Michaela Schwartz (Chile, 2020-21)

Michaela Schwartz is an Environmental Policy major at UCSD who plans on studying abroad for an academic year in Chile.  While in San Diego she watches the sunset at the beach every night - the ocean’s beauty is an endless source for inspiration in her major.  From a young age it was obvious to her that there is a lot to learn outside of the traditional classroom. This has led her on many travel adventures including six month stays in Madrid, Australia, Hawaii and shorter solo trips to Europe, the Philippines, Vietnam and Kenya.  Michaela sees the study abroad program in Chile as an opportunity to continue with her passion to see the world while gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural differences that impact a country's contributions to climate change. She is excited to be practicing her Spanish again and refuses to leave Chile until she is singing, talking, and dreaming in fluent Spanish.  

Michaela was unable to fulfill her study abroad plans due to the pandemic.

Carlo Francisco (Japan 2020-21)

Carlo Francisco is a Japanese Studies major at UCSD. He was born in the Philippines but has spent the majority of his life in San Diego. Prior to his birth, Carlo’s parents spent the majority of their professional lives in Tokyo and, as a result, he feels “a great sense of gratitude towards Japanese society for giving my parents the financial capability to bring me into this world.” The study abroad opportunity will give Carlo the chance to experience firsthand the culture that was such an important influence in his family history. He hopes to build the knowledge and skills needed to achieve his personal goal of giving back to Japan. After graduation, Carlo hopes to work as a CIR (Coordinator for International Relations) to promote cultural cooperation and international understanding between Japan and the United States of America.  

Carlo was unable to fulfill his study abroad plans due to the pandemic.

Jonathan Sarabia (Spain 2020-21)

Jonathan Sarabia is a Business Psychology major who will be studying at Carlos III University of Madrid in Spain. Jonathan grew up in San Francisco and has never left the country, so he is eager to go abroad and experience a new culture. Jonathan writes, “I am half Mexican and half Chinese, but I have always felt disconnected from my Mexican identity because I could not speak Spanish. Although I do not believe that language ultimately defines one’s race or ethnicity, I do believe it is powerful in connecting other people with each other.” He has been studying Spanish at UCSD but believes studying abroad in Spain will enable him to fully immerse himself in Spanish culture. He loves working and collaborating in diverse settings, and believes that exploring Spain will help develop his cultural intelligence, create global relationships, and become more independent.

Jonathan deferred his study abroad plans to the 2021-22 academic year due to the pandemic.

Sage Gregory (Scotland 2020-21)

Sage Gregory is a UC Davis mathematics major, and will be studying abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Through her prior experiences, she has learned that “the world is the greatest classroom” and is looking forward to maximizing her education through new experiences, the discovery of new places, and full immersion in the Scottish culture. Sage chose St. Andrews specifically so that she could have an overseas adventure while also being able to learn from a world renowned mathematics program. She hopes to continue to explore the applications of math and narrow down her interests and career prospects. Outside of the classroom, Sage has been a member of the Napa County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team and has worked to teach children to have respect for nature and the environment through a farm-based summer camp. She hopes to be able to have an impact on the community of St. Andrews in a similar manner.

Sage was unable to fulfill her study abroad plans due to the pandemic.

Matthew Zane (Japan, 2020-21)

Matthew Zane is a UCSD Computer Science/Japanese Studies major who plans to study in Japan at Waseda University. He is half-Japanese, but was not taught much about his ethnic cultures and language, and as a result has made is a goal to reconnect to his family’s culture. As a staff member of the UCSD Japanese Student Association (JSA), a student organization that plans and runs events for Japanese students and people who are interested in Japan culture, Matt regularly practices his Japanese and talk to Japanese foreign exchange students. Hearing about their experiences studying abroad has inspired him to study abroad for a full year. During his time abroad, Matt hopes to take his language skills to the next level and join some of the circles (Japanese clubs) to meet Japanese students and other foreign exchange students. During the summer of 2020 he is interning at a tech company in San Diego and hopes to continue at their Tokyo branch during his time abroad.

Matt deferred his study abroad plans to the 2021-22 academic year due to the pandemic.