A World of Opportunities

Illustration artwork of destinations around the world from study abroad by Robert Almanzar

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES

For 60 years, UCR’s Education Abroad programs have provided students with unforgettable experiences and learning opportunities around the globe

By Jessica Weber

uring a study abroad trip in Budapest, Hungary, in fall 1990, UCR alumna Celena Turney ’91, was tasked with fulfilling a unique request on behalf of then-UCR chancellor Rosemary Schraer. While on a group excursion in Prague — and serving as a goodwill ambassador for UCR — Turney was to meet with author, former dissident, and last president of Czechoslovakia Václav Havel and invite him to be the commencement speaker at UCR’s upcoming graduation ceremony. Though Havel declined the invitation, Turney was nonetheless welcomed into Prague Castle to speak with the president.

“The conversation was captivating, with powerful stories of political action, tremendous personal risk, and unshakable integrity,” Turney said. “The gift I brought from UCR was presented to the president. In return, he signed my dog-eared copy of his seminal essay, ‘The Power of the Powerless.’ I still have it.”

Turney’s is just one of the many formative experiences UCR students have gained from studying abroad. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, UCR’s Education Abroad programs have grown from recruiting the campus’ first seven students to study abroad in France in 1962 to sending over 8,000 students to 72 destinations around the world.

Today, students can choose among three program types. The UC Education Abroad Program, or UCEAP, serves as the University of California’s official education abroad program provider; The Opportunities Abroad Program, or OAP, includes any learning abroad experience offered by other UC campuses and non-UC education abroad programs; and The Faculty Led Education Abroad Program, or FLEAP, offers students the unique opportunity to take UCR courses from UCR professors in an international setting over the summer.

“FLEAPs have an enrollment cap around 20 students, so students really get to know one another and the instructor and have time to talk about career plans and future goals,” said Rob McKee, interim campus faculty director of Education Abroad. “Having the experience of living in and amongst people of a foreign culture forces students to learn how to adapt more quickly. It reinforces critical thinking skills and focus just by nature of being in a new environment.”

Participating in education abroad also provides students opportunities to improve language acquisition skills, take courses not offered at home, and acquire international internship, research, or volunteer experiences that can make them more competitive in an increasingly global workforce. LaSharon McLean Perez ’04, MFA ’10, assistant director of Education Abroad and a former UCR student, knows firsthand the impact studying abroad can have on students academically, professionally, and personally.

UCR students pictured studying aboard

“As a UCR alumna, I have had the privilege of studying abroad and can attest to it being a life-changing experience,” she said. “As my experience expanded my global network, providing me with new insights on the world around me, it also provided me with skills that led me to where I am today. An international experience can impact a student’s life significantly and take them on a path that they choose or an unexpected path of new opportunities.”

But for many UCR students, opportunities such as these have been out of reach. Serving a diverse student population, UCR enrolls more students who receive Pell Grants than nearly every university in the country and more than half of UCR’s students are first generation. As such, many UCR students are hindered by significant financial hurdles that make studying abroad inaccessible. Only 2% of UCR students participate in education abroad programs each year — far below the national average of 11%

“UCR serves many students from low-income families and education abroad comes with expenses that are quite often prohibitive for our students,” said Jun Wang, MBA ’07, assistant provost for strategic initiatives and international recruitment and a UCR alumnus. “Providing stipends to our students is the best way to increase participation.”

Recognizing this need, UCR trustees Byron and Teri Pollitt recently made a $2 million endowed gift to the university. The “Teresa and Byron Pollitt Endowment for Study Abroad Fund” will provide scholarships for students who are interested in pursuing international education experiences.

“The Pollitt family understands how learning abroad is a transformative experience,” said Marko Princevac, vice provost of international affairs. “We want all our students to know that international education is an option for them. With support from such generous donors, we can increase access to education abroad through scholarships and ongoing programmatic support. We are very grateful to the Pollitt family and are looking forward to following the careers and lives of many Pollitt Fellows to come.”

Financial aid and other scholarships are also available to students looking to study abroad. Macy Ring ’05, assistant director of Education Abroad who also studied abroad as a UCR undergraduate, encourages interested students to connect with the Education Abroad office early in their college career to discuss their academic plans, research opportunities, and make sure they apply by the campus deadlines.

