Global Experiences

Before my semester abroad in London, England, I found myself trapped in the all too familiar “Mudd bubble”, often unaware of what was going on in the rest of the world. Born and raised in SoCal, I was nervous to move to another country for five months, but I felt the need for change. My doubts and fears, including academic concerns and social anxiety, almost deterred me entirely, but previous study abroad alumni encouraged me to take the leap. I’m so grateful for their reassurance and persuasion because I ultimately had an incredible time abroad at University College London. I want to emphasize the importance of preparing for and fully understanding the implications of living and learning in a different country. Adjusting to a new culture and navigating foreign places can be very challenging, but research and awareness can help with the transition. I assumed that London would be similar to any big city in the states, but I quickly found that I had to adapt to so many different customs and behaviors. Through several solo trips, I took this even further and learned to appreciate the qualities that made each city unique rather than dwelling on my discomfort as a foreigner. Studying abroad will inevitably push you out of your comfort zone, but in the end you will meet incredible people, grow as an individual and create memories that will stay with you far into the future.

I actually didn’t have a great time at the start of my semester abroad, even though I’d experienced moving to a different country before. Not speaking the language was far more difficult than I had expected, and I didn’t connect with my program’s students at all initially. I was terrified of defining my identity apart from my close Mudd friends, frustrated with yet another country riddled for centuries with systemic racism, and confused that I had chosen to put myself in this situation. My first few weeks were completely different than the experience I had in mind, and in a way, felt that I had been promised by students past. Of course, it was also my mistake to only base my decision of past students’ experiences, and not research my decision as well as I should have. That being said, my semester most definitely had a change of pace. I made local friends who shared my interests in activism and racial and gender equality, and started seeing the all the beauty and adventures to be had in Madrid. Ultimately, I gained so much more from my semester because I struggled! I want students to learn from my experience and believe that they will get so much more out of the experience that way.

Study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa was a defining moment of my time at Harvey Mudd. I grew so much during my time there, both academically and culturally. I loved meeting South Africans and understanding the culture and the challenges that South Africa faces. Many of these challenges helped me understand similar challenges that we face in the U.S. This experience helped me become globally and culturally aware as well as make lifelong friendships. I had such an amazing time in South Africa that I decided to work in Berlin, Germany, the following summer through an internship program in the engineering department. In Germany, I learned about global sustainability and policy that I hope to bring to my future career. All in all, studying abroad made me an independent, global learner, and I think everyone should study abroad if they can. Mudd can be challenging, and although it’s difficult to leave, going abroad is a great way to take a breather and define yourself outside of Mudd academics and culture. I encourage other Mudders to go abroad so that they can grow and have the same amazing experiences that I did.

I had always envisioned my college experience with a semester abroad. I wanted to spend time out of my comfort zone and learn about other ways of life as well as learn more about myself. I chose Madrid, Spain, because I wanted to immerse myself in the Spanish culture and language. I had visited Spain once before in high school, but on my band and choir program, we always had translators and tour guides with us. I wanted to go back and be more than just a tourist. Studying abroad in Madrid pushed me out of my comfort zone. I lived with a host family that didn’t speak any English, constantly had to communicate with strangers in a language that is foreign to me, dove headfirst into a completely different university system, and frequently traveled to countries where I didn’t know the customs. Thus, I grew immensely throughout just one semester. I have learned to find comfort in the unknown. I believe that everyone can benefit from a semester abroad.

Just when Harvey Mudd was beginning to get a little too familiar, studying abroad was the perfect thing for me. If you want the challenge of putting yourself in completely new surroundings in order to discover so much internally and externally, then studying abroad would be perfect for you too. It grants you a new perspective on not just where you are, but where you’ve been. Studying abroad can be lonely at times, especially for me since I didn’t go through a program, and I was the only 5Cer in my country, but it’s allowed me to find out exactly what I like to do and how I like to spend my time. Some things will just be reaffirmed—I still love to dance, listen to my music as loud as I can, and get into shenanigans here and there—but you may even find out more about yourself. I’ve realized how fun cooking can be, and I just want to keep on getting better. Another great thing about being abroad is that through traveling, your courses and the friends you make, you learn so much about the world. I’ve always been into politics, and taking a course on the EU while living in the center of Europe has been one of my most academically rewarding endeavors ever. In particular, revolutionary movements have always caught my eye, and I made friends with someone who lived through both revolutions in Egypt! And I haven’t even mentioned all the super cool places you can travel to and see in person.

While I feel that the mathematical and computation skills I am learning at Harvey Mudd will serve me well after graduation in my intended field, I believe studying abroad in South Africa was necessary for my growth as biologist and a researcher. From the experience, I emerged with experience in conservation research and exposure to a range of different approaches to scientific inquiry. I gained training in the design and implementation of long-term ecological monitoring and research projects. And I am prepared to contribute to discussions within the field of environmental analysis ranging from the nature-culture divide to environmental justice economics, with more awareness and certainty. Though I did not have a “typical” study abroad experience, I am incredible grateful for the opportunities and knowledge that tramping through national parks and research camps for three months provided me.