Representing Rice on a national stage is always amazing, but heading to the SASE National Conference in Seattle felt extra special because it marked a huge milestone five years in the making! As Internal Vice President of Rice SASE, I (Gayla G., Sid Richardson ‘29) had a front-row seat as our chapter connected classroom theory with real-world engineering in real time. Here’s a look inside our experience and the community we are building on campus.

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.