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My summer in Tokyo was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. Having grown up in South Korea, I had always been curious about Japan, our neighboring country. I was fortunate enough to spend two months living in Tokyo, immersing myself in its culture through the UO GlobalWorks Internship Program. I interned at a start-up in Shibuya. Being in Japan during the summer also meant I got to experience the vibrant festival season. One of the most memorable events was the Bon Odori Matsuri, a festival celebrating the homecoming of ancestors.

Studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, was an incredible experience that I highly recommend. During my month-long course on bicycle urbanism, I cycled daily, explored the city, took trips to Sweden, swam in the harbor, and enjoyed the beaches. Studying abroad gives students a chance to meet people from all over the world, and gain independence. My biggest takeaway was how grateful I am to have access to resources as a student, making experiences like this possible. What I loved most were the daily bike rides, the ease of using the metro, and Copenhagen's awesome bakeries.

Studying abroad in London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff led by Dr. Yoav Dubinsky was an amazing experience. As someone who wants to enter the sports business, this program provided useful insights into the industry. It not only featured tours and events surrounding sports but also in-depth meetings and interviews with professionals across the UK. Over a month, we toured stadiums like Stamford Bridge, Wembley, Lords, and Twickenham. We attended events like Wimbledon and an England Women’s cricket match.

Studying abroad through Wildlands was an experience I will never forget. Belize is such a beautiful place, and the people there made it a hundred times better. Our host families provided meals that exceeded my expectations, and there was never a moment when I was hungry or bored. We observed howler monkeys, jaguars, and nurse sharks, and learned about local conservation efforts that I am excited to bring back to the U.S. Through this trip, I learned so much about tropical ecosystems and connected with students from across the nation.

Studying at Waseda University for a term was so amazing and unforgettable. I met so many great people and got to reunite with some of my friends who live in Japan which was so fun. Studying abroad was the opportunity of a lifetime and I encourage anyone who's contemplating it to try! There are so many scholarships available so get in touch with advisors or check online at the GEO website to see which ones you qualify for! Being able to experience living in a new country with a different culture was so exciting and it opened my mind to many things.

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 understood the nuances. Everyday conveniences like iced coffee and air conditioning—things I had taken for granted—became more appreciated after living in a place where they weren’t as common.

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. 

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 immensely diverse and I was surprised by the amount of Dominicans there. I didn’t feel as motivated to use my Spanish in New York but when I did practice, I didn’t want to use my Spanish accent as much.

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It was extremely hard leaving Siena yesterday.

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 immediate need to reintegrate into life back home.