University of Wisconsin–Madison

England: Fabiana Chacon

Program: UW Experience in Principles of Global Business: England, Summer

Fabiana’s Major: Marketing

A four-story, beige-brick building in Cambridge's Christ's College. The building is on a grassy lawn.
This is a picture of Christ College where we stayed in Cambridge. This photo is one of my favorites because every day that I walked by I will want to take another picture because it was just so beautiful.

What is the moment you are most proud of?

The moment I was most proud of was definitely when I arrived at the college in Cambridge. Seeing the campus and realizing that I was actually there felt unreal—I couldn’t believe it. As someone who grew up in Venezuela, studying in the U.S. was already a dream that seemed unlikely to happen, and Cambridge was something you would hear about but never imagine could be part of your life. When I first arrived, I couldn’t believe it. I felt so grateful to my parents for the sacrifices they made so I could have a better future, and even more grateful to UW–Madison for helping me achieve both of my dreams.

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

This experience will benefit me by giving me a more global perspective, which is essential in both my studies and future career. It strengthened my adaptability, communication skills, and cultural awareness—all qualities that are valuable in international business and economics. It also inspired me to keep seeking opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone and to work in environments where I can collaborate with people from different backgrounds.

The more curious and engaged you are, the more you’ll learn—not just about the program, but about yourself and the world.

Fabiana standing on a busy grass lawn in front of the Big Ben clock tower.
London Big Ben.

What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?

I learned how big the world truly is, with so many different cultures, backgrounds, and histories. This experience reinforced my desire to learn more languages and immerse myself in different cultures. It also taught me to appreciate diversity and how much we can grow by connecting with people whose perspectives and experiences are different from our own.

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

My advice would be to go for it and make the most out of every moment. Be open to new experiences, meet as many people as you can, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because we are in the perfect age to do it all. The more curious and engaged you are, the more you’ll learn—not just about the program, but about yourself and the world. I was so happy I took this program!