“Many UCR students are not aware they can learn abroad, and it’s often the first thing alumni regret not doing,” she said. “There is a program for every student.”

UCR Education Abroad at a Glance

UCR Student Aboard Destinations Infographic

*Total includes 2022-23 prospective participants

Memories from Abroad

Many UCR alumni agree that partaking in education abroad was one of the best decisions of their college careers. Read how these opportunities helped shape the futures of program participants.

*Submissions have been edited for length and clarity.

Celena Turney ’91, political science

UCEAP: Budapest, Hungary | fall 1990

I studied at the Karl Marx University of Economics a year after the Berlin Wall came down. I was a most unusual student because my husband and toddler accompanied me. My course of study focused on the social, political, and economic history of central Europe in the 20th century. It was a perfect learning lab! People were asking themselves what it meant to be a citizen in a democracy and what the responsibilities of their new government should be to its citizens. In the months previous, I was named UCR’s Goodwill Ambassador to the Czech Republic by Chancellor Schraer. I arranged to visit the castle and invite Václav Havel to be UCR’s commencement speaker, since his philosophical writings and political activism had inspired so many across the globe. My experiences in central Europe were amazing — from meeting fabulous college students to exploring medieval castles, walking in a parade, seeing a concert celebrating freedom in Prague’s Grand Platz, visiting the ruins of a castle where an infamous female “vampire” once lived, and taking in Hungary’s thermal waters. My advice to students wishing to study abroad — say yes! Travel. Explore. Meet people. Try new foods. Get out of your comfort zone.

Chanel Parrish ’17, history and classical studies

FLEAP: Athens, Greece | summer 2015

Being a history major and having a full understanding of the history, context, culture, people, and location made the entire trip a very emotional experience for me. There were several times that I stood in front of ancient artifacts, art, monuments, temples, statues, and just teared up. One, because I was in awe that something so ancient and beautiful could withstand time long enough for me to stand in front of and admire it. And two, because I couldn’t imagine someone like me could be experiencing this program. This experience allowed me to grow as a young adult. I had never left the U.S. before. I had to learn to listen to people around me, adjust to a different culture, and stay open minded. I highly recommend that students take advantage of study abroad opportunities if they can, especially students of color. As a Black girl from San Bernardino who was on work-study, had to get a second job to be able to pay for the extra expenses, who had never taken a trip like this and didn’t even have a passport at the time, it meant so much to me that I could participate. It was the highlight of my time at UCR because I felt like that experience launched me onto a journey of self-discovery and a deeper appreciation of history, culture, and new experiences.

Richard Parke ’66, classical languages

UCEAP: Delphi, Greece | spring/summer 1966

Shortly after the New Year in 1966, I learned about a new UC study center in Delphi in central Greece. My classical languages professor, Dr. Anastasius Bandy, suggested I consider this opportunity to close out my time at UCR. It would be for me a “crown jewel,” so to speak, since I was completing my bachelor’s degree in classical languages. In late March 1966, the students traveled from the various UC campuses to Delphi. Many of us traveled together for a week aboard the Cristoforo Colombo, a large Italian ocean liner, which sadly is no longer in service. In addition to learning some of the modern Greek language, we worked diligently to prepare ourselves to reenact a fairly unknown Greek tragedy entitled “Rhesus,” which was written by Euripides around 450 B.C.E. Under the professional tutelage of Takis Muzenides, the director of the Greek National Theater, we would prepare to perform the first drama production in the ancient Delphi theater after more than 50 years. Because of my experience, I returned to Greece twice more, in 1973 and 1977-80!

James Alcala ’18, mathematics

OAP: San José, Costa Rica | summer 2016

The best part of this trip — and probably any study abroad trip — was the people. I lived with a small family, going about my daily life with a mom and her three sons, and really connected with the two youngest ones. In particular, the three of us shared an affinity for music, so I was able to go to multiple shows. I got out of it much more than I expected. I made friends in a new place, I learned and practiced a lot of Spanish, and got some school credits out of the way in one of the most beautiful and friendly places in the world. My advice would be to prepare for the unique experience your chosen country, language, and culture will offer and be willing to challenge yourself and grow despite any fears you have. While studying abroad can seem scary, go out there if you can! You will learn a lot about the world, but also a lot about who you are, what you want, and what you value.

