Spring Quarter 2024
Global Cities, Urban Realities: London and Paris
UCEAP

Keeley Wilson, a Business Management major, participated in a multi-city UCEAP Global Cities and Urban Realities spring quarter program in London, UK, and Paris, France. During her time abroad, she discovered not only her passion for art history but also how new experiences and challenges could shape her personal and professional life.

An Unexpected Love for Art and Culture

Before studying abroad, Keeley had never considered herself an art enthusiast. However, her time in London and Paris introduced her to the world of art history in a way she had never experienced before. Visits to iconic museums like the National Gallery and Musée d'Orsay became weekly outings, where she learned about famous artworks while bonding with friends from the program. The exposure to different cultures and artistic traditions expanded Keeley’s worldview, turning a casual interest into a deep passion that she now looks forward to continuing to explore.

Finding Strength in Independence and Challenging Situations

Living abroad forced Keeley to step outside her comfort zone. As an extrovert used to being surrounded by friends and family, Keeley was initially apprehensive about being in a foreign city without her familiar support network. Yet, she quickly realized that embracing discomfort was a powerful way to grow. Being pushed to navigate life independently allowed Keeley to build self-confidence and gain a deeper sense of resilience. “Now, I've come to appreciate uncomfortability as it encourages me to be even more independent and confident.” She also learned how to turn negative experiences into opportunities for growth, such as when a series of travel delays during a weekend trip to Barcelona led to an unexpected adventure that helped her practice staying positive in stressful situations. Reflecting on how she approaches challenges now, Keeley shared, “Now, when tough situations arise, I like to take a moment to reflect on how grateful I am to be in my current situation and think "What lesson can I take away from this?"

Are you a UCR student who studied or interned abroad on a FLEAP or UCEAP program? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Submit your story here.

Are you a UCR student who wants to study abroad? Search for and apply to education abroad programs at MyUCR Abroad.