News from the Office of Connected Learning
Category: Global Initiatives
Asking big questions in a small country
A new UW Bothell study abroad program in Rwanda brought 17 UW students together with 16 students from the African Leadership University to study leadership and nation building through an interdisciplinary, collaborative lens. Over four weeks in Kigali, students learned together, conducted joint research on topics like global health, ecotourism, sports development, and human rights,...
January 23, 2026
From the Andes to the Amazon
Peru’s extraordinary biodiversity has long inspired Dr. Ursula Valdez, a UW Bothell lecturer and tropical ecologist who leads students on a 21-day study abroad program exploring the country’s ecosystems from the Andes to the Amazon. This year, 19 students experienced close encounters with wildlife, conducted field research and learned about major conservation challenges such as...
December 24, 2025
Utrecht – a Hidden Gem in the Netherlands by Jeane Marbaniang
Jeane arrived in Utrecht feeling homesick, but the city quickly became a place of comfort and discovery. From exploring canals and traveling to nearby cities to forming friendships and engaging in small, diverse classes at UCU, she found confidence and connection in a new environment. What began with uncertainty turned into a transformative experience that...
December 19, 2025
Recognizing the Little Moments in a City of Motion: My Study Abroad Experience in Tokyo, Japan by Ayrianna Hall
Ayrianna’s study abroad in Japan blended cultural immersion with personal and academic growth. Through classes, film analysis, and visits across Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima, she learned to navigate discomfort, connect with Japanese students, and appreciate the small everyday moments that shaped her experience. By the end, Japan transformed her understanding of culture, identity, and herself,...
December 15, 2025
Bread as a Coping Mechanism: Overcoming Struggles in One of the Hardest Universities in Korea by Emily Kim
Drawn to KAIST for its rigorous computer science program, Emily initially struggled with the fast-paced academics, cultural differences, and adjusting to life in Korea. What helped her most was Daejeon’s warm café and bakery culture, which became a source of comfort and routine during overwhelming weeks. As she made new friends and explored the city’s...
December 15, 2025
Opening New Doors: My Study Abroad Journey in Japan by Maja Makowska
What began as a way to fulfill Arts & Humanities credits became a deeply meaningful study abroad experience in Japan for Maja. Through immersive classes, field trips to cities like Hiroshima and Osaka, and collaboration with local university students, the program helped her gain cultural insight, independence, and a broader academic perspective beyond her major....
December 11, 2025
Beyond the Single Story: Connecting With People, Not Perceptions by Catherine Cruz
Catherine’s second study abroad experience in Rwanda became a deeply transformative journey that challenged assumptions and reshaped her understanding of Africa. Through close collaboration with UW and African Leadership University students, immersive discussions on nation-building, sports development, health, and human rights, and meaningful everyday moments, Catherine found connection, growth, and a new sense of belonging....
December 10, 2025
A Parisian dream by Epharata Mohamed
Epharata’s study abroad experience in Paris pushed her beyond her comfort zone and helped her grow in confidence and independence. Navigating a new language, city, and daily life on her own taught her to be resourceful, embrace uncertainty, and take risks. Through small but meaningful moments like exploring the city solo and discovering new interests;...
November 25, 2025
Nineteen in Seoul: Learning to Be Brave in a City That Never Sleeps by Hazel Kaushik
Hazel’s study abroad experience in Seoul began as a childhood dream and became a powerful journey of independence and self-discovery. As the only UW Bothell student in a UW Seattle cohort, she navigated daily life on her own learning new routines, finding vegetarian food, and building connections with strangers. Through meaningful moments in Seoul and...
November 20, 2025
Choosing Rwanda: The Journey Before the Journey by Layan Arrabi
As a mathematics major unsure how study abroad fit into her academic path, Layan found guidance and confidence through the Global Scholars program. With advising support, scholarships, and structured reflection, she narrowed overwhelming options and ultimately chose the Nation Building in Rwanda program. What began as uncertainty before departure turned into an exciting opportunity to...
November 12, 2025
