When Paloma Villaneda talks about studying abroad, her passion shines through.
Growing up in a family that valued global exploration, Villaneda was inspired by her parents’ love for travel. Her father, a Cal State Fullerton alum, earned a degree in international business and studied abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico. Now, as a business administration major, she is carrying on that legacy.
Villaneda has already completed two study abroad programs. She took an accounting course in Italy last summer and recently returned from a winter program at Gachon University in South Korea. Her achievements are even more impressive considering she balances her studies with playing for the Cal State Fullerton Titans Softball team.
Given the demanding schedule of a student-athlete, Villaneda could not study abroad for a semester or full academic year. Luckily, the Study Abroad and Global Engagement office at CSUF had alternatives for her — winter and summer programs.
“The fact that these programs were being offered and advertised by International Education and Engagement was really awesome,” said Villaneda.
When choosing her first trip, the summer accounting course in Florence, Italy, program stood out. The course was required for her major, the program fit within her summer break, and Italy had a personal connection — her mother had visited in her 20s and raved about the experience.
This program was also the first study abroad course offered for accounting majors at CSUF, and it was a transformative experience for Villaneda and her classmates.
“It was the first time many of us were living away from home in another country, so we really leaned on each other for support and made lasting friendships,” said Villaneda.
Inspired by her trip to Italy, Villaneda remained greatly involved in CSUF’s study abroad initiatives. As a global Titan ambassador, she now promotes study abroad opportunities to fellow students. She also became a Global Titan Buddy, supporting international students, including one from South Korea, who later inspired her to study at Gachon University.
It all came full circle last October when Villaneda attended CSUF’s international student alumni mixer and brought her biggest inspiration, her father, as a guest.
“During that mixer, I was able to introduce him to some of my international friends that I had met here,” said Villaneda. “To go from being a child watching my dad network at these events and being in awe, to being an adult networking with him at these events is just such an awesome thing to look back at.”
From her first study abroad trip to networking with international students and alumni, Villaneda has found incredible support at CSUF and wants to carry that support on to other Titans. To fellow students and student-athletes interested in studying abroad, Villaneda said, “Advocate for yourself, even if you have self-doubts. Just know that the International Education and Engagement office will be that support for you.”
Villaneda’s full interview video is available on YouTube. To learn more about study abroad opportunities, visit the Study Abroad and Global Engagement website.