Laura Gimenez Anglada

Visiting UCEAP Reciprocity Student at UCR for academic year 2021 - 2022
Major at Home University: Catalan Philology
Major at UCR: Spanish 
Home University: University of Barcelona in Spain
Laura has been working with Education Abroad to help promote study abroad to UCR students. 

Laura grew up on Menorca, one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, so she always knew that she would leave the island for university and Barcelona was a good option. A lot of students choose to participate in the Erasmus Program, which is a well-known program for exchange students in the EU, so the idea of studying abroad is almost expected for every college student. Laura wanted to practice her English speaking skills and thought a university in the U.S. would be interesting (especially after watching the news coverage of the 2020 election and the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol building). 

1. What has surprised you about UC Riverside?

"College campuses in the US are very different from ours. I would definitely say how big, nice and green the campus is was something that surprised me."

2. What advice would you give to future reciprocity students about preparing for and adjusting to life at UCR?

"I would probably say not to be afraid and maybe join a club to get to know people with similar interests. Also, try to be as aware as possible of the culture shocks you might have."

3. What advice would you give to UCR students wanting to study abroad?

"Do it! It is fun, you get to travel and see the world, and the best part: getting to actually know a country and its people."

4. What are two or three favorite moments from the year in California?

When my friend from back home came to visit me and we traveled for two weeks.

The first time I went to Los Angeles.

This is not in California, but being in the U.S. gave me the opportunity of fulfilling my dream of going to New York during Christmas time.