GEO Blog

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!  Image The program I am…

Image How Studying Abroad Transformed My Confidence and IndependenceI stepped onto my first solo flight a year and a half ago. I was anxious and a little emotional, unsure of what the next several weeks in London would bring. Before London, I had…

Image My study abroad experience at Waseda University was by far the most adventure-filled and thrilling time of my life. Every day was an adventure, and each was more exciting than the last. But with every passing day those adventures become…

Image Returning to the U.S. after my study abroad experience in Siena was truly a whirlwind of emotions. The transition from the cobblestone streets and rich culture of Italy to the familiarity of home was very bittersweet. I remember feeling…

Returning to the US and settling back into my routine in Eugene was an eye-opening experience that deepened my appreciation for both cultures. While the differences between Italy and the US were immediately noticeable when I first arrived in Italy, it wasn’t until I came back that I truly…

Hey everyone! I've just wrapped up my incredible study abroad experience in Tokyo. I thought I'd share my journey of readjustment and some pieces of wisdom I've picked up along the way.  Image For those of you planning to study abroad (which…

I flew back to the US last week, August 4. Before returning to California I stayed a week in New York City to visit my brother. Being able to speak the language made me feel more respected by the culture. I had never been to New York so I didn’t know what to expect in terms of customs. New York is…

Image It was extremely hard leaving Siena yesterday. The four weeks went by so quickly, it is difficult to grasp where the time went. But I know that it flew by because of how much I was enjoying my time in Siena. Siena was by far the safest…

Returning to the U.S. or the University of Oregon isn't my immediate concern, as I've already graduated and plan to spend the next month traveling through Vietnam and Japan. This extended time abroad allows me to further immerse myself in different cultures and savor my experiences without the…

Image The hardest part of my time here is accepting the realization that my ethnic background has been blurred because of the community I live in back at home. Prior to my trip, it is not that I am oblivious to the fact that I am whitewashed –…