News from the Office of Connected Learning
Category: Global Initiatives
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
For UW Bothell student Jeane, what began as homesickness and self-doubt quickly became one of the most defining experiences of her academic journey. Through a four-month study abroad program at Utrecht University College (UCU) in the Netherlands, she explored vibrant cities, engaged in discussions with peers from around the world, and learned to thrive in...
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
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
