—Adri Jolie, Double Major, General Social Sciences, and Planning, Public Policy and Management
In summer 2026, a record 1,226 Ducks studied abroad across 31 countries through the Global Education Oregon (GEO) program at University of Oregon. GEO offers students access to programs all around the world. For her study abroad experience, junior Adri Jolie ’28 chose Mexican Studies and Spanish Immersion in Querétaro.
Some students study abroad for a chance to learn a new language, to immerse themselves in a different culture, to gain work experience or for personal growth. Jolie chose Querétaro because she wanted to gain a better understanding of Spanish and the Mexican culture.
“I’m passionate about providing socio-economic opportunities for young women and queer people, specifically in Latino communities that might not have access to some of those resources,” she said.
Jolie is a double major. First, she is majoring in general social sciences with a concentration in crime, law and society. Her second major is planning, public policy and management (PPPM). She is minoring in Spanish.
“General social sciences gave me the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes that pertain to my interests,” said Jolie. “As for PPPM, I really enjoy getting hands-on with social and political issues, and those classes teach tangible ways to make an impact on local governments or niches within the community.”
This study abroad program in Querétaro is designed for students to learn Spanish through immersion. Querétaro is in north-central Mexico and home to approximately 1.4 million people. Students study at the Centro Intercultural de Querétaro and live with a Mexican host family. The program includes excursions to Mexico City and Bernal, visits to historic sites around the host city and several cultural activities.
For her time abroad, she took on the additional role of being a Diverse Ducks Ambassador for GEO. She shared her experience through writing. Read Jolie’s blog posts to learn what immersing herself was like, how she adjusted to a new home and culture, and why she says, ¡vale la pena! or, it’s worth it!