From the international halls of Parliament to global nonprofits, students participating in the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) transform their study abroad experiences into powerful career changes when they intern abroad. Recently, seven students from UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Santa Barbara and UC Santa Cruz received awards celebrating their outstanding achievements and personal growth while interning abroad.

UCEAP internship awards are handed out twice a year to recognize students who have distinguished themselves while acquiring career training and workplace skills on a study abroad program. 

One awardee described how these international experiences can crystallize career aspirations: 

“This internship solidified my belief in the power of journalism to uncover truths from overlooked regions and deepened my desire to become an international correspondent, driven by the conviction that what happens in one part of the world profoundly impacts others,” wrote Sebastien Bridonneau (UC Berkeley) who studied abroad in Mexico. 

Another shared how their internship experience abroad had a significant impact on their future and post-graduation plans: 

“Through this internship, I gained a deeper understanding of myself and developed a newfound passion for ecology, which has reshaped the direction of my academic pursuits, sparking an interest in pursuing research after graduation,” wrote Chloe Montgomery (UC Davis) who studied abroad in Australia. 

UCEAP internship programs continue to serve as a catalyst for career development and personal growth, providing UC students with invaluable international workplace experience while fostering cross-cultural understanding. These award recipients represent the transformative power of combining academic excellence with hands-on professional experience in a global setting. 

The UCEAP Internship Award cycle for Spring and Winter participants is open now until August 15, 2025. 

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