My name is Joseph Ruhr. I am a student at the University of Oregon majoring in political science and global studies, but for the next two months, I am studying and interning in Tokyo, Japan. I intern for an online startup called Japan Pro, where I work closely with the lead web designer to prepare informative articles and photos for the website. In my free time, I love to study history, workout, and create art through music, sketches, writing, and painting.  

Hey everyone! My name is Erika Noda. I'm from Japan and am studying Theatre Arts at the University of Oregon. I’ve always been obsessed with Korean culture. Even before heading to the U.S. for college, I wanted to study abroad in Korea. But for my future career, I decided to go to an English-speaking university first. Still, I couldn't let go of my dream of studying in Korea. Now, while still in a U.S. university, I finally decided to do an internship and study program in Seoul.

Studying abroad in London was not just a one-time experience for me. In 2023, I participated in the Pre-freshman study abroad in London. After my first trip, I knew it wouldn’t be my last time studying abroad. When it came time for me to choose a program for my senior year, I knew it had to be London. Studying in London before both my freshman and senior years of college felt like the perfect way to start and end my college career.

Hello Ducks! My name is Erin and I am a senior studying Linguistics and Psychology. I am currently attending Yonsei University in Seoul South Korea on a year-long exchange. Fun Facts: I enjoy rock climbing, I hold a Wilderness First Responder medical certification, and I want to become a professor. 

Hi, I'm Abby! I'm a fourth-year advertising student at the University of Oregon, a first-generation
college student, and the daughter of two immigrants. My mom is from Ukraine, and my dad is
from Ethiopia. Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of education and
taking advantage of opportunities they didn't necessarily have.
 

Now that I'm back home after 3 weeks in Singapore, it feels like a good time to reflect on the goals I had before the study abroad program. My biggest academic goal was to gain a better understanding of the Singaporean government’s admirable relationship with the private sector and it's population, which I can confidently say I achieved.

Traveling alone can be daunting; seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, and being put outside of your comfort zone are concepts many of us go through when going to a new place. I would be lying if I didn't say that these feelings are exponentially increased when not only traveling but even more so when working there. Don't let this deceive you, though; all the high emotions you get from experiencing new things also get increased.

Ever since I began my travel adventures, I have been searching for this feeling; the feeling of home. I have always loved experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, making connections around the world, and putting myself outside of my comfort zone. My parents have always asked me where I could see myself living someday, and I never had an answer. I had loved so many places, but nowhere ever felt like somewhere I could truly call my second home. Until Copenhagen.

My three-week study abroad experience in Ecuador was one of the most memorable experiences I have had in college. Our group visited Quito, various eco lodges, Artisana National Park, and the Amazon rainforest. Passionate about ecology, we had hands-on lab experiences, short lectures, and even a small research project. Though Ecuador is a relatively small country, it was exceptionally diverse in culture, ecosystems, and animal life.