Johnny Barnes Selvin ’66, French literature

UCEAP: Bordeaux, France | 1965-66

After touring countless cathedrals, castles, and a few wineries, we were offered a bus trip to Dordogne to tour France’s prehistoric caves and grottoes. I welcomed a road trip with 30 of the 90 UC students who, like me, were spending the academic year at the University of Bordeaux. We happened on a small village with a single café where I met Josephine Baker and was invited to her chateau. It was a day that I would not fully appreciate for many years. We walked a short distance up the road and before us appeared a beautiful 15th century fairytale castle, Josephine’s “home,” which she called “Les Milandes.” Why had she chosen to invite me to her home? My guess was that after observing the students entering the café and noting that I was the only African American in the group, she felt an immediate kinship with the American who looked like her. I felt safe with Josephine Baker and honored that, for whatever reason, she had chosen to invite me into her life, if only for an hour. Later, my husband Michael Barnes Selvin ’66, a fellow UCR graduate, and I purchased a house in Banyuls-sur-Mer, where we have passed every summer for some 30 years.

Dispatches from Spain

Fourth-year psychology major Karen Rojas is currently spending her summer completing a Hispanic studies course in Spain as part of a FLEAP offering led by UCR professor Covadonga Lamar Prieto. Rojas also spent the spring in Italy as part of a UCEAP offering. Read about her experience, top tips, and takeaways from abroad.

What are some of your favorite memories from Italy?

I have so many amazing stories but some of my favorite memories were walking around Trastevere (a neighborhood in Rome) with my friends, sharing about our week and discovering new food spots. It may seem small, but these were the moments in which I felt the most at home.

What are some of your best packing and preparation tips for traveling abroad? Any must-haves?

Must-haves are a portable charger and some type of bag with multiple zippers. My best packing tip would be to make a list of all the things you use in a week and only take the things you use the most often. It’s also important to keep in mind the length of your trip. You shouldn’t be packing the same for a three-week program as you would for a four-month one.

What advice do you have for students considering studying abroad? Is there anything you wish you had known ahead of time?

Start saving now! Even if you are unsure of participating, the moment you start considering it a possibility, start saving. If you decide it’s not for you, well, at least you have a small savings.

In what ways has studying abroad impacted your academic and personal development?

Before my time abroad, I was unsure of what I wanted to do post-grad, but I am confident in a career in education and encouraging students with my similar background to study abroad.

Why do you think access to education abroad opportunities are important?

My time abroad has allowed me to gain a new perspective not only of the world but my home and myself. It is an understanding that I don’t think I would have unless I spent time in a foreign country.

Kathya Salazar Cruz ’16, women’s studies

UCEAP: Florence, Italy | winter/spring 2016

Do you love gelato, wine, cheese, and pasta? Well, Italy is the perfect place! I was placed in the most amazing apartment right in the middle of downtown Florence and had the best view of the Duomo. My decision to go to Italy was based on my major and the opportunity to study women in Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments. I also had to see the famous David statue and may have “touched” his behind. The experience was life changing for me. My first-ever wine tasting experience was in the Tuscany region, which allowed me to appreciate, learn, and experience making wine. I continue to keep in touch with two of my roommates from my study abroad program. We make it a tradition to see each other once a year to catch up and reminisce about our amazing experience. Plus, it helps to practice some of our Italian.

Kenia Reyes ’11, ethnic studies; administration and policy

UCEAP: Bahia, Brazil | spring 2011

Studying abroad in Brazil was one of the best decisions I made while in college. Not only did it create long-lasting friendships with fellow UCR students, but it also helped me to develop skills that I now use in various aspects of my life. Some of my favorite memories while in Brazil include running to the beach to watch the sunset, taking forró dance classes with locals, teaching English to high school students, savoring delicious feijoada every week made by my host mom, going to soccer games, paragliding in Rio de Janeiro, and attending the world-famous Salvador Carnaval. The impacts that studying abroad have had on my personal and professional life are everlasting. My advice to future study abroad students is to be open to opportunities of growth and learn as much as you can from others. Enjoy the moment!

