News from the Office of Connected Learning
Category: Global Initiatives
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
Reconnecting with my Roots in Cambodia as a Cambodian American – w/ Amanda Sim
Amanda Sim found the cultural connection to her Cambodian American identity through the Study Abroad Program in Cambodia. She forged meaningful connections with locals by practicing her parents’ native language, Khmer, and learned about the spiritual and cultural significance of Buddhism during her visits to various temples.
October 16, 2024
The Media’s Touch on Reality: Jordan – w/ Dan Nguyen
Blown away by the welcoming culture and heartwarming people, Dan Nguyen’s trip with the Study Abroad Program in Jordan gave him a new perspective on this foreign country. He broadened his academic horizons by actively engaging in local activities or lectures and realized the importance of seeking the truth through personal connections and experience.
October 15, 2024
Life is too short to have regrets – w/ Luke Ku
Luke Ku embraced the opportunity to fulfill his dream of visiting Spain after stumbling upon a Study Abroad Program for AI and cybersecurity. The transformative journey expanded his global perspective with diverse activities around the local culture and reignited his passion for Spanish through interacting with his host family.
October 14, 2024
