GSP Graduate Isabella Hines Reflects on her Unforgettable Experience at UC Davis

Isabella Hines is an executive manager at a consulting and auditing company in Brazil, where a big part of her job is to provide insights to clients on their business structure, enhancing their practices on environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility and corporate governance practices. Her interest in environmental sustainability stems from her study abroad experience in the UC Davis Global Study Program, which she credits for having a significant impact on her academic, professional and personal life. Hines completed the program in 2013, yet the experience and her time here in Davis remain an invaluable part of who she is today.  

The Global Study Program has played a significant role in shaping the person I am today, helping me become a more well-rounded individual and providing me with experiences that have contributed to the professional success I have achieved.”  

What have you been up to since completing the Global Study Program? 


After completing the Global Study Program at UC Davis, I returned to my home university with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for my education. My experience abroad had a profound impact on my academic trajectory, as I was introduced to the fascinating subject of climate change science and inspired to delve deeper, ultimately incorporating it into my final undergraduate thesis.



Beyond the academic realm, the exchange program at UC Davis broadened my horizons and has had a lasting impact on my hobbies and personal interests. I vividly remember taking classes on astronomy, which sparked a newfound interest in the stars, universe and contemplating the night sky. This hobby has stayed with me since my time at UC Davis and has continued to bring me joy and wonder.



Professionally, the skills and knowledge I gained during my time at UC Davis have proven invaluable in my career. I am now a manager at a major consulting and auditing company, responsible for leading people, developing business strategies, and ensuring the technical excellence of my team's work. The exchange program at UC Davis helped me understand my abilities to explore and learn in different realms of knowledge, allowing me to work in a range of subjects, expanding from environment to auditing, corporate governance and ethics.



What is one of your most memorable experiences from your time in the Global Study Program?


It is difficult to narrow down my most memorable experiences from UC Davis, as there were so many unique and enriching moments. One of the most memorable aspects of the experience was learning from different people around the world who were also part of the program. It allowed me to understand cultural differences and learn about American culture alongside my peers.



Biking around the beautiful UC Davis campus was also a highlight of my time there. It was a fun and healthy way to get around, and it is a habit that I frequently remember and miss. Campus life was enjoyable, and I particularly remember the fun and relaxing moments of events such as Picnic Day and the Whole Earth Festival. I also have fond memories of spending time in the Shields Library, talking with classmates and studying for exams.



Some of my most vivid and peculiar memories were from my time at the UC Davis Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute. For example, measuring sea anemones for my paper on coastal life organisms on low tide, often in the early hours of the morning, was a unique and unforgettable experience. I also created a fun card game based on local birds for a creative project, which the entire class played together and learned more about the local bird species.



Looking back, how has the Global Study Program helped you get to where you are today?


The Global Study Program has played a significant role in shaping the person I am today, helping me become a more well-rounded individual and providing me with experiences that have contributed to the professional success I have achieved. 

The program helped me grow in many ways, including adapting to a new education structure, learning from others, expanding my horizons and gaining a more open-minded approach to understanding different perspectives. Through the program, I became more mature and empowered to define my life path and choices.

Additionally, the program helped me learn more efficiently, as I had multiple classes on different subjects at UC Davis. This skill has proven to be really important since then, allowing me to quickly learn and adapt to new situations.

Another significant impact of the program was on my public speaking skills. I overcame my fear of speaking on stage and became more confident in expressing myself in English, which has been a significant differential in my life. I attribute this growth to the public speaking classes that I took and by sharing my experience with other exchange students at welcome receptions.

I also have to mention that one most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to make lifelong friends who are still close to me today. These friendships have enriched my life and have provided me with valuable connections.