GEO Blog

Want to experience the world through the eyes of our students? Dive into the GEO blog and discover captivating tales of adventure, culture, and academic growth. Share your study abroad journey with us by sharing your own blog post!

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Navigating challenges in Ghana

A young woman stands near an elephant
Hi, my name is Miriam Escoto! I am going into my junior year at UO, as a Global Studies major with minors in Global Health and Non-Profit Administration. I am a Mexican American student, a big part of my identity that has influenced my future career goals. As I have grown up learning how to…

Returning, Reuniting and Reflecting

Izzy de Klerk posing in front of a lake in Italy
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 exhausted from the journey yet eager to reunite with my loved…

Introduction - Interning in Tokyo

Student Zoe Tomlinson posing in front of the Tokyo skyline
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…

Navigating Japan knowing no Japanese

Zoe Tomlinson taking a mirror selfie with a friend on an escalator
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…

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

Student Isabelle de Klerk posing in front of a Tuscany landscape
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…

Connecting with people and culture in Madrid

Student Emma Egbert posing in front of a painted ceiling 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 in…

Loving My Time Abroad

Person standing on a sunny pathway with street signs for Paseo de la Castellana and Orense in the foreground, and modern high-rise buildings in the background.
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 in Madrid, the students have single dorm rooms. I was excited…

Budgeting 101: Managing Your Finances Abroad

Brynli riding on a camel in the desert
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…

Mitigating Culture Shock While Abroad

Kaden standing near buildings in Germany
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…

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

Kaden standing in a soccer stadium in Germany
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…