Study Abroad Experience Shapes ULV Student鈥檚 Career Path
Claire Furukawa spends an evening exploring the city while studying abroad in Spain.(颁辞耻谤迟别蝉测Claire Furukawa)
After studying in Scotland and Spain, ULV student Claire Furukawa says two study abroad experiences reshaped her worldview
Claire Furukawa had always dreamed of studying abroad. Through scholarships and financial aid offered by the university, Furukawa, a senior Business Administration major at the 每日大赛, was able to study abroad not once but twice, spending semesters in Scotland and Spain. The opportunity allowed her to explore new cultures, adapt to different academic systems, and rethink what her future career might look like.
Her first study abroad experience took place in Scotland through theCIEE Edinburgh Arts + Sciences program, where she attendedEdinburgh Napier University. While studying at the university鈥檚 Craiglockhart Campus, Furukawa took courses inInternational MarketingandBehavioral Finance, along withInternational and Intercultural Graphic Designat the university鈥檚 Merchiston Campus.
Edinburgh Napier University鈥檚 Craiglockhart Campus in Edinburgh, Scotland, where Claire Furukawa studied during her study abroad program. (Courtesy Claire Furukawa)
Adjusting to the academic system abroad presented new challenges but also offered valuable learning opportunities.
鈥淲hen I first started, the grading system was different from what I was used to,鈥� Furukawa said. 鈥淏ut it pushed me to approach assignments differently and be more independent in my work.鈥�
One course that left a lasting impression wasInternational Marketing, where she examined how businesses adapt their strategies for different cultural markets.
鈥淚t was really interesting to see how important cultural awareness is when marketing, especially when doing business internationally,鈥� Furukawa said. 鈥淭he class met twice a week. The first session focused on lectures, and the second was more like a workshop where we looked at how real companies applied the concepts.鈥�
The format helped her understand how marketing strategies operate in practice.
鈥淚 learned that incorporating cultural aspects like communication styles, social structures, and consumer preferences, can make a campaign much more effective,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut if those factors are misunderstood or ignored, it can be detrimental to the brand.鈥�
Outside the classroom, Furukawa took advantage of opportunities to explore Scotland鈥檚 history and landscapes. One of her favorite experiences was traveling to the Isle of Skye on a small bus tour through the Scottish Highlands.
鈥淢y favorite part was traveling around,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 went to the Isle of Skye on my own on a small bus tour with a bunch of different people. I got to meet new people, talk to them, and explore different places together.鈥�
Claire Furukawa visited the Isle of Skye during a solo bus tour through the Scottish Highlands while studying abroad in Scotland. (Courtesy Claire Furukawa)
During the trip, she visited landmarks such as theOld Man of Storr,Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, and the village ofSligachan, where she learned about a local legend tied to the river.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a story that if you dip your face in the freezing river for seven seconds and let it air dry, the fairies will grant you eternal youth,鈥� Furukawa said.
Her travels also included visits toGlasgow Cathedral,Calton Hill,Cramond Island, andDunfermline. During an overnight trip toInverness, she traveled through the Scottish Highlands and stopped nearLoch Nessalong the way.
Before returning home, she even attended a Scottish soccer match betweenHeart of Midlothian FCandHibernian FC just hours before catching her flight.
Claire Furukawa follows the sunset over the coastal city of Alicante, Spain, while studying abroad through the CIEE January in Alicante program. (Courtesy Claire Furukawa)
Furukawa鈥檚 second study abroad experience took place in Spain throughCIEE鈥檚 January in Alicante program. While there, she took a course titledCulture, Festivities, and Traditions through Spanish Gastronomy and Wine, which explored Spanish culture through food and local traditions.
Instead of remaining in a classroom setting, the course often incorporated the city itself into the learning experience.
鈥淚 really enjoyed taking classes with my professor in Alicante,鈥� Furukawa said. 鈥淪he was very knowledgeable and often incorporated the city into our learning by giving us tours.鈥�
One of her favorite class experiences took place at theMercat Central d鈥橝lacant, a historic market in Alicante.
鈥淲hile we were there, she bought us a few treats from the bakery and walked us through the market explaining the history of the building,鈥� Furukawa said. 鈥淪he also pointed out some unique produce vendors were selling that you wouldn鈥檛 normally see in the United States, like turkey and ostrich eggs and tropical fruits.鈥�
The experience gave students the opportunity to learn about local culture while experiencing the city firsthand.
Claire Furukawa explored cities across southern Spain, including Seville鈥檚 Plaza de Espa帽a, during her study abroad experience. (Courtesy Claire Furukawa)
During her time in Spain, Furukawa also explored several historic cities and cultural landmarks. During spring break, she visitedC贸rdoba, touring theGreat Mosque of C贸rdoba, before traveling toSeville, where she visited thePlaza de Espa帽aand experienced Spain鈥檚 famousHoly Week celebrations.
She also traveled to coastal towns such asAlteaandElche, toured theCastle of Santa B谩rbara, and even took a trip toViennaduring her time abroad.
Through both experiences, Furukawa said she began to see the world, and her own perspective, more clearly.
鈥淵ou get to learn about different cultures, and I think that鈥檚 really important,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou start to realize how much of the way you experience things comes from your own cultural framework.鈥�
Before traveling internationally, Furukawa had planned to pursue a career in the sports industry. After experiencing life abroad and discovering how much she enjoyed traveling and exploring new cultures, she began considering opportunities in the travel industry.
鈥淪tudy abroad changed my career goals,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 thinking about doing something related to travel now. I actually have interviews coming up with a travel agency, which I never would have considered before.鈥�
Claire Furukawa, (right), poses with a friend she met while studying abroad during a visit to Seville, Spain. (Courtesy Claire Furukawa)
For Furukawa, studying abroad became more than visiting new places, it was about discovering new possibilities.
She encourages other students who may be considering studying abroad to take advantage of the opportunity.
鈥淔or students who are thinking about studying abroad, I鈥檇 say go for it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.鈥�
