News from the Office of Connected Learning
Category: Global Initiatives
A Day in My Life as a Study Abroad Student in Rome, Italy! – w/ Sofia Soderblom
Participating in the Study Abroad Program to Italy broadened Sofia Soderblom’s global perspectives and encouraged her to build connections during the trip. Soderblom took on several challenges, including culture shock and currency exchange, while enjoying the stunning views and learning abundant knowledge about Italy.
August 21, 2024
Goals Beyond the Pitch: The Politics of Soccer in Spain – w/ Nick Babak
Though uneasy about the first foreign trip to Spain, Nick Babak overcame the anxiety and achieved self-growth during the Study Abroad Program. With various interactions with the locals and wholehearted support from his host family, Babak learned the value of flexibility, resilience, and cross-cultural communication, hoping to continue advancing his language skills after the program.
August 20, 2024
Rediscovering my Childhood Dreams: A Summer in Greece – w/ Soeun Son
The decision to join the Study Abroad Program in Greece helped Soeun Son rediscover her childhood dream and reignite her passion for travel. Visiting historic sites, interviewing locals, and researching sustainability throughout the program had shaped Son’s aspirations for a future in international relations and built a deep connection to this lovely country.
August 19, 2024
Najma’s crazy Month in Spain: Living, Learning, and Thriving as a Foreigner – w/ Najma Abdille
Spain’s lively culture, astonishing buildings, and enthusiastic sports spirit stunned Najma Abdille when participating in the Study Abroad Program. Despite struggling with the language barrier and homesickness, Abdille was able to actively learn from the locals and improve her Spanish with support from the host family.
August 13, 2024
How a dream became a reality: A letter to first-gen students looking to study abroad. Spain – w/ Catherine Cruz
After conquering struggles of financial concerns and anxiety about adapting to the new environment, Catherine Cruz was able to go through an inspiring Study Abroad experience in Spain. She was able to gain practical experience in the program while immersing in the enriching Spanish culture, language, and local craze for the 2024 Euros.
August 6, 2024
Coping in Copenhagen – w/ Kylah Kovar
Kylah Kovar shared ten practical skills through her exploration with the Study Abroad Program in Copenhagen, Denmark. These precious insights during the trip and the foreign study with peers expanded Kovar’s viewpoints on traveling, studying, and problem-solving.
August 5, 2024
La Dolce Vita: The sweet life of Italy – w/ Lizette Torralba Rodriguez
Wandering along the lively streets of Bologna while exploring the diverse lifestyle of the locals, Lizette Torralba Rodriguez broadened her perspective on life and education with the Study Abroad Program in Italy. This distinct experience fertilized Rodriguez’s self-growth and enhanced her understanding of social psychology and agriculture, sparking her passion to start another journey.
July 30, 2024
From Desks to Destinations: My Study Abroad Journey – w/ Grace Leppert
Attending a Business Consulting class enriched Grace Leppert’s college path with a life-changing journey to India. The Study Abroad Program led by two professors introduced practical skills and knowledge of the international market through a real-world project with local companies, leaving a profound effect on her career pursuit and self-growth.
July 23, 2024
Discovering Argentina: A Journey of Learning and Growth – w/ Helen Fessahaie
The transformative experience polished by rigorous academics and rich cultures taught Helen Fessahaie valuable life lessons in Study Abroad Program in Argentina. Aside from enhancing practical knowledge for her business major, interacting with warm and welcoming locals greatly elevated her Spanish and implanted a deeper appreciation for cultural connections.
July 1, 2024
Innovation, culture and technology in India
Professor Surya Pathak and instructor Brooks Gekler led a group of Business students flying across continents to investigate cultural and economic differences in India. They hoped this trip would cultivate students’ global perspectives and develop flexible, adaptable leaders.
June 21, 2024
