GO Student Ambassadors, International Placements

Meet the GO Ambassador 2026/27 – Catherine Lopez Paez

13 October 2026

Global Opportunities Globetrotters

Name: Catherine

School, degree programme and year of study: School of Law and Politics, Law LLB , final year

Host destination: America

Your experience abroad

Tell us about your global opportunity—where did you go, and what did you do?

I spent my year abroad at the University of Florida. I took a mix of law related modules and a couple of classes I got to choose myself. I got to build my legal skills through debating, drafting arguments and presenting in mock legal environments, while also taking completely different classes like US law enforcement, wildlife and Spanish. Outside of class, I got to travel within the US but also beyond, which was incredible!! I signed up to almost everything I could and really got to experience what American student life was like first-hand.

What surprised you the most about your host country/programme/time abroad?
What surprised me was how easy it was to settle into life in the US. Everyone was so friendly, which made adapting much easier than I expected. I was also amazed by how much there was to get involved in outside of classes. There was always a club, event or something new to try every day, which made campus life so much fun and meant I was always meeting new people and doing something different.

What is the one thing you miss about your time abroad?
I miss how exciting every day felt. I would wake up to amazing weather, get ready with my friends for game days and experience the insane Gator atmosphere, where the whole campus was filled with orange and blue before heading to the stadium!

A bit about you!

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your studies?
I love travelling and exploring new places. Put me in a new country and I’ll want to see everything, try everything and find the secret hidden spots!! if I’ve got a free day at home , I’m usually looking up somewhere new, hopping on a train or bus and seeing where the day takes me.

What’s your favourite place on campus/in Cardiff?
I love the Main University Building. Every time I walk in, it genuinely feels like I’m stepping into a castle. It somehow makes me romanticise studying and feel a little more motivated just by being there.

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year (a dream destination), where would it be—and why?
Definitely Japan! There’s so much to do and see, and I love how it seems so modern and futuristic but still has so much culture and history. I’d want to explore as much as possible and just experience what everyday life there is like. Tokyo is definitely high on my list, and I’d 100% have to try the Mario Kart experience!

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I played the violin in an orchestra for 8 years

Reflections and Advice

Describe your global experience in three words
surreal , spontaneous , enriching

What advice would you give to students considering a global opportunity?
Just go for it!!!
It might feel scary at first, but you’ll come back with unforgettable memories, so much more confidence and a completely different idea of what you’re capable of. You’ll be so glad you gave yourself the chance!