Joram Morales | UCB Study Abroad

"I think the most meaningful aspect was just being able to complete this experience. I come from a low-income immigrant family and most of my childhood friends share similar identities. When I was posting pictures over the summer and talking to some of my friends and family about my experience, they made me feel like I was accomplishing a collective dream. Many expressed how happy they were for me and how they felt they were living these shared dreams of traveling through me. It gave me a great sense of pride and accomplishment to be one of the first within my social circle to explore Europe, a dream that seemed unattainable for most of us while growing up. It was an empowering experience that has filled me with gratitude."

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

I love to explore, I have a passion for traveling, and studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. I wanted to complete an internship abroad to gain career networking opportunities so that helped narrow my options. I chose Madrid because of its rich culture, beautiful architecture, unique lifestyle, and strong public transportation.

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

I am a Spanish-fluent Latino first-gen. When discussing my options with my family, they were strongly inclined to choose safety first and that included familiarity. Being able to speak the language is a tremendous advantage when navigating through a new place and connecting with new people.
I am an adventurer and love experiencing new things. Being a foodie is a large part of that. When I was looking at where to go I wanted to pick a place that would have unique cuisines and plenty of delicious food options. However, the biggest factor was activities and attractions. I was looking for a place that would have plenty of do from arts to parks, street life, food, and fun activities.
My faith and religious beliefs are also salient to my identity. I picked a place where I could go to my church and practice my faith freely.

Describe a typical day for you abroad.

7:30 - wake up, get ready for work, and have a light breakfast
8:30 - be on the metro
9:00 - get to the office and start work
4:00 - leave the office and head toward the metro
4:30 PM - 2:00 AM: mix of activities depending on the day, personal responsibilities, energy levels, and heat. I would do anything from going to the major parks in the city, museums, free concerts, and exhibitions, trying out new food spots, visiting landmarks, hanging out with friends, walking around the plazas, shopping, going to a café to do homework, going to church, taking a nap, exploring different neighborhoods and their respective bars and restaurants. There is always so much to do and not enough time.

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

Spanish course and a leadership course. The Spanish course was awesome and immersive, The leadership course was tedious, busy work, and felt quite pointless to the study abroad experience. It was unnecessary extra work.

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 learned more about who I was as a person and the goals I have for my future. It opened up my eyes to see how big and beautiful the world is and to have gratitude for every aspect of life we get to live. After living abroad for a little while it only strengthens my desire to continue to explore and find/build new friends, families and homes in new countries.

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

I think the most meaningful aspect was just being able to complete this experience. I come from a low-income immigrant family and most of my childhood friends share similar identities. When I was posting pictures over the summer and talking to some of my friends and family about my experience, they made me feel like I was accomplishing a collective dream. Many expressed how happy they were for me and how they felt they were living these shared dreams of traveling through me. It gave me a great sense of pride and accomplishment to be one of the first within my social circle to explore Europe, a dream that seemed unattainable for most of us while growing up. It was an empowering experience that filled me with gratitude.

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

My internship experience was poor and it was challenging to get a rewarding experience out of it. I tried my best to communicate with my workplace peers to have a more meaningful and equitable role. Although it ultimately help further my career, I gained valuable life lessons and communication skills experience.

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

It will change your life if you dive into it wholeheartedly. Go, explore with an open mind, challenge yourself, and get out of your comfort zone, lead with love and understanding, and you will have the experience of a lifetime.