Study Abroad/NSE Alumni Profiles

Meet some of our alumni and contact them to learn more about their experiences!

Read More about France : ESSCA School of Management (Aix-en-Provence)

France : ESSCA School of Management (Aix-en-Provence)

Hello, my name is Brandy and I am currently studying Business administration with a concentration in marketing at CSUEB. I studied in France Spring 2025 through CSU International Programs.

My favorite memories: The entire experience was amazing, but I enjoyed making new friends and solo traveling. One of the best memories was spending a week in Greece and getting to visit the beautiful beaches, try local food, and spending time with friends. 

My best advice is: I would say to yes to everything and let yourself try new things. For example, taking at least one solo trip to get to know more about yourself and the world! Also, explore less known places such as small cities or villages.  

“Take the risk!” 

brandyj.gonzalez04@gmail.com

Read More about Germany: Stuttgart Media University

Germany: Stuttgart Media University

Hello, my name is Dayana and I graduated from CSUEB with a Communication degree (concentration in media studies).  I studied in Germany for the 2022-23 academic year at Stuttgart Media University through CSU International Programs.

My favorite memories are:  Going to different cities and countries with my friends. Always admiring my friends and seeing what we been talking about actually came true. Also, having dinners in the weekend with them and catching up.

My best advice is:  Always say yes to everything because you never know what you are going to miss out and make friends, be out of your confront zone.

"Just do it because who knows how long you are coming back"

@itss_dayana_

Read More about Germany: Stuttgart Media University

Germany: Stuttgart Media University

Hello, my name is Anna and I graduated from CSUEB with a Communication degree (concentration in media studies).  I studied in Germany in Spring 2023 at Hochschule der Median (Stuttgart Media University) through CSU International Programs.

My favorite memory is: Celebrating Faschnet in Horb.  Faschnet is sort of a winter version of our Halloween. 

My best advice is: Go with an open mind, expect anything and everything to happen, meet as many people as you can, travel as much as you can and DONT OVERPACK.

“You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

 @anna.stuartfriedman or astuartfriedman@horizon.csueastbay.edu

Read More about Germany: Stuttgart Media University

Germany: Stuttgart Media University

Hello, my name is Lupe and I graduated from CSUEB with an Art (Graphic Design) degree.  I studied in Germany in Spring 2023 at Hochschule der Median (Stuttgart Media University) through CSU International Programs.  I have recently joined the staff at CSU International Programs so I can help other CSU students with their study abroad journeys!

My favorite memory is: So many memories, so little time. The new friends I’ve made with the program and in Germany are people I’m excited to revisit and catch up. Another favorite memory is school related, the design program at HdM was amazing and learned so much about package and color theory. It was such a wonderful experience. 

My best advice is:  Do It!!! This is an experience of a life time. The connections you make and the new friends you meet are something you will have for life. It’s definitely scary thinking about being on your own in a new country across the world but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a natural.

"We can’t be late to the train!!"

 

Read More about Hong Kong: Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong: Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hello, my name is Cindy and I graduated from CSUEB with a degree in Communication.  I studied abroad in Summer 2023 through ISEP.

My favorite memories are: My favorite study abroad memory was seeing taxi stations within shopping malls, it was extremely fancy too.

My best advice is: Be adventurous and try every possible thing.

“Traveling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”

@cindyzhang15

Read More about Japan: Okayama University

Japan: Okayama University

Konnichiwa! My name is Saira and I am an English B.A. major with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Japanese Language and Culture. I studied for a year at Okayama University in the Chugoku region of Japan.

My favorite memory: Going out on a karaoke adventure. One day, I gathered up my courage and said yes to karaoke night. I remember the seven of us riding our bikes down the street as a huge group, and the mix of fear and excitement I felt as I took up the mic and sang out loud for the first time. It was exhilarating, it was refreshing, and it became a night I'll never forget.

My best advice: It's okay to try new things at your own pace. Going out to explore and make friends is an experience, and so is spending a quiet weekend indoors. Having fun and recovery time are equally important. If there's something you're curious about, give it a try, but there's no big hurry.

"This vending machine sells hot drinks and ice cream!"

