Going Global: Poltical Science Students Abroad

My name is Raiza Ruiz-Kline and I am a graduating third year from Muir College. I studied abroad fall quarter 2017 in Lund, Sweden through UCEAP. I am a PoliSci-Public Policy major/Marine Science minor and completed coursework for my major in Lund. During my time abroad I visited Italy, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Poland, and Hungary.

Studying abroad was the best decision I have made in my college career hands down. I was incredibly apprehensive about the application process and didn’t even know for certain I wanted to go until I actually had my plane ticket in my hand, but now the knowledge that I have friends in literally every corner of the earth with whom I shared incredibly special experiences in Sweden and beyond isn’t something I would trade for the world.

Emily Yeh is a senior majoring in Political Science - International Relations. She has been part of many study abroad programs throughout undergrad, studing abroad in: Yokohama, Japan; Paris, France; Geneva, Switzerland; and Tokyo Japan.

The EAP Programs she participated are:

- EAP Global & International Studies, Meiji Gakuin Univ. (Spring 2015)
- EAP Political Science, Sciences Po Paris (Fall 2015)
- EAP Global and International Studies, Univ. of Geneva (Spring 2017)
- EAP Keio University (2017-2018 Year)

In reflecting on her time abroad, Emily shares, "Going abroad really made me grow as a person as I had to adapt to different cultures and languages, and figure out how things work each time (and be either amazed or frustrated by it). These “changes” to my life, including moving, packing, settling, traveling, and even maintaining long-distance friendships have taught me to reflect and helped me learn about myself.

My time abroad made me realize what is important to me in my life, both tangible and intangible. It allowed me to live and experience a life that used to only exist in my imagination. It crushed what I once thought was my dream, and helped me rebuild realistic and practical goals in accordance with my priorities in life. I’m glad that I got to figure these out in college rather than later.

As a Political Science - International Relations major, I completed major courses abroad and learned a new language. I have friends all over the world, and I met some of my best friends in life while studying abroad. I believe it is incredible valuable for anyone, especially those in international relations, to study abroad and see the world. Do it while you are young, in college, and get units and scholarship for it! It will reshape your perspectives. Study abroad defined much of my college life, and my relatively short time on campus was well spent. I found out where I want to live, and I am currently looking for a career in Japan".