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I believe the fact that there was no guarantee that you would have the same major as someone else and almost everyone going didn't know each other, but were still eager to meet other students motivated me into studying abroad before stepping foot on campus. I think that it made for a great mix of people who may have typically not found each other on campus due to different interests but were able to make great friendships and bonds over the shared experiences of studying and navigating through a foreign country together. 

Studying abroad has broadened my horizons academically, professionally and personally beyond my wildest expectations. During my time abroad, I met with professionals in my field of interest and made life-long connections that will truly benefit my future career. While learning to navigate life in a new city I gained so much independence and confidence. I was initially worried about COVID safety while traveling abroad but with all of the precautions in place I never felt unsafe. Even with the changes that have come with COVID, traveling abroad was the best decision I could have made.

I was responsible for launching a project that would promote olive oil sales for the company. I created a project called “Adopt an Olive Tree” which is a restoration project for olive trees in Tuscany. I also created two other experience-based weekends involving picking from the vineyards and a foraging walk. Some of the smaller tasks I had were photographing the oils and wines and updating the description card for both during tasting. 

My exchange left a remarkable impact on me. Everyone says “study abroad changed me.” While I don’t feel like a different person (your problems are still your problems even if you’re abroad), I now have incredible memories to reflect on. I got to live with people from all over the world! I got to travel with people who are now some of my closest friends! I also got to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences every day! I constantly found myself taking a moment to absorb everything around me to remember every detail.

Ciao, my name is Sarah Shewaye! I’m a third-year Honors College student from Salem, Oregon, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Global Studies. I am a first-generation American and college student, the daughter of a Ukrainian refugee and an Ethiopian immigrant. 

Hi Ducks! My name is Ariel Carreon, and I am a junior, majoring in English with a legal studies minor. I am handicapped due to being visually impaired, but that has not stopped me from choosing to study abroad! 

Rome offered the perfect backdrop to study architecture, with a mix of both ancient and modern precedents. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to experience culture and architecture from a very different perspective than at University of Oregon. Architecture in Rome taught me new media skills, introduced me to knowledgeable experts, gave me new friends, and immersed me into an Italian lifestyle!

Brena Daly

Architecture in Rome, Summer 2022

In winter 2023, I had the opportunity to complete a sports business internship with BeFootball, a virtual reality software company based in Madrid, Spain. Although I have always loved sports, soccer was never a sport that I had much appreciation for while growing up in the United States due to limited exposure. My supervisor advised me to attend as many matches as possible during my eight-week stay in Madrid, and so I ended up attending matches featuring Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid.

Studying abroad in Seoul was hands down the highlight of my college education. Although the COVID-19 pandemic had messed with a lot of my study abroad plans, I was lucky enough that South Korea had their borders open when I went in spring 2022. Although I was nervous to live abroad alone for an extended period of time, getting to meet people from all over the world and experiencing the Seoul together was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I would give anything to do all over again. I've made lifelong friends and have had new experiences that I'll never forget.

I studied at Seoul National University for the 2023 spring semester and had so much fun. I had to study really hard, but between the many hours of class I made lots of memories on campus, at cafes, and at noreabangs (karaoke rooms). As someone with Korean heritage who had never been to Korea before, the trip was also incredibly culturally affirming and change my relationship with my Korean identity for the better. At SNU, I made friendships that span the global and will last a lifetime, as will the memories we made together!

Emma Koontz