As a Rice University student studying abroad in Madrid, I (Izzy L., Chao ‘29) spent six weeks navigating Spanish immigration law at my internship while exploring the country’s rich history of convivencia. This experience cultivated a deep sense of empathy within me while also providing a sharper critical lens to bring back to campus.

When I (Tamara L., Martel ‘29) was first considering studying abroad, the thought of moving across the globe felt exciting AND intimidating. The Rice in Paris program turned out to be a perfect three-week compromise, providing the support I needed to navigate a new culture while building lasting connections. Here’s how stepping out of my comfort zone changed my perspective on international learning.

When I (Lexi O., Baker ‘28) was applying to college, I assumed getting involved in medical research was something that would take years to accomplish. But after my first year at Rice, that goal took shape sooner than expected. Here’s how I ended up working in an Alzheimer’s research lab in the Med Center.

When I (Veronica Z., Will Rice ‘29) arrived at Rice as a Political Science and History student on a pre-law track, I expected a traditional path: student organizations, research and campus debates. However, taking a sociology course unexpectedly led me across the Texas Panhandle to investigate a potential wrongful conviction — and ultimately co-produce a documentary.

As a Social Policy Analysis and Global Affairs major, I (Sammi F., Chao ‘27) never expected to spend a summer designing maternal health devices in Kenya. Through the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies, I traveled to Nairobi to help prototype low-cost devices targeting postpartum hemorrhage and pre-eclampsia. Here’s how stepping outside my academic comfort zone ended up teaching me one of the most valuable lessons of my college career.

Growing up in a small village, I (Pu, Martel ‘29) vividly remember a dozen kids gathering around a tiny box television just to watch a soccer match. Our village didn’t have much, but for 90 minutes, none of that mattered. The FIFA World Cup is where dreams come true, communities unite and the entire planet speaks a single language: soccer. Looking back, it’s hard to believe that I went from watching the tournament on that tiny screen to playing a behind-the-scenes role in bringing these massive sporting events to billions of people across the globe. Here’s a look at what it’s really like to bring the game to life on the international stage!

Working on a major global event is a common goal for anyone interested in the sports industry, but at Rice, these opportunities can often start earlier than expected. I’m Jacob L., Hanszen '27, and over the past year, I worked with the Houston Host City Committee to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here’s a look at my experience and the lessons I learned while helping to lay the groundwork for the tournament.

When choosing a college major, many students feel pressured to pick a path and stick to it. But what happens when your passions span from mechanical engineering to environmental history? Sanjana, McMurtry ‘29, shares how she refused to box herself in, finding ways to connect the dots between engineering, history and environmental science.

When Ian, McMurtry ‘26, first arrived at Rice, he knew he was interested in policy and law school, yet he wasn’t quite sure what that pathway would look like in practice. What he didn’t expect was how Rice would allow him to bridge these two fields in so many ways — both inside the hedges and beyond.

Laylee, Sid Rich ‘29, shares how she used Rice’s flexible distribution system to move beyond the "typical" pre-med experience. Discover how she bridged the gap between rigorous STEM coursework and the human side of healthcare through medical humanities and language studies.

Maha, a PhD student in the Human Factors and Human-Computer Interaction program, came to Rice looking for a way to bridge different fields of study and found a community along the way. Here’s how becoming president of the student chapter of the Rice Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) turned an educational journey into a shared mission.

Finding the perfect place to "lock in" is a rite of passage for every Rice Owl. After a year of exploring inside the hedges, Nina, Brown ‘29, shares her definitive guide to the best study spots at Brown and on campus.