Rachel Kang | UCB Study Abroad

"Studying abroad has truly changed my perspective and helped me to get out of my comfort zone often. There were many times when I ran into conflict however, I realized that I am capable of achieving things and accomplishing tasks with my own help."

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

I chose to study abroad because I wanted to experience studying at a different country and learning while exploring. Being in London, I was able to fly out to many different countries every week and had the chance to go to class while traveling. I knew that after my first year of college, I wouldn't have another chance to study abroad so I decided to do it after my first year. I chose London because it is most similar to America than other countries.

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

An identity I hold is the first born child from an immigrant family. My parents did not have the opportunity like me to study abroad and be able to travel like I did. Because of such an opportunity I had that my parents never got to have, I prepared immensely for this study abroad program and made sure that I will put in all my effort to get that back.

Describe a typical day for you abroad.

Since my internship started at 11 AM, I woke up at 9 AM, ate breakfast, got ready, and walked to the bus station. I waited for the bus and would arrive at the internship at 11 AM. I would do work at the office and socialize with my co workers then get off at 3 PM. I got on the bus and went home and made plans with my friends for that night. We went to museums, parks, and walked around at the main attractions of London and planned something different for every day. We cooked altogether at home and hung out with new people or go out to bars for night time.

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

I took British History and a UGBA Leadership course. These classes had a lot of work and essays and discussions due every week, however, it was manageable while studying abroad. I am not a student at UC Berkeley so I can't compare.

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?

Studying abroad has truly changed my perspective and helped me to get out of my comfort zone often. There were many times when I ran into conflict however, I realized that I am capable of achieving things and accomplishing tasks with my own help. I realized my strengths and my weaknesses by putting myself in an unfamiliar area and it was an overall great experience for me. I learned to be comfortable and be okay with asking others for help.

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

The most memorable aspect while being abroad was traveling every week. I went on a plane ride every weekend for the eight weeks and it was a great experience to go with friends and make my own itinerary about what I wanted to do.

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

The biggest challenge of studying abroad for me was the cultural differences. I am a person of color who doesn't have an accent in London or speak different languages in Europe so I did experience that people may have treated me differently or were a little racist towards me. I did feel very different and excluded at times but realized that I am different and that I need to embrace that.

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 to students that are studying abroad to not take anything to heart. There will be mean and rude people who don't respect your boundaries and identity however, there are people who grew up in that situation and being understanding is one of the biggest things you can do.