Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. Luckily, UC Davis offers many valuable experiences that help Aggies develop new perspectives, both academically and personally. Paola Simi, a current fourth-year majoring in political science, can attest to this fact after her recent time abroad.
A passion for politics
Paola studied abroad at the distinguished London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) during the 2025 fall quarter. This U.K. institution is among the top in the world for scholars seeking to pursue careers in the social sciences. With courses that emphasize international relations and politics, and visiting politicians as speakers at university events, Paola recalls the curriculum in London as especially eye-opening. She gained vital political insight, she says, that she wouldn’t have otherwise come across:
“While studying at the LSE, I was able to explore politics and international relations in the U.K. and Europe while actually living there. The experience also helped me to develop a better understanding of the current political moment in the U.S. from a global perspective.”
The program suited Paola perfectly, and allowed her to expand upon the skills she acquired through her prior participation in another noteworthy program offered through UC Davis–the UC Center Sacramento Program. Her efforts in both programs speak to her drive to deepen her political insight, as well as the enriching experiences she has gained during her time as an Aggie.
Adventure and academia
The LSE is known for providing an intellectual environment that allows students to thrive and prosper. Regarding the campus itself, Paola notes that the setting is highly academic, with the library often crowded and students quickly strolling between buildings to attend classes.
Beyond its scholarly nature, though, Paola notes that the environment was fluid in a way one could only understand firsthand. Specifically, she was intrigued by how the campus was integrated into the city, which allowed her and her classmates to balance school and personal life with ease. Most notably, Paola reflects on fond memories with her roommates in London, partaking in many activities, such as café-hopping between study sessions and even catching shows at the theatre:
The central location of the campus and our housing made it so convenient to explore London. After a day of classes, it was easy to hop on the bus or tube, and within minutes we could be grabbing food at Borough Market or catching a show on the West End.
— Paola Simi
There were also plenty of activities for students to take part in as a class. Given the smaller class size of the study-abroad cohort, just short of 30 students, the experience was all the more meaningful and encouraged students to form close connections in a new and exciting setting. Paola shares that she went on multiple class field trips and excursions during the 10-week program, including visits to the British Museum and the Royal Courts of Justice. Seeing such sites allowed Aggies to immerse themselves in the city’s culture and capture the quintessential essence of a study abroad experience.
The road ahead
On an impressive note, Paola is on track to graduate early once the 2026 winter quarter concludes. Already set on a future in politics, Paola is currently studying for the LSAT and plans to apply to various law schools in the U.S. in the fall. In the meantime, Paola is completing a policy research fellowship with the Alliance for Civic Engagement–a student-led think tank. As a fellow, she is writing non-partisan research briefs on several pressing housing and transportation policies to help inform voters.
An unforgettable experience
Paola had long intended to study abroad and had considered the possibility since high school. Although she had no specific location in mind, her quarter abroad aligned well with her academic pursuits, and it provided her with a one-of-a-kind experience she’ll appreciate for years to come. Overall, Paola is grateful that she was able to take advantage of this opportunity and gained plenty of wisdom from her time in London.
To Aggies who may be considering going abroad, Paola offers the following advice:
"Studying abroad felt like getting to live in a different world for a little bit, and it helped me to grow both personally and academically. It can be a bit intimidating, but I definitely recommend stepping outside of your comfort zone and being open to new experiences!"
This article was originally published by Global Affairs
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