Kelly Morris ’04, anthropology

FLEAP: Quintana Roo, Mexico | spring 2003

One of the best experiences in my life was living in the jungles in the Yucatán peninsula during spring 2003. I was taking a field archaeology class with Professor Scott Fedick. We lived in palapas and some of us slept in hammocks. Each day we would head into the field to learn techniques and excavate. There were a few days where we would pair up with one of the grad students who would take us deeper into the jungle. I remember having to be cautious of fer-de-lance snakes and large black scorpions! However, the memories that I made during those three months are still some of my favorites.

Donna Brandt ’92, liberal studies

UCEAP: Mexico City, Mexico | fall 1990

Those 11 weeks in Mexico changed my life. My language skills improved greatly, and my desire to experience the world was confirmed. I learned that I was able to travel alone and take risks. Besides enjoying all the history and culture that Mexico City has to offer, I made friends with locals and spent the weekends seeing Guanajuato, Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, Janitzia, Morelia, Xochimilco, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Acapulco. It is because of that experience that I believe study abroad is an extremely powerful form of education. I have since been to all seven continents, and there is so much more to see!

Margaret Haneberg ’75, art history

UCEAP: UK/England | 1973-74

We were assigned to one of about a dozen universities and I ended up at Leeds. At the time, it was an industrial city with no tourists, so foreigners were welcomed warmly as a rarity, and it was — and still is — the gateway to the gorgeous moors and dales of Yorkshire. It was a challenging and marvelous year. The Leeds EAP group of nine, from multiple UC campuses, has held reunions several times over the years, and I’m still in touch with other British and American friends. Travel within the UK and in Europe triggered a lifelong interest in travel and world affairs. I suspect it also benefited me later in my career in dealing with international contacts and made me more open to change and challenges. My advice for anyone considering it is — do it!

Looking Back

Over her nearly 40-year career at UCR, Diane Elton held several roles in the former International Services Center and International Education Center, now known as Education Abroad. Elton first served as administrative assistant and study abroad advisor, then became the international student advisor. Following the departure of her mentor and previous director of the center Ronald G. Heinrich, Elton was selected to head the program in 1977, serving as director until her retirement in 2011. Here, she reflects on her fondest memories of helping UCR students study abroad.

“Goodness — there are so many! Mostly, I would choose a feeling, not a specific memory. That feeling is the pure joy in listening to returned students talk about what they saw, who they met, how they actually understood the course taught in another language, what they ate, how they were homesick and then magically they weren’t. Returned study abroad participants join a special group. Forevermore, when they start a conversation with a stranger which includes discovery that both people studied abroad, they have an immediate bond of what study abroad meant in their lives.”

Marla Kozlak ’90, English

UCEAP: Budapest, Hungary | 1989

I remember my interview for EAP, Hungary. I was asked if I was prepared to defend myself against communism. I thought for sure I would not be selected after I sat there in stunned silence trying to come up with something. It was a different time in 1989. Hungary went on to become a huge part of my life and career, but it was a trip to East Berlin that is my strongest memory of my EAP experience. We were on a weekend trip in Prague when we heard the Wall was coming down. Skipping our return to Hungary and with no plan at all, we boarded our train to East Berlin. We were seeing history in the making — and making many mistakes along the way. We had no German marks, and not enough dollars, to pay for our transit visa at Checkpoint Charlie, until someone stepped forward and paid the difference. We saw news crews at Brandenburg Gate on the East German side. We watched people stream through on bikes and on foot on the West German side. We borrowed hammers from U.S. military troops at the wall to get our own chunks for our memories. The strongest memory is the cab ride shared at the end. You see, we didn’t remember our arrival train station and we had no local currency. An amazing East Berliner found us and escorted us to the train station in his cab, even giving us cash to buy some food. He shared his own personal experiences about his family divided by the wall, which I still remember in detail today. I learned then that it’s never really about where you go, but who you meet along the way. I went on to join the U.S. Peace Corps, work for UCR EAP, teach ESL, and participate in two Fulbright programs. Without EAP Hungary, my life would have been completely different. So, thank you for taking a chance on an inexperienced traveler so many decades ago. You gave my life direction!

