Study Abroad Selection Process: A Student’s Perspective

by Lara Garanzuay, Communications Specialist

I grew up moving every few years within Mexico and the U.S. so I’ve learned to really appreciate new cities and environments. Growing up, I’ve always loved traveling, whether that was a short road trip or a plane ride across the ocean. This May I completed my second year studying Public Relations at the University of Texas at Austin. It’s a sort of bittersweet moment because I only have a year and a half left before graduation in December 2022. Since I was little, I knew I wanted to take part in a study abroad or exchange program. That was until 2020 when everything changed and traveling seemed like some type of myth. 

In the midst of a global pandemic, I began working here, at Learn From Travel, and have been able to learn more about the ins and outs of faculty-led study abroad programs. At my university, most programs aren’t announced until the semester before so it can become quite difficult to plan ahead when you want to study abroad. However, I have taken a few actions to get the ball rolling on the possibility of studying abroad before I graduate. 

The Study Abroad Selection Process

The idea of studying abroad came to mind at the end of my freshman year of college, however, I knew I wanted to wait until the latter part of my college years to study abroad. Therefore, I currently plan to study abroad from May-June of 2022 before I graduate that December. 

The first thing I researched was the different types of programs I have available to me. My university offers faculty-led, exchange, affiliated, internship, and research programs, all offered for semester-long or shorter-term periods. Although all of the different types of programs are interesting and beneficial in their own way, I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to do some sort of faculty-led program. The process became overwhelming quite quickly so I found myself making appointments with academic advisors and education abroad advisors that my school offered. The first thing I learned throughout this ongoing process was that it is better to start planning early rather than late. Finding a way to fit a study abroad program into regular college years takes time and preparation so I began as soon as I could. 

After countless hours of research, I decided I wanted to take part in a Maymester program. At UT Austin, these four-week faculty-led study abroad programs consist of three-credit courses that typically take place from mid-May to mid-June. Courses are offered annually in a variety of academic subjects. With my studies being in public relations, I began looking not only into courses that are required for my major but also courses that are focused on related topics and subjects. 

As of now, everything has fallen into place when it comes to the idea of me studying abroad next year. The only possible hardship that I can expect is financial setbacks. Like most things in college, study abroad can come with quite a price tag. However, with adequate preparation, planning, and dedication, it is likely to get assistance from organizations and funding sources that specifically work to help students reach their study abroad dreams. I was completely taken back by the number of scholarships and opportunities there are for students who want to study abroad. They are not only directly from my university but there are regional and national scholarships that students can apply to in order to make the study abroad experience less financially stressful. Judging from the stories I have heard from students who have studied abroad, I am certain that financial difficulties should not be a reason for a student to not have the opportunity to experience a culturally immersive program. 

Choosing a Place to Study Abroad

The hardest part so far has been choosing a location to study abroad. Even now, this is still very much up in the air for me. My school offers numerous programs all located in different countries, so the options can feel endless. After working at Learn From Travel and getting the chance to speak with students and faculty involved in study abroad, I have come to the conclusion that no matter what place I end up choosing, the experience and cultural immersion will be limitless. Every country has a unique experience to offer students. Many advisors I spoke to constantly reminded me to choose a program based on the benefits of the country along with the course, not just on the country itself. Overall, I would love to study in Latin America since I am fluent in both Spanish and English. It would be a great opportunity for me to continue practicing my Spanish-speaking skills in a more natural environment. 

Looking Forward to the Study Abroad Experience

For the past year that I have been planning my study abroad experience, I know that most of my decisions won’t be made until a few months before once my school announces the programs they are offering for that May. I am eager to find all the fun tourist attractions once I know the area where I will be studying. Although this process became stressful at times and had many unknowns, the faculty and peers around me made this process much easier for me. Getting to see the behind-the-scenes of study abroad programs through my work at Learn From Travel made me realize just how much time and effort is put into each and every program schools offer. By the time it is my time to study abroad, my knowledge will only have grown. Although much of my experience continues to be up in the air, I know whichever program I choose, the adventure and knowledge will be worthwhile. 

Inside Look into the Transition from Travel to Virtual Study Abroad

by Lara Garanzuay, Communications Specialist

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people live their lives, do business and make decisions. It changed everything and anything the world knew about life. Schools were moved to online learning, people were working from home, and all travel came to a sudden halt. For us, we had to reimagine what study abroad looked like for students and faculty. 

While navigating through the many unknowns, the Learn From Travel team worked diligently with schools and faculty to best encompass travel study abroad in a virtual format. We got a chance to talk with Charity Eckhardt, a faculty-led program advisor from the University of Northern Iowa, who we worked alongside vigorously to bring virtual study abroad to students in March. 

