The Global Gaucho

Summer 2026 News & Updates

Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of The Global Gaucho! Summer is a natural time for reflection, and it is a pleasure to share the profound experiences of our returned study abroad scholars and recent graduates.

From deep personal discoveries in Seoul to academic milestones in London, our students continue to demonstrate how capable and resilient they truly are.

In the sections below, you will find firsthand testimonials from our Spring Celebration, University of California Alumni Gala, and The Californian Abroad Blog Writing Contest along with other stories of international academics and adventure. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our generous donors for their support during the 2025-26 academic year as shown in the Donor Honor Roll.

Thank you to our alumni, donors, and friends for ensuring that a global education remains accessible to the next generation of leaders. 

Cordiali saluti,

Fabio Rambelli

EAP Faculty Director

Professor of Religious Studies & East Asian Cultures

Millie Araiza Caballero ’26 | South Korea

We welcomed the Class of 2026 to our community of alumni and celebrated the memories of another year abroad at this year’s Spring Celebration at Mosher Alumni Hall. Millie shared a few words with fellow students at the event:

“Somewhere between the uncertainty, the language barriers, the cultural differences, and the uncomfortable moments, something began to change. Not just where we were but who we were becoming. Because studying abroad doesn’t just teach us about another country. It teaches us how capable we really are. It’s clear that none of us made it here alone. 

To our families, our friends, our peer advisors, our faculty, our regional advisors, our scholarship supporters, our donors, and everyone who believed in us before we fully believed in ourselves — thank you.

To my fellow graduates. May we never lose the curiosity that got us on that first plane. May we continue crossing borders, challenging assumptions, building bridges, and choosing courage over comfort.

To the journeys that changed us. To the people who helped us get here.

And to a future that is bigger, bolder, and more connected because we dared to see the world.”

Camila Morcate Enriquez ’26 | United Kingdom

The University of California Trust hosted the 9th Annual Gala at One Whitehall Place in London, raising funds for various scholarships and research initiatives at the UC campuses while also bringing together alumni, students, and friends for an evening of celebration and connection.

"Studying abroad does not just teach you about a new place. It teaches you about yourself. I come from generations of people who moved out of necessity, so when I had the chance to study at King's College London through the UCEAP Global Scholarship and the UCSB Education Abroad Program UK Fund, I understood what a rare and meaningful thing it was to move out of curiosity. 

Speaking at the 9th Annual UC Alumni Gala this past March, I was reminded that this kind of transformation rarely happens alone. It happens because communities invest in people. I leave London more grounded, more certain of who I am, and deeply aware of how much a single opportunity can change the course of a life." 

Casey Lopez ’25 | Italy

Congratulations to Casey for winning first place in the UCEAP blog writing contest! Read about her surprising source of wisdom and guidance during her time abroad: Italian coffee.

Beyond the Semester: Why a Year Abroad Changes Everything

Re-imagining My Self Image in Scotland 

Homesick While Abroad? Let’s Talk About It

All Gaucho Reunion is moving to Fall 2026!

Join us October 15-18, 2026

Celebrate traditions old and new, reconnect with friends, network with fellow alumni, and enjoy the absolute best time of year in Santa Barbara. All alumni, family, and friends are welcome.

The UC Santa Barbara Education Abroad Program team extends our sincere gratitude to our generous donors for their support during the 2025-26 academic year. We would also like to recognize the leadership and dedication of our EAP Ambassadors: Jim Maloney ’84 (chair), Dennis Allen ’64, Lisa Bertelsen-Kivett '90, Brad Chapin ’00, Steve Cohen ’91, Alex Doyle ’12, Sara Milles Gupta ’02, Darryl Heller ’88, Rob Jacobson ’83, Jan Koegler ’81, Hannah Meyers ’23, Elliot Taylor ’17, Marie Williams ’89, and Leslie Zomalt '64,'79. Thank you for your commitment and service to EAP!

Connect with EAP alumni from across the UC system by joining the UCEAP Alumni LinkedIn network:

Questions or comments? Please reach out to:

Camille Kurreck

Associate Director of Development, Global & Experiential Learning

ckurreck@ucsb.edu | 805.893.5707

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