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Experiential learning came to the forefront this summer as 136 students and faculty members made their global footprint across 10 countries and three continents to challenge their perspectives and presumptions.
Their travels took them to Iceland, Germany, Ghana, London, Ireland and Zambia for faculty-led study abroad experiences that melded cultural immersion with empirical learning. The credit-bearing programs were interdisciplinary in nature, pairing professors whose expertise enabled students to gain a multi-dimensional view of topics.
During the spring semester, most of the students participated in a course that prepared them for international travel and focused on critical study of a specific topic.
Among professors who participated in summer programs were Drs. Thomas Sutton of political science, Nicholas Mays of history and Christian Nsiah of business, who took students to Ghana to learn about the history and effects of forced migration and the impact of colonialism on the society. Also leading study abroad excursions were Drs. Amy Jo Sutterluety of allied health, sport and wellness and Andrew Dohanos from communication arts and sciences, who engaged students in the theory and practice of international communication while practicing wellness abroad.
Drs. Carrie Davis Todd of biology and geology and Jill Stephens Fleisher of sociology took a group of students to Iceland, where they examined the geologic, environmental and cultural significance of the unique island. In addition, Chisomo Selemani, Amy O'Brien, and Dr. Amy Vaughn of BW's speech-language pathology graduate program went to Zambia for a service-learning experience, and two professors in theatre went to London for an immersion in thespian British theatre that included historical and cultural study.
In August, 32 members of the Yellow Jackets men's and women's basketball teams traveled to Ireland and Northern Ireland for a 12-day immersion program. Also abroad this summer were eight students, who participated in independent study abroad experiences to Costa Rico, Guatemala, England and France.
From California to Berea to Germany, BW student David Kelley isn't a novice when it comes to going the distance for his goals. The soon-to-be December 2024 grad from Ventura, California, joined 24 other students in traveling to Germany. Prior to their trip, they took a semester-long course last spring called "Intro to Intercultural Communication."
The course, said Kelley, taught them how to look at culture through the lens of a global citizen and how to adapt to different cultures with the understanding that human experiences are variable across international borders.
"I decided to participate in this program because I have visited Spanish-speaking countries and spoken lots of Spanish. This opportunity gave me a way to experience a brand-new culture and a reason to learn a new language," explained Kelley.
"The more I travel, the more I realize how limited my knowledge of the world is,” admitted the communication studies major. "Observing the ways people interact within different cultures in terms of human relationships, work and technology has allowed me to expand my empathy for those with a totally different background than me.
"I would like to start off my professional career by teaching English as a second language in different countries. This study abroad was perfect for understanding how I, as an individual, can adapt and learn to function in a place so different from my home. It dramatically reinforced my passion for learning languages and teaching them," he added.
While Iceland may be called the land of ice and fire, no catch-phrase can fully contain what the study abroad opportunity meant to Grace Zarzour '26. The semester-long course leading up to the trip taught her about the geological and cultural aspects of Iceland to prepare her for what she would see and experience. But the real learning, she later found, was more introspective and transformational.
"I became way more independent than I ever expected,” emphasized Zarzour. "Being in a foreign country half a world away from home, I was pushed to navigate unfamiliar situations, problem-solve and take care of myself in ways I'd never experienced.
"The day I explored Reykjavik solo … I felt anxious at first. But I overcame those uneasy feelings and ended up having an incredible time wandering the city alone. I proved I have more courage and inner strength than I give myself credit for when pushed out of my bubble," said the digital marketing major from Strongsville, Ohio.
"The hikes up the glacier or volcanic rock formations also built serious physical and mental endurance I didn't know I had. In hindsight, this independence makes sense, as Iceland values individualism and independence differently than we do in the States. Additionally, the interpersonal skills I used and alternate lifestyles I observed will enhance both my personal and professional interactions as I continue to navigate a diverse workplace and world," she added.
"My future career goal is to pursue digital marketing and help businesses grow and reach marketing success while staying true to their ideas and individual branding. This Iceland class and trip allowed me to gain new perspectives that will be helpful in applying marketing to different audiences and approach future clients in ways unique to their ideas and beliefs," she noted.
BW's commitment to study abroad spans five decades. The Center for Global Exploration offers a variety of off-campus programs for all majors. Students can take part in faculty-led group seminars, study at a foreign university or participate in internships in the U.S. or abroad. They can earn academic credit for programs spanning a semester, a summer or even a full year.
