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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

My study abroad experience in Segovia was amazing, and allowed me to not only learn Spanish but about the world. Before this study abroad I had never been to Europe, but through traveling around Spain and the UK I was able to see a different way of life than I was used to. Being in a different country let me be more spontaneous; my friends and I bought tickets to an F1 Grand Prix in Barcelona the day before it started!

I was a little nervous going into this program as not a lot of UO students go. But I honestly could not have asked for a better experience abroad as I met so many new people with different backgrounds that helped grow my knowledge both personally and from a design standpoint. I think being in Scandinavia and studying the epitome of furniture design has helped change my perspective for the better in many ways. Being able to tour the infamous factories and showrooms was something I will never forget.

My experience working as a social media manager and model for La Vouga was unforgettable and incredible. I had such an amazing time getting to know the local brand designers and being able to model for such amazing and talented people. My favorite part about working for La Vouga was going to the pop-up gallery shoots and events. My boss, Aanshi, had such a positive influence on my experience and inspired me to apply for modeling my school's magazine, Align.

I had a wonderful time studying abroad in London this summer! After graduation this spring, I was excited that I earned my bachelor’s, yet also hopeful for the opportunity to travel to London before becoming a UO alumni. The Journalism In London program was a great balance between education in the classroom, and the opportunity to sightsee and make memories around the UK with friends. I especially loved our class trip to Brighton, as well as watching the Wimbledon Championships. 

Studying abroad in London was the first time I had ever left the country. I had always wanted to visit, as my grandmother lived in London and instilled a love for England in my mom, who had never been able to visit. She in turn passed the desire to visit to me, but it was never a possibility due to financial constraints. Through this program I was able to fulfill a generational dream and connect with the memory of my grandmother. I instantly connected with London and spent the time out of class exploring the city by tube and seeing shows on the west end!

I’m studying abroad in Poitiers, France for the spring semester. I chose Poitiers because it was a small enough university town that I would be fully immersed in the typical French lifestyle. It’s been great so far! I’ve been able to meet tons of new international friends, and even more U.S. friends! The international support network is amazing and since everything is so close in Europe, I’ve been able to take some amazing trips around France, visiting La Rochelle, Bordeaux, and Paris. 

Mariana Hernandez

Studying abroad in Paris has given me the opportunity to find a sense of place in a city I never thought I’d consider a second home. I have opportunities to create friendships with people from all over the world to share language, food, jokes, and our love of the city. Coming here has been a huge learning experience for me to realize the extent of my independence and capability which I know will help me throughout my life.

Claire Conger

Sciences Po Exchange, Academic Year 2023-2024