Shan Tsen ’85, language

UCEAP: Pau/Paris, France | 1983-84

It was one of the best experiences in my life. I truly became a responsible adult that year. I made friends both in and outside the program. I’m still in contact with my landlady’s son in Pau. The Pau-Paris program allowed me to experience the small city of Pau and the cosmopolitan Paris in one year. The people made the most indelible memories. I think of them from time to time.

Mallory Phipps ’13, creative writing

UCEAP: UK/England | summer 2012

By far, studying abroad was one of the best experiences of my life. The friendships and memories that came out of those two months were some that I will cherish forever. What also added to the experience was being there during the 2012 London Olympics and being immersed in the Olympic crowd. I encourage every college student, if they have the opportunity, travel, see the world, and dip your toe into an adventure you’ll never forget!

Martha Delgado ’19, creative writing

FLEAP: Scotland | summer 2018

I used to think I would not be able to study abroad because of the time commitment that went into the planning and application process. However, one day I saw the flyer about Professor Richard Rodriguez’s FLEAP course and emailed him for more information. Although many education abroad scholarships had already closed applications, I was able to apply and receive the Gilman International Scholarship and use the money towards the program. As part of our course, we visited the “Rip It Up: The Story of Scottish Pop” exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. We got to experience life and culture in Glasgow and Edinburgh while also learning about the history and politics of punk and post-punk cultures from the U.S. and Britain. It might feel scary and overwhelming to start the education abroad process, however, the benefits outweigh the risks. Through education abroad, I was able to experience a new country and culture that I would not have had the chance to visit otherwise.

Rebecca Quon, ’14, history and art history

UCEAP: Paris, France | 2012

This year marks 10 years since my study abroad experience in Paris! It was one of my best adventures so far — the chance to learn another language, living with a family in a regular neighborhood in Paris, taking the train to Rome on weekends, and attending classes at the Louvre were just some of my favorite parts of the program. Looking back, I’m forever proud and grateful that I got the chance to test my wings and study abroad through UCEAP.

A Punk Rock Summer in Scotland

What says “Highlander” more than studying in Scotland? One of several varied and unique FLEAP offerings at UCR, students can spend a summer in Scotland studying the development of punk and post-punk music. Facilitated by media and cultural studies professor Richard T. Rodríguez, the hands-on course sees students visiting museums, official and unofficial archives, and historic venues, while meeting with scholars, journalists, and musicians.

“Not only is Scotland the ideal location for this program given its centrality for analyzing the emergence of British punk and post-punk cultures but it’s also frequently overlooked in favor of England, more specifically London,” Rodríguez said. “Students learn that the UK is more than England, and many of their stereotypes of Scotland and Scottish culture are challenged during their time in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.”

The immersive program allows students to learn beyond books or classrooms to better understand cultural processes. Music cultures in particular are infused with a sense of “liveness,” Rodríguez said, which requires being a part of a scene to fully grasp the significance of what is later analyzed on the page.

“Students made connections in Scotland which have made an indelible impact on their career choices and postgraduate educational endeavors,” Rodríguez said. “I can’t begin to recount the stories students have told me about how much this FLEAP program changed them personally, intellectually, and professionally.”

Startup Jumpstart

For a crash course in startups, computer science students can participate in a FLEAP offering facilitated by UCR instructors Brian Crites and Jeff McDaniel. Designed to run like a startup bootcamp, students form groups to build a web-based product for a web development course and develop a business plan for an entrepreneurship in computing course. The 2022 offering sees students studying in Paris.

“The locations are chosen based on their strength in technology and entrepreneurial activity, and it moves every year so that no two programs are exactly the same,” McDaniel said. “The students develop their product while exploring the culture of a foreign city and get exposure to a foreign entrepreneurial ecosystem so they can consider how their idea might fare on both a national and international stage.”

The program provides students the opportunity to try out what it’s like to be at a startup in a no-risk environment and leave with a unique and impactful resume item and a broader perspective about the variety of roles available.

“Engineering courses offered abroad are already pretty rare, and the combination of entrepreneurship and web development we’ve created isn’t something you see very often even in regular curriculum,” Crites said.

