Student Zoe Tomlinson posing in front of the Tokyo skyline

Introduction - Interning in Tokyo


Hi travelers, I’m Zoe! This spring term, I am thrilled to be living in Tokyo, Japan doing a data science internship with a software company called Dataseed that specializes in sustainable and equitable AI.   As a queer woman in a male-dominated field, I find meeting people with similar…
Zoe Tomlinson taking a mirror selfie with a friend on an escalator

Navigating Japan knowing no Japanese


When I moved to Japan for my spring term, the extent of my language proficiency was 72 “days” of Duolingo Japanese. I was ready to take on language exchange, excited by the prospect of leaving with a solid, beginner-level Japanese skillset. However, I have lived here for a month now and my Japanese…
Student Isabelle de Klerk posing in front of a Tuscany landscape

Reflecting on My Study Abroad Journey: Embracing Diversity, Overcoming Challenges, and Finding Growth


As I sit down to reflect on my study abroad journey, I can't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions. It's been an incredible adventure, filled with breathtaking sights, enriching experiences, and valuable lessons. Yet, it hasn't been without its challenges, particularly as an African American woman…
Student Emma Egbert posing in front of a painted ceiling in Madrid

Connecting with people and culture in Madrid


Image I am loving my time abroad more than ever the past few weeks. I had an adjustment period where I missed home and my connections in Eugene, however there was a turning point when I began to feel close with others in my program here. Here…
Brynli riding on a camel in the desert

Budgeting 101: Managing Your Finances Abroad


Image When you’re abroad, it’s easy to lose track of your spending. There are so many new things to try and places to visit. Before you know it, you’re looking at your bank account wondering where all your saved-up money went. After…
Kaden standing near buildings in Germany

Mitigating Culture Shock While Abroad


According to the omnipresent Oxford English Dictionary, culture shock is defined as, “the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.” It can be extremely intimidating to arrive in a new place where there…
Kaden standing in a soccer stadium in Germany

3 Essential items no one tells you to bring on your study abroad


Image A quick Google of “What to Bring on Your Study Abroad Program” will provide 20 different lists all containing the usual suspects: a power converter, extra underwear, copies of important documents, medications, and so on… Indeed, these are…
A girl in Siena, Italy

My Study Abroad Journey in Siena


Hello, fellow adventurers! My name is Isabelle de Klerk, but you can call me Izzy. I'm a 19-year-old African American woman, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a Business major at the University of Oregon and I want to share my experiences and reflections with you as I embark on my study abroad…
UO student  Emma Egbert eating at a restaurant in Madrid, Spain

The beginning of my internship in Madrid


Hello! It’s a pleasure to begin writing. My name is Emma Egbert. I am a junior at UO studying finance. It is a gift to be able to study abroad this Spring in 2024. I am a part of the GlobalWorks program, where students are paired with internship opportunities and get to work in another country. My…
A girl in South Korea

The Ending of my story with South Korea


The short and exciting roller coaster ride has officially come to an end. My time in South Korea felt like flying with a boomerang. I launched myself very far from home, I saw very beautiful skies and a whole new side of the world… and then quickly felt myself fly back with that boomerang, back to…