News from the Office of Connected Learning
Category: Global Initiatives
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: 足彩app哪个是正规的 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
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. 足彩app哪个是正规的 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. 足彩app哪个是正规的se 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. 足彩app哪个是正规的 experience strengthened...
October 13, 2025
