Marlen Bautista | UCB Study Abroad

"As a DACA student, the only opportunity to visit a new country would be through educational purposes. It was always my dream to visit Paris and learn French."

What led you to study abroad? Why did you choose your country/program?

As a DACA student, the only opportunity to visit a new country would be through educational purposes. It was always my dream to visit Paris and learn French. I saw this as a perfect opportunity to see not just Paris but also South of France, Versailles, and Dijon.

What salient identities do you hold? How did your identity/identities impact the way you prepared for, or chose your study abroad experience?

As an undocumented student, being able to travel was a luxury, and getting through the airport and back was a milestone for me. I had trouble getting my boarding pass because I am not a permanent resident. I felt like it was ridiculous because my only intent was to study abroad and learn a new language, culture, and society but yet it was a struggle to even get my boarding pass.

Describe a typical day for you abroad.

I woke up at 7:00am, then at 8:00am I would walk 45min to the accent center, class from 9am-12am, 1hr lunch in a new spot, 2nd class from 1-3:30, then go to central Paris have a picnic by the tower, go window shopping, then at 5pm I would eat dinner at a new spot, 6-8pm just chill with friends, 8-11 stay in Paris and go site seeing & watch the tower sparkle.

What coursework did you take while abroad? How did courses abroad compare with Berkeley classes?

I took French 1 and French language culture & society. I did not know French before so I took the basics and everyone is required to take a cultural class in English. Abroad classes for the culture one were super chill and easy. They were mainly fun like sightseeing and having lots of free time. The French 1 class was pretty hard and intense, it was about 3hrs every day for the first 3 weeks in person.

Often, studying abroad can influence or shift our understanding of our own identities. How did your experiences studying abroad impact your understanding of your own identities? And/or what lessons did you learn in general related to your identities?

I always tend to work and just focus on that. I felt like people in Europe work to live and I feel like in America we live to work. I wish I could go back and live in France I felt happier in an unfamiliar place yet I saw more to life. I miss not feeling rushed everywhere and the transportation is amazing! I never enjoyed my meals and talked with friends as I ate. I usually just eat and study.

What was the most memorable/meaningful aspect of your time abroad?

If I am honest EVERYTHING. Being there was so special and that was my biggest dream!! When I first saw the tower I cried!! And then I saw it at night and my world was shaken. Going to Paris was something I could not even imagine and no one in my family has traveled to Europe before. I am so used to hearing about it and seeing it at every home decor store. It was worth the hype.

What was the biggest challenge/concern of your study abroad experience? How did you respond?

My biggest concern was my status because I was worried I could not return back home. I just trusted my lawyers and kept a positive mindset and tried to enjoy the moment.

What would you recommend to students considering studying abroad, especially if they share similar identities and/or are considering your country or program?

I would recommend planning in advance and maybe working if money is an issue. I would say that it is worth working extra shifts or getting loans for this experience. I made lifelong friends and it has been the highlight of my undergrad.