Study Abroad Experience Shapes ULV Student’s Career Path

Study Abroad Experience Shapes ULV Student's Career Path

Claire Furukawa spends an evening exploring the city while studying abroad in Spain. (Courtesy 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 University of La Verne, 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 the CIEE Edinburgh Arts + Sciences program, where she attended Edinburgh Napier University. While studying at the university's Craiglockhart Campus, Furukawa took courses in International Marketing and Behavioral Finance, along with International and Intercultural Graphic Design at the university's Merchiston Campus.

Edinburgh Napier University's 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.

"When I first started, the grading system was different from what I was used to," Furukawa said. "But it pushed me to approach assignments differently and be more independent in my work."

One course that left a lasting impression was International Marketing, where she examined how businesses adapt their strategies for different cultural markets.

"It was really interesting to see how important cultural awareness is when marketing, especially when doing business internationally," Furukawa said. "The 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."

The format helped her understand how marketing strategies operate in practice.

"I learned that incorporating cultural aspects like communication styles, social structures, and consumer preferences, can make a campaign much more effective," she said. "But if those factors are misunderstood or ignored, it can be detrimental to the brand."

Outside the classroom, Furukawa took advantage of opportunities to explore Scotland's history and landscapes. One of her favorite experiences was traveling to the Isle of Skye on a small bus tour through the Scottish Highlands.

"My favorite part was traveling around," she said. "I 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."

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 the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, and the village of Sligachan, where she learned about a local legend tied to the river.

"There's 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," Furukawa said.

Her travels also included visits to Glasgow Cathedral, Calton Hill, Cramond Island, and Dunfermline. During an overnight trip to Inverness, she traveled through the Scottish Highlands and stopped near Loch Ness along the way.

Before returning home, she even attended a Scottish soccer match between Heart of Midlothian FC and Hibernian 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's second study abroad experience took place in Spain through CIEE's January in Alicante program. While there, she took a course titled Culture, 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.

"I really enjoyed taking classes with my professor in Alicante," Furukawa said. "She was very knowledgeable and often incorporated the city into our learning by giving us tours."

One of her favorite class experiences took place at the Mercat Central d'Alacant, a historic market in Alicante.

"While we were there, she bought us a few treats from the bakery and walked us through the market explaining the history of the building," Furukawa said. "She also pointed out some unique produce vendors were selling that you wouldn't normally see in the United States, like turkey and ostrich eggs and tropical fruits."

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's Plaza de España, 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 visited Córdoba, touring the Great Mosque of Córdoba, before traveling to Seville, where she visited the Plaza de España and experienced Spain's famous Holy Week celebrations.

She also traveled to coastal towns such as Altea and Elche, toured the Castle of Santa Bárbara, and even took a trip to Vienna during her time abroad.

Through both experiences, Furukawa said she began to see the world, and her own perspective, more clearly.

"You get to learn about different cultures, and I think that's really important," she said. "You start to realize how much of the way you experience things comes from your own cultural framework."

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.

"Study abroad changed my career goals," she said. "I'm 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."

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.

"For students who are thinking about studying abroad, I'd say go for it," she said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."