UC Merced's Study Abroad Program Among the Country's Best

Frida Quinto Ruiz went to Sweden with a curious mind. She came home with a plan.

"Studying abroad completely reshaped the direction of my college career in ways I never expected," she said. "I went to Sweden already curious about the world, but I came back with a much clearer sense of where I want to go."

During a tour of the European Union in Brussels, Ruiz learned about the Fulbright Binational Business Program. The fourth-year economics major applied to the program and recently interviewed to join it after she graduates in May.

"Studying abroad gave me direction I did not know I was looking for," said Ruiz, who grew up in Livingston and attended Turlock High School. "UC Merced has incredible support for students who want to go abroad."

That support is so strong the university has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State's Gilman Program as a 25th Anniversary Top Producing Institution in the Medium Colleges and Universities category. The Gilman Program supports undergraduate students looking to develop essential career skills through study and intern abroad experiences.

Sociology major Gabriela Lopez Garcia spent the spring semester of 2023 in Barcelona.

"I knew that studying abroad and being away from my friends and family for a semester was going to be tough, but I felt like this was something that I really needed to experience in order to grow," she said in a story she wrote about her adventure. "I will forever be grateful for my decision because I learned so much not only about myself but also about Catalonia's history, cultural activities and the beautiful city of Barcelona."

Garcia said she chose Spain because she has been fascinated with Barcelona as far back as she can remember, calling it "the most magical city in the world."

"I am happy to say it did not disappoint."

Ruiz said studying abroad was just part of what made her experience at UC Merced special.

"My path here was not straightforward," she said. She joined the military after graduating from high school at 17.

"When I eventually made my way to higher education and then to UC Merced, I came in as an applied mathematics student before switching to economics after my first semester in spring 2024," she said. "Every step has built on the last, and UC Merced has been a place where I felt like I could truly explore that."

She credited the Transfer, Returning and Veteran Services center with easing her transition back to school.

"Working with the TRV center has also opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of students here at UC Merced," she said "Getting to know transfer students, veterans and returning students has shown me just how many different journeys lead people to this campus, and how many resources exist to help them succeed."

For those considering taking part in studying abroad, Ruiz said she wholeheartedly recommends jumping in, even if they aren't sure about it.

"This program is not just for students who have it all figured out," she said. "It is for students like me, who at some point felt like they were just drifting through life. … UC Merced has incredible support for students who want to go abroad, and I encourage anyone who is considering it to go to the Study Abroad office and just ask."

After her year in Sweden, Ruiz said, she returned a different person.

"Studying abroad did not just change my resume, it changed me," she said. "I came back more confident, more culturally aware and more connected to the kind of work I want to do in the world."

She joined the Kappa Delta Chi sorority and became involved in more campus activities.

"I wanted to be part of something bigger than my coursework, and that community has meant so much to me," she said. "I think that is what UC Merced does well: It gives you room to grow in all directions at once."

For more information on the program, go to the Study Abroad website .

Patty Guerra