
Hometown: Puyallup, WA
Majors: UW Bothell community psychology
Study abroad program: Direct exchange with the University of Melbourne
Destination: Australia
Why did you choose your program?
I had an Australian exchange student live with me in high school for 6 months and we have remained in contact. I went to visited her for a mere 10 days last year, and I left feeling like I wanted to explore much more of Australia.
At the University of Melbourne, I was able to take classes in performance psychology, creative expression, and music psychology. As a psychology major, these classes sparked my interest intellectually and creatively, and also expanded my knowledge of psychology. This knowledge will be very applicable to my future career in naturopathic medicine.
Tell us about something unexpected that you got out of the experience.
Surf skills! While I’m still a complete newbie, the University of Melbourne Surf Club taught me so many different techniques, and I had a blast.
Did you have concerns about studying abroad?
I was worried about not having a solid group of friends and feeling lonely because of that. But to prevent that, on orientation day, they have a “clubs on campus’ fair, and I joined four clubs! My most active involvement was in the UniMelb Surfriders, and Melbourne University Vegan Club.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
Packing up my life and moving all the way across the Pacific Ocean took a lot of determination and responsibility on my part. My parents did not help me through the process, so I had to be diligent with everything I needed to accomplish before, during, and after this semester exchange process. I believe I’ll be able to use the personal skills I’ve gained through studying abroad to demonstrate my determination and hard work to my future graduate program. My next step after graduation is applying for Bastyr University’s Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine program.
Kenia Diaz
Hometown: Pasco, WA
Major: English (pre-med)
Study abroad program: Exploration Seminar: Health in the context of culture
Destination: India
Why did you choose your program?
My program was really unique because we got to shadow nurses in rural and urban areas. The doctors and nurses that I met were so awesome and funny and welcoming. I loved having a person there to explain everything to me. I know sciences from my studies at the UW, but I don’t know medicine very well yet.
I still keep in touch with one of the nurses I shadowed. She introduced me to all of the important people in her department. When I told her I want to be a surgeon she introduced me to the head of surgery.
Tell us about something unexpected that you got out of the experience.
Going to India really made me embrace my American and Mexican culture together. Before I had always felt like one or the other. Studying abroad made me appreciate my culture and identity more.
Did you have concerns about studying abroad?
Even with two jobs, my parents have to work very hard just for simple things. They don’t have any money to help me with my education. Study abroad isn’t something that’s really in our plans and we don’t have money for it. Our money needs to go to basic things like rent and food.
My parents want me to experience big things like study abroad, and it’s hard for them not to be able to give them to me. It’s nice to be able to apply for scholarships so that I can have these experiences and not put any more financial burden on my parents.
How will your study abroad help you in your future career?
Being there physically allowed me to engage in all of the emotions of the place. I got to have amazing hands-on experiences in India. But not only that, it helped me develop cultural competence, which is really important for healthcare providers. Sure, you could read about cultural differences in healthcare, but it was amazing to see it in person.
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Though passionate, these students faced financial challenges. They received a scholarships from UW Study Abroad to support their international learning experience. Help us empower more students to pursue their dreams and prepare for success in today’s global communities and workplaces.