Sonia Nava | UCB Study Abroad

"I would recommend communicating with as many people as possible within Berkeley so that they can help you navigate the process and so that you are more aware of what you may expect. Also, communicate with family members or friends, they were my biggest support system."

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

I chose it because I was interested in exploring a different area of interest that believed to help me in whatever future job I apply to. The program had been taken by a roommate through Zoom and she believed that even through Zoom the program proved to be very enriching.

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

I identify as a first-generation Latina student that went on a journey to another country for study abroad in order to learn, grow, and explore different fields of study. My identity impacted the way I prepared for it because I had a lot of communication with the professor and study abroad office, as well as with my parents to get as well informed as possible to take on this trip. I reached out to a lot of people at Berkeley to make this trip the best possible.

Describe a typical day for you abroad.

On a weekday, I would wake up at 7 or 8 or 9 am eat breakfast with a group of friends that lived within the same cluster room as me, went to lecture from 10am to 12pm. From 12 to 2pm I had lunch with either my team or other friends and from 2- 5/6/7pm I worked with my team and mentors on our start-up business. After 7 pm I would go out with friends to dinner and explore the city.

On the weekends we would plan to explore the city with Berkeley and EIA students.

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

I took 2 courses: Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and a challenge lab. These courses were very much hands on, not so focused on lecture but rather learning from mentors and experiences which I believe was why it was especially enriching.

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?

It impacted in the sense that I no longer see limits to the possibilities. The impact that this trip had on me was very positive. Coming from a first generation - Mexican household this trip was very empowering to me because I was out living on my own and independentize myself to a certain extent.

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

The most memorable aspect was exploring the city and learning with a group of 60 other Berkeley students. In addition to this learning from the culture, health, and political aspects of the country from people living in Portugal.

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

My biggest challenge was money wise. Traveling across the country can get very expensive, but by reaching out and doing some fundraising of my own I was able to pay for this summer abroad opportunity.

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 communicating with as many people as possible within Berkeley so that they can help you navigate the process and so that you are more aware of what you may expect. Also, communicate with family members or friends, they were my biggest support system.