Hello! My name is Hana Smith, and I am a Global Studies major with a focus on international trade and tourism. I was born and raised in Japan until I was 15, which gave me a deep appreciation for cross-cultural communication and the nuances of interacting across many different cultures. Throughout my college career, I’ve studied how these cultural differences affect international business and communication, and I’m particularly interested in how marketing and company strategies can adapt when entering new countries with diverse languages and audiences.

Now that I’m officially back in the United States, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my time in Hong Kong and how it's affected how I see myself and the world around me. That said, I had to navigate my way back first before I could reflect. Getting back to the US wasn’t a very difficult trek—just a stop in Seoul for seven hours and 12 hours in the air—but getting accustomed to PNW weather and time zone was challenging. For the first few days, it was hard to find a regular rhythm for sleeping and eating.

My nine weeks in Costa Rica have come to an end, and while I am heartbroken to leave, I am eternally grateful to have experienced the beauty of it all. I am bringing back with me new recipes, experiences, and memories that have shaped me into a new person. My farewell dinner with my host family was full of emotions and delicious food. Saying goodbye to the family I had been sharing time with was a lot harder than I anticipated. It felt like I was saying bye to another version of myself, as well as to all those I met who I don’t know when I’ll see again.

Maggie Trail, a biology major, shares her journey navigating the field of environmental science while immersing herself in Colombia’s dynamic professional landscape through GlobalWorks International Internships. 🌱 

From contributing to real-world sustainability initiatives to developing practical skills in a growing industry, her experience highlights the impact and global perspective our programs provide. 

Kacia Stewart, an environmental studies major, shares her journey navigating the field of environmental science while immersing herself in London’s fast-paced and sustainability-focused professional environment on a GlobalWorks International Internship 🌍 

From working on carbon reduction initiatives to gaining real-world insight into environmental impact strategies, her experience highlights the meaningful work and global exposure our programs provide.

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Choosing to study abroad in Osaka was the best decision I hav

Hello! I am Ava, a third-year environmental science major interning abroad in Stockholm, Sweden, a program I had not heard UO many students talk about during my application process. I hope to spread the word and help more students understand Stockholm, and come here as well! I chose Stockholm because of how prevalent sustainability is in the city and in Sweden as a whole. Being immersed in a culture with values that align so closely with my own and working in a professional environment with shared goals seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Hello, Giana Eddy here! I am a Diverse Duck for the Spring term of 2026, as I am studying abroad in Paris, France. Today is March 30th. I arrived in Paris on March 27th. Upon my arrival, I picked up my checked luggage at Charles de Gaulle Airport and took a taxi to my apartment. Today is actually my first day as an intern at the American Medical Center in Paris! My study abroad program is the GlobalWorks Internship in Paris, France.

What a whirlwind the past eight weeks have been! As I wrap up my time here, I’m looking back on a journey that evolved much faster than I ever anticipated. My internship just finished on a high note: I completed the major projects my boss and I laid out at the start, and I’m still processing this, but he offered me a permanent position with the company! One of my biggest dreams was to get hired by my internship host, but I didn't think it would happen this quickly.

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Study abroad is the most amazing opportunity to live in a new country surrounded by people your