News from the Office of Connected Learning

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

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

Researching to Protect Birds by Joonjoo Lee

If I could direct your attention to a window in a building across a street on a sunny day, you might see a vivid image of a tree reflected in/on the glass. Look familiar? That same clear image can also be a complete reflection of a forest wherein a bird could mistake it for a...

November 26, 2025

Stepping Into the Lab: How I Found Connections by Emmy Tumurbat, Digital Scholars 2025

As part of my internship for this program, I worked at the environmental science lab on restoring a piece of equipment used to analyze chemical compounds in water samples for analytes such as ammonia, orthophosphate, and nitrate. The task sounded simple: we were given this machine called the Lachat QuikChem 8500 Flow Injection Analysis system,...

November 26, 2025

Bridging Numbers and People by Jayden Guan, Digital Scholars 2025

Q&A with Jayden Guan, Digital Scholars Intern 2025. Introduce your summer internship to readers who might not know what you did.  My summer internship was a data analytics role for the UW Bothell Advancement team, revolving around Alumni data. One of our main projects was compiling an updated list of alumni working at various target...

November 25, 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