Charity’s Firsthand Experience with Virtual Study Abroad in a Pandemic

In our conversation with Charity, we got the inside scoop into how travel study abroad turned virtual. She shared with us the challenges, advantages, and surprises that came with this culturally immersive program. Charity had a firsthand look from start to finish to what the virtual study abroad process consisted of. Here is what she had to say:

Where Are We Headed? 

As we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel with COVID-19, we begin to reimagine what study abroad will look like. Will we continue offering virtual study abroad alongside travel study abroad? Will we incorporate aspects of both travel and virtual study abroad into one style of program? No one really knows quite yet but the future for study abroad is bright. The Learn From Travel team continues to offer programs for students and faculty to become culturally aware and immerse themselves in multiple countries and communities. 

If you are wanting to take students on their own cultural experience abroad, contact us or check out our website for more details on the programs we offer.

A Virtual Journey Through the Reconstruction of the Mesoamerican Coral Reef System (Part 2 of 2)

by Katie Brickwood 

This March I joined Learn from Travel’s virtual study abroad programs for Agnes Scott College as a substitute virtual guide coordinator. I got the chance to audit two of the seven fascinating programs organized by Learn from Travel: “Marronage, Freedom and Resistance in the African Diaspora” based in Sierra Leone and “Marine Ecosystems'' based in Florida and Belize. In this two-part blog series, I share my experience attending virtual study abroad programs from the perspective of a student. Read part 1 of this series.

Virtual Study Abroad in Belize and Florida at Glance

Day 1: Virtual Reality diving in Belize, and meeting with ecology students 

Day 2: Remote lab visit: How do you grow a coral reef?

Day 3: On a 360 degree virtual lookout for manatees in the mangroves in Florida

Day 4: Crocs, turtles and activism in the Belizean Cayes

Day 5: The Maya and diversity of culture in Belize

Day 1: Virtual Reality diving in Belize, and meeting with ecology students

Monday, 8th March 2021

Day 1 of my exploration of Marine Ecosystems across the Florida Keys and Belize took me first to Caye Caulker where the class connected with Belizean teachers and students to talk about the island's environment, habitats and species. It was really cool to be able to chat with local high school students. They are really passionate about their island and the importance of their local environment.

In the afternoon we met virtually with biodiversity scientist, Valentine Rosado, at his office on another Belizean island, San Pedro. Valentine took us on a 360 degree dive through the coral reef and talked us through the importance of protecting the local biodiversity. The preservation of biodiversity in Belize is particularly challenging, as it is a country whose economy largely depends on its environment through ecotourism, but this preservation can also be at odds with other industries and areas of development. Valentine was really passionate and optimistic that there are ways to reconcile these competing interests, but there is still a lot of work to be done. 

Manatees spotted around the Barrier Reef, especially near Swallow Caye

I finished the day cooking with Chef Sylvia, who taught us how to make lobster tail coconut rice. She had the counter in her kitchen laid with fresh ingredients and spices – it was mouth-watering to watch her cook! She explained that lobsters are a protected species in Belize that cannot be harvested during breeding season, to avoid catching females with eggs. She also explained the importance of spicy habanero to the Belize cuisine, and that every family has a habanero tree in their yards. “Naught little guys, they pack a punch but the flavor is amazing. Some people feel that they can’t live without habanero,” she said.

Day 2:  Remote lab visit: How do you grow a coral reef?

Tuesday, 9th March 2021

I was inspired and motivated to speak with Jessyca Garlock today, a young employee of Mote’s Research Lab on Summerland Key in the Florida Keys (which is the only coral reef in the continental US). Jessyca gave us a virtual tour of the facility and spoke about the work that Mote is doing in coral reef restoration and research. She explained in detail the process starting with micro-fragmenting, which breaks coral into smaller fragments to activate faster tissue growth, then growing the fragments until they are ready to be outplanted back on the reef. This is a key method they are using to regenerate the reef and has had a 95% success rate! 

Coral gardens, Belize Barrier Reef

I then had another virtual visit with Valentine on San Pedro. Our conversation today focused on the importance of supporting the next generation of marine leaders in Belize, given that the project of marine restoration and regeneration is multi-generational. Valentine heads the Marine Apprenticeship Program that provides training and mentorship to young leaders in the community who are interested in getting into marine work. He introduced the class to several young people who have gone through the program and explained some of the projects they have worked on - from helping to monitor coral diseases to setting up coral nurseries. 

One student asked Valentine about the impact of tourism on the marine environment, and I was surprised that he responded that tourists themselves actually help the marine ecology of Belize by supporting the local economy and spending dollars on marine activities. He explained that we have to be careful of unsustainable development that can come with increased tourism, like coastal construction that harms the environment.

