On Janss Terrace on Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Real Bruins, Real Study Abroad Stories event provided information about UCLA abroad programs, such as UCEAP, UCLA Travel Study and the UCLA Global Internship Program. Along with the Bruins Around the World event, this was one of the many functions that were being conducted in support of international education and study abroad programs. Here, student ambassadors ran tables and shared their personal travel stories with students to promote the programs. With more than 15 ambassadors speaking about different countries, such as Indonesia, South Africa, Mexico, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland, every place could be heard through a unique voice.
UCEAP ambassador Iyanna Williams, a third-year human biology and society student, shared her experiences and key takeaways from Ireland. Being from a low-income household, Williams had never been out of California, let alone the country. She shared her originally dismal mindset surrounding traveling abroad, feeling restricted from such grand opportunities in fear of financial strain. After speaking with various financial advisors and learning that FAFSA could cover expenses, her dream was about to come true. Participating in an eight-week program, she got to make bread on a farm, ride the train to nearby cities, learn Irish dancing, eat beef stew and overall be fully immersed in Irish culture. Being pre-med, Williams has always been curious about the healthcare system. To her surprise, Ireland became an enriching experience that shaped her outlook. Having the chance to see how different countries operate through the healthcare system by comparing the U.S. to Ireland was an unexpected perk of travel. Through the program, she was able to meet medical school professors and talk to them one-on-one about how drastically different the system was in Ireland. She mentioned examples of how people receive government assistance in many areas, such as emergency coverage and even medical school finance relief.
It made her reflect and question, “Where do I want to be in my future? Do I want to live in the U.S.?”
After her trip, she not only gained the expected benefit of traveling to another country but also a more expansive view of the world. By connecting on a personal level through her major, she was able to reevaluate her own opinions about her career path. This shows how traveling abroad can affect a person not only when they are away, but also for their entire lifetime.
Matt Starr, a third-year human biology and society and public affairs student, reflected on his travels to Spain. Partaking in the UCLA Travel Study program, he was gone for five weeks. Before his trip, he was not well-versed in Spanish; however, while away, he was able to take a course that allowed him to capitalize on the language. This skill benefited him as he traveled through four major cities in Spain, such as Madrid, Granada, Barcelona and Sevilla. In his description, each city had its own appeal, where a different history could be felt. For example, there was a stark difference in specific cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. A key takeaway from Madrid was to experience classical Spain, while in Barcelona, a vibrant nightlife thrived. Starr went into the program knowing no one else and left with many friends. He was also able to meet up with other students in Paris who were embarking on another study abroad program. Being able to connect with others while traveling to Spain’s different cities was the highlight of his trip.
Starr said, “Once you graduate, it’s not going to be so easy to have this big trip abroad and be around so many people your age.”
This reminder calls for people to act on their desires to travel and not to hesitate on the decision. The importance of connecting with others in a similar position allows one to develop their social skills and create bonds that last a lifetime. Passionate ambassadors like Williams and Starr are motivating speakers who make students want to take action on study abroad programs. This event allowed students to receive information in a personal way by hearing from student peers with similar identities and interests.
Roxanne Cybulski, a third-year sociology student, said, “The girl who helped me provided all the answers I needed and really made me feel so much more comfortable with going abroad.”
Along with intriguing stories, the event also stressed the various application deadlines set by each program. The application for the Global Internship Program ends Monday, Nov. 24, whereas others, such as UCEAP and UCLA Travel Study are just opening their applications. This reminds students that time is of the essence and, much like their future flights, these opportunities are fleeting.
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Featured Image Photographed by Julia Gu/BruinLife
