News from the Office of Connected Learning
Hope for a Sustainable Future in Healthcare: A Trip to Jordan – w/ Joy Holmes
During the Study Abroad Program in Jordan, Joy Holmes was amazed by the locals’ passion for defending their beliefs, which strengthened her goal to continue contributing to sustainable development in the region. Participating in a biotechnology program for sustainable development and collaborating with students at Hashemite University deepened her understanding of global health issues and...
October 28, 2024
Rabat, The City of Cultures – w/ Mohamed Samael
The Study Abroad Program in Morocco exceeded Mohamed Samael’s expectations with its enriching culture, diverse beliefs, and heartwarming residents. Adventuring across cities, interacting with locals, and living with host families enriched his perspectives and fostered his self-growth throughout the journey.
October 25, 2024
You Only Live Once: Pushing My Comfort Zone as a Filipino-American Student – w/ Cyris Kate Villegas
Cyris Kate Villegas marked the Study Abroad Program in Thailand and Cambodia as transformative, self-discovery, and pushing boundaries. Though initially impacted by her background, she gained valuable insights and hands-on experience through engaging with local communities and understanding the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
October 24, 2024
What Does It Mean To Be Human? – w/ Hunter Philabaum
Seeking an answer about self-existence, Hunter Philabaum joined the Study Abroad Program in Thailand and Cambodia to explore the question through different perspectives, cultures, and lifestyles. His encounter with a girl taught him the value of resilience, and his “Thai mom” left a remarkable influence on his view about friendship and religions across borders.
October 24, 2024
From León to Lifelong Memories: Our Study Abroad Story – w/ Lidia Workneh
The Study Abroad Program in Spain fulfilled Lidia Workneh’s dream of combining her passion for computer science with her wish to explore another culture. She collaborated with INCIBE and the University of León to deepen her understanding of the local tech scene while enjoying the diverse culture, enriching her academic experience through this distinct journey.
October 23, 2024
My first days in Japan – w/ Heckano Aklilu
Despite the initial struggle to navigate through an unfamiliar country, Heckano Aklilu successfully adapted to the challenging environment and gained an understanding of the Japanese public transportation system. His Study Abroad Program in Japan not only enhanced his navigation skills but also built his confidence, resilience, and adaptability to tackle the upcoming challenges.
October 23, 2024
España Unveiled: A 5-Week Journey Through Culture and Computer Science – w/ Jacob Brown
Jacob Brown’s experience with the Study Abroad Program in Spain ignited his passion for exploring the unknown outside comfort zones. The exceptional trip fostered his self-growth and enriched his global perspectives through overcoming linguistic challenges, experiencing diverse cultures, and practicing academic explorations.
October 23, 2024
How We Made the Difficult Decision to Study Abroad – w/ Phohanh Tran & Taggart Vowels
Participating in the Study Abroad Program in Spain offered Phohanh Tran and Taggart Vowels the opportunity to learn about planning for a solo trip and discover available resources on campus. They shared the struggles while applying for the program, the excitement of engaging with foreign cultures, and the appreciation of their determination to study abroad,...
October 23, 2024
The Sakura Road to Japan: Building Relationships One Interaction at a Time – w/ Contessa Sgambelluri Castro
Joining the Study Abroad Program in Japan reshaped Contessa Sgambelluri Castro’s views of the world and assured her pursuit of teaching abroad. She talked about the obstacles along the way that fostered her growth in adaptability but shared the heartwarming welcomes from the locals which built up a meaningful connection with the culture.
October 21, 2024
3 1/2 Weeks in Costa Rica and 3 1/2 Things That I Learned – w/ Isa Thomas
For Isa Thomas, the Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica was a journey of self-discovery, environmental exploration, and meaningful connections. Through overcoming language challenges, experiencing cultural activities, and interacting with locals, she learned about resilience, the importance of savoring every moment, and the value of connections.
October 17, 2024