Jasmin Regalado ’19, neuroscience

UCEAP: The Netherlands | spring 2019

I participated in the psychology and neuroscience program at Maastricht University. If you even have an inkling of wanting to study abroad, please do it! I met a lot of cool people and toured throughout Europe, never having been anywhere outside of the U.S., except Mexico. Culture shock is a real thing, so don’t feel discouraged. It takes some time to get used to. Get the process of studying abroad started early! It took me almost a year to get everything in check to make sure I met deadlines. And make sure to have some space in your luggage for all the neat clothing and souvenirs you’ll buy abroad. Studying abroad is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and explore the world. Happy traveling!

Shelley McEwan ’67, history

UCEAP: Göttingen, Germany | 1965-66

I had studied German and chose to go to Göttingen for my junior year. I am still close friends with women I met that year. The opportunity to live in another country and culture, to study at a German university, to travel and stay in hostels with students from across the world, to meet a wide variety of people through university activities — the glider club and a two-week student ski trip to Switzerland — and visiting my German roommate and her family all made my year a wonderful and broadening experience. I called home twice and had to walk late at night to the train station to place the call. It was a true basis for living independently and dealing with difficulties on my own.

Vanessa McCormick, sociology

UCEAP: Dublin, Ireland | winter/spring 2012

Flying overseas to Ireland was my first time on a plane. It was my first time traveling alone. It was my first time really being away from my family. The UCEAP program made me feel so secure and safe while I was away from home. During my time in Ireland, I met people from all around the world — some lifelong friends that I still keep in contact with today, over a decade later. My experience studying abroad set in motion my love to travel and see the world. Although I was young, nervous, and scared, this little 20-year-old in a new place, getting outside my comfort zone made my undergraduate experience all the more worth it. I really grew up during this time alone studying abroad. I learned how to take care of myself, hold myself accountable, manage my money, and gauge the safety of certain outings. My great, great grandparents immigrated to the states from Ireland to start a new life. I was able to see where my family came from and visit their hometown, Galway. It was something I’ll never forget. I highly suggest to any student at UCR to grab ahold of this experience. Just take the chance and don’t look back.

Tiffany Hollins ’03, business administration

UCEAP: Siena, Italy | Summer 2001

I chose Italy because I had always been fascinated by the language, history, and food. I started taking Italian classes the previous year so I would be able to navigate on my own if I needed to. I only signed up for a semester because I was nervous about being gone for so long, but I wish that I had done a full year. Studying abroad had such a huge impact on me. It was by far one of the best decisions of my life. I eventually ended up moving back to Italy 10 years later to do my MBA and stayed for five years. Some things that I highly recommend: Try to learn some of the basics of the language before you go; make friends with locals and not just expats or classmates; explore and travel as much as possible while staying on top of your studies; take plenty of pictures and videos; and I know it’s old school but send postcards to your friends and family — they’ll get a kick out of it.

Douglas Whitley ’71, geography

UCEAP: Lund, Sweden | 1969-70

I wanted to see more of the fantastic country of Sweden that I had visited several years before. I got into the UCEAP program in Lund and met my future wife there in the spring of 1970. We bonded over Simon and Garfunkel, tie-dyeing, making leather goods, and her having been an au pair in San Diego. We married just a few years later. Talk about the influence of EAP — we had three children, all of whom went abroad to study, all of whom speak a second language! We are now a clan of 15 with three children, their spouses, and seven grandchildren. We took a family vacation photo in 2018, then had it memorialized by Ukrainian artist Jovanna Jadick — a special friend.

The World is at Their Fingertips

You can put study abroad opportunities within reach for UCR students!

Study abroad programs help students improve their language skills, experience a new culture, prepare for work in a global economy, and become more confident and independent. Your donation to the Education Abroad Programs Fund will help send students to study, intern, conduct research abroad — and make memories to last a lifetime!

Gifts of all sizes have great impact at UCR.

Your gift	Your impact
$250	Fulfills a student’s first requirement for international travel: obtaining a passport.
$500	Covers one student’s program deposit, which is non-refundable and often due before financial aid packages are finalized.
Any amount	Provides funding for student transportation via airline, rail, metro, and bus, and assists students dealing with emergencies while abroad.

Make your gift at donate.ucr.edu/summer2022 | Learn more about Education Abroad at international.ucr.edu/abroad

Return to UCR Magazine: Summer 2022

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