Day 3:  On a 360 degree virtual lookout for manatees in the mangroves in Florida

Wednesday, 10th March 2021

Today was all about manatees, mangroves, and seagrass! I started off with eco-tour guide Richard in Belize, who taught the class about mangrove ecosystems and the different wildlife that lives there. I had no idea that mangroves were so colorful! The waters were red, black, and green, and Richard shared that the red mangroves actually sweat out the salt water on their leaves, and the Maya would collect this high nutrient salt for trading.

The coolest part of the day was the 360 degree virtual reality kayak adventure in the Miami-Dade with Ed Pritchard of the Crandon Park Nature Centre and LFT’s Roman Yavich! I glided over glassy shallow waters from the beach towards the mangroves, with an eye out for marine life. Feeling as if I was sitting in the kayak with Ed and Roman, I came across a purple and dangerous Portuguese Man-o-war and a giant hermit crab that had taken over a beautiful Queen Conch shell. Too bad Ed and Roman didn’t find any manatees this time, which Ed explained probably because the water is quite cool for them at this time of year.

Coastal Belizeans fishing

Moving back down to Belize in the afternoon, we had a conversation with Maria Vega, a park ranger and the Swallow Caye Marine Reserve which is just off the coast from Belize city. Maria explained in depth the laws, protocols and conventions around protected areas in Belize, which include marine and mangrove reserves, archaeological sites and more. Maria then spoke about manatees, explaining that they rely on the sea grass for food and at the same time are equally important to the health of the seagrass beds through managing the growth and also providing nutrients. It really blows my mind how inextricably linked all of these parts of the mangrove system are, as well as with the broader marine ecosystem.

Day 4:  Crocs, turtles and activism in the Belizean Cayes

Thursday, 11th March 2021

Sea turtles are common to both Belize and Florida

I feel like I just met Steve Irwin! Only his name was Chris Summers and he is the Director at ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary) in San Pedro. Chris shared the work that ACES does around rescue and rehabilitation of the crocs, whose biggest threats are pollution, mangrove destruction and human attacks. We saw some pretty sobering photos of crocs that ACES have attended to, including one that starved to death after swallowing more than 80 plastic bags. It made me reflect on something Ed had mentioned yesterday about the huge effect that my consumption habits can have hundreds of miles away. 

Later in the day I met ‘Sparb’ at The Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys. Sparb had recently been attacked by a shark and was missing half of a flipper and had sustained a lot of damage to her shell, which turtles use as a shield against sharks. I saw her receive a ‘honey bath’, which is what the Hospital uses as a natural antiseptic. I learned an interesting local anecdote, which says that if sea turtles nest far from the shore it’s going to be a bad hurricane season. Last year the turtles were nesting so far inland that they were in the woods, and sure enough 2020 was one of the worst hurricane seasons in recent records!

I finished the day on a high after talking with Vilma Arceo, a young activist from Ambergris Caye. She has been an environmental activist since the age of 11, and is part of a citizen led organization focused on ensuring the sustainable development on the island in consultation with the local community. She had many examples of successful campaigns against unsustainable developments (including one on an island bought by Leonardo DiCaprio!) and it was great to learn some practical steps that can be taken towards greater local activism that I can apply in my own community. 

Day 5:  The Maya and diversity of culture in Belize

Friday, 12 March 2021

Today was my last day in the Florida Keys and the cayes of Belize! The day was packed full, starting with a tour of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Eco-discovery Center in Key West, and ending with a discussion of Belizean culture in Caye Caulker. Our virtual tour with NOAA reinforced a theme that I’ve been thinking about a lot this week, which is the interconnectedness of all of these important ecosystems we’ve been learning about, and of my impact on ecosystems seemingly far away. 

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

It was a treat to come onto dry land today and dig deep into Belizean culture. Luis Godoy of Belize Natural Travel took us on a pre-recorded private tour of the Xunantunich Mayan site. Walking through the site with Luis I arrived at ‘El Castillo’ (the Castle), where I could see incredibly well-preserved hieroglyphics representing the Sun, Rain and Moon Gods. Luis explained that while the reason the Maya abandoned sites like this one is uncertain, they were likely “the creators of their own destruction” as their advanced agriculture technologies removed important rainforests, leading to major droughts that forced them to leave their settlements. I couldn’t help but draw the connection with modern society and how we may well be on our way to creating our own destruction in a very similar way.

It was really nice to finish this program the way we started – speaking with local Belizean students, this time about culture. We spoke with Nythiria, Vincent and their teachers Mrs. Usher about the melting pot of culture that is Belize; including the Mayan, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Creole people. I learned that Belize is one of the most tolerant countries with respect to the mix of religions and cultures living peacefully together. Nythiria summed it up saying “My culture is all peace and love!”. This was really touching and it seems like the rest of the world has a lot to learn from Belizeans in this respect! I know I have learned a lot from them over this week.