 

Read More about Mexico: Technológico de Monterrey

Mexico: Technológico de Monterrey

Hello, my name is Terra and I graduated from CSUEB with a degree in Business Administration (Human Resources) and two minors - Global Studies and Latinx Studies.  I studied in Mexico during Spring Semester 2022 through CSU International Programs.

My favorite memories are: Meeting people from around the world and making lasting connections and memories!

My best advice is: Take the leap and go! and take advantage of every opportunity while you are there! the memories you create while studying abroad will be some of the greatest!

terraavila48@gmail.com

 

Read More about South Korea: Chung-Ang University

South Korea: Chung-Ang University

Hello, my name is Sonia and I am a Business Administration major at CSU East Bay.  I studied at Chung-Ang University in South Korea during Spring Semester 2024.

My favorite memories are: I made so many lovely memories while abroad in South Korea. I enjoyed visiting various cafes, going to the beach (Sokcho/Jeju Island), and seeing wonderful K-pop artists such as New Jeans, Bibi, and Zico perform live at the university.

My best advice is: Be open to trying all sorts of things, everything from food, events, and spontaneous adventures. Those end up being some of the best memories. Take a ton of pictures it's lovely to look back at all your moments through this wonderful experience.

Go on and see the beautiful things the world has to offer!

Read More about Sweden: Uppsala University

Sweden: Uppsala University

Hej! My name is Madeline and I will soon be graduating with a major in Global Studies with an emphasis in languages and cultures. I studied at Uppsala University in Uppsala, Sweden during the 2024-2025 academic year through CSU International Programs. 
 
My favorite memories are: the northern lights over Uppsala Domkyrkan, long walks and conversations with friends at night, tubing down Fyrisån, the first snow, midnight sun, swimming all night during Midsommar, Valborg boat races, being the photographer for Kalmar Nation, quiet fikas in the morning with my corridor mates, train rides across the country, and all of the lovely people I met along the way. 

My best advice is: to be open minded to whatever experiences may come your way. You will meet people from different backgrounds than you or who think entirely differently than you, but it's important that you listen to them with an open mind and see what you can learn from them. Say yes to experiences that are not what you're accustomed to. You will be so surprised by how much you will grow as a person.  

"To travel is worth any cost or sacrifice." Elizabeth Gilbert, "Eat, Pray, Love." 

@daee.eline

Read More about Sweden: Uppsala University

Sweden: Uppsala University

Hej hej! My name is Peyton and I am a History major at CSUEB. I studied abroad in Spring Semester 2024 through CSU International Programs.
My favorite memory: A road trip across the Balkans followed by a backpacking trip near the Arctic circle!
My best advice is: Say yes to everything, and don't be afraid to jump into the thick of it immediately!
“It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy! Let’s go exploring!” – Calvin
Read More about Sweden: Uppsala University

Sweden: Uppsala University

Hej hej! My name is Megan and I graduated from CSUEB with a degree in English Language Literacies and a minor in Global Studies. I studied abroad in Spring Semester 2022 through CSU International Programs.
My favorite memory: Seeing the Northern Lights from my balcony. It was so beautiful and I felt so lucky to be able to experience this. 
My best advice is: Say yes to it all. Don’t miss out on opportunities that’ll come your way, even if you think you’re not going to enjoy it. Live in the moment and take pictures so you’re able to look back on the adventures of a life time. 
Read More about UK: University of Birmingham

UK: University of Birmingham

Hi everyone! My name is Anaiyah and I graduated from CSUEB with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Communication. I studied abroad in Spring Semester 2022 through CSU International Programs.
My favorite memories are: Getting the opportunity to see how colleges operate outside of the country, exploring new cities and ways of life, meeting new people, trying new foods, and allowing myself to always go outside of my comfort zone. This was such a cherished time in my life and everything that I experienced abroad, I wouldn’t change for the world.
My best advice is: This is a fresh start. Be who you want to be, create lifelong relationships, make a bucket list of the many things you want to do within your time there, stay present, and always allow yourself to be open minded to new opportunities and experiences that may come your way. You saying yes to going abroad was just the first step of saying yes to such a life changing experience.