News from the Office of Connected Learning
Category: Global Initiatives
One Iced Americano, Please: A Recollection of Globalism, Space, and Belonging in Korean Café Culture by Rebekah Song
During her study abroad in South Korea, Rebekah reflects on café culture as a powerful example of globalism, where international influences are reimagined through local creativity, aesthetics, and values. From iced Americanos to uniquely crafted desserts, cafés became spaces of community, belonging, and cultural connection, shaping her understanding of how everyday rituals can create meaningful...
November 10, 2025
A Quick Guide to Things Not Discussed by Rayyan Salam
Rayyan’s study abroad experience in Rwanda revealed the often unspoken realities of studying abroad, from being constantly surrounded by people to the intensity of immersive research and reflection. Through deep academic engagement and everyday cultural connections, she began to see society, politics, and herself in new ways. The experience strengthened her confidence, challenged her identity,...
October 29, 2025
Rwanda-more than nation building by Kalkidan Kabeto
Kalkidan’s study abroad in Rwanda became one of the most meaningful experiences of her life. By learning about nation-building, reconciliation, and community healing after the 1994 Genocide, she saw how deeply psychology is connected to everyday life. Visiting organizations like Never Again Rwanda showed her how young people use conversation, education, and compassion to build...
October 23, 2025
What Germany Can Teach Us About Our Past by Charity Wangari
During her study abroad program in Berlin, she explored how the city openly confronts its difficult history through memorials, museums, and everyday sites of remembrance. These experiences made her reflect on how the U.S. often avoids similar acknowledgment, leading to unexamined patriotism and political pride. Walking through Berlin’s historical spaces showed her that remembrance doesn’t...
October 23, 2025
Exploring Ecuador: our professor literally had class outside by Jenivee Marie Sarmiento
A first-gen, non-traditional student shares how studying abroad in Ecuador and the Galápagos transformed her perspective on health, community, and the environment. Through hands-on GIS research, cultural immersion, and exploring diverse ecosystems from Andean villages to the Galápagos Islands, she gained a deeper understanding of how land, people, and biodiversity are interconnected. The experience strengthened...
October 13, 2025
Exploring Learning and Life in León, Spain by Aelaph Elias
During her study abroad program in León, Spain, a UW Bothell student explored the intersection of technology and education through research on AI and Intelligent Tutoring Systems. Between academic collaboration and cultural immersion from historic streets in León to a meaningful weekend trip to Morocco, he learned adaptability, independence, and the value of global perspectives...
October 8, 2025
Familiarity in the Unfamiliar: Finding Community and Gratitude in Thailand and Cambodia by Valencia Jonson
During the CSR 490 Study Abroad Program in Thailand and Cambodia, Valencia Jonson, first-gen Filipina American student found her expectations transformed as meaningful cultural connections, acts of gratitude, and stories of resilience reshaped her understanding of Southeast Asia. Engaging with NGOs like the Labour Protection Network, visiting rural villages in Siem Reap and reconnecting with...
October 8, 2025
Tech and Tapas: AI & Cybersecurity in Spain by Kyle Ricks
During a two-month journey through Europe, Kyle found the most meaningful part of his experience during three weeks studying in León, Spain. He arrived expecting to travel alone and unsure about connecting with his classmates, but the program quickly turned strangers into close friends through shared classes, trips, and everyday moments. What began as hesitation...
October 7, 2025
A journey through culture and business by Ayomide Anibaba
Ayomide joined the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) study abroad program in Thailand and Cambodia to learn about sustainability and business, but the experience became deeply personal. Through visits to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), ethical wildlife sites, and local communities, she gained firsthand insight into labor rights, human trafficking prevention, and social impact. The trip inspired her,...
October 7, 2025
Population Health: India- Same Life Different Reality by Nikki Creek
Nikki studied population health in India, where firsthand experiences reshaped her understanding of global health, privilege, and human connection. Working with community health nurses near Vellore, she researched issues such as childhood injuries, malnutrition, and HPV vaccination while learning how history, politics, and infrastructure shape health outcomes. Through deep cultural exchange and hospitality, Nikki gained...
September 30, 2025
