From BW to the world through study abroad

Monumental experiences were the exhilarant calling card of BW students on the move this summer to Japan, Greece, Zambia, Guatemala, Ireland and Spain.

For some students, it was an inaugural trip abroad. Others had never used public transportation before. For everyone, it was an opportunity to boost community and confidence while taking a deep dive into cultural awareness and appreciation.

Since September, 166 BW students (27% of full-time students) studied abroad through faculty-led programs, independent study and service-learning. This exceeds the national average by 16%.

Most students opted for a faculty-led seminar in a specific country with a focused area of study. Other individuals studied abroad on their own by participating in one of the many partner programs offered by the BW Center for Global Exploration.

Land of the Rising Sun

In mid-May, 25 students traveled to Japan with faculty advisors Drs. Ellen Posman and Stephanie Rothman for a seminar focused on how social perception impacts our intercultural interactions, worldviews and understanding of religion.

For Rothman, an associate professor of psychology, the program gave students a foundational understanding of the Asian country and its people. But the benefits were more far-reaching as students challenged themselves to expand their knowledge and comfort levels.

"Quite a few of our students were first-time travelers. Some had never been on a plane or used public transportation before. Being able to successfully navigate a foreign country on their own, where they don't speak the language, was powerful for them. I think it helped them mature as people and gain confidence in themselves and their abilities," reflected Rothman.

Pillar of the Olympics

Thirty student-athletes from the men's wrestling and women's volleyball teams took their own enviable cultural immersion in May. They journeyed to the renowned historical site of athletic grit and glory — Greece.

Led by BW associate professor Dr. Andi Lyons and coaches Jamie Gibbs and Kate Latkovic, the 10-day program was a Panhellenic plunge of diverse experiences that included training, competition and learning about global sports management.

"Having the opportunity to travel abroad with the team while being able to compete was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I went there to gain more knowledge on the sport of wrestling and how I can become a better athlete and coach," explained Carter Lloyd '25, a pre-allied health/pre-physical therapy major from Brecksville, Ohio.

"Study abroad helps students grow personally and academically by experiencing new cultures, gaining global perspectives and having an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world settings," he went on to say.

"I was fortunate to be awarded the Gilman Scholarship, which is a nationally competitive program that supports students with financial need to study or intern abroad. Receiving the Gilman means a lot to me. It not only eased the financial burden of studying abroad, but it also affirms that my goals and efforts are recognized and supported," he added.

Warm Heart of Africa

With its nickname as the Warm Heart of Africa, Zambia was the destination of 21 SLP students and professors Chisomo Selemani and Drs. Colleen Visconti and Eric Bonilla.

The hospitality of the Zambian people is well-known to BW. For 10 years, faculty and students in the two-year Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program have collaborated with international partners in the country for service-learning and travel. SLP student Maddie Macron '24, '26 was among this year's participants.

"Personally, my time there was nothing short of inspiring. Professionally, the experience deepened my clinical skills and broadened my cultural competence in a setting that is underserved in speech and language services. It also strengthened my confidence as a future clinician to educate and advocate for those who do not have a voice," she noted.

Emerald Isle Immersion

Career preparation and personal growth are the focus of Lukas Purgar's trip to Ireland. The business administration and international business major is participating in an independent summer internship programme hosted by the UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business.

It includes two weeks of academic coursework followed by a six-week internship with a local company named CeADAR, where he will be doing market analysis work.

"I plan to work in the international supply chain field following my graduation this fall. Through my occupation, I will communicate with various countries globally and be faced with many obstacles derived from our differing backgrounds and ways of conducting business. This programme provides me with the means to traverse these obstacles better since I will have experience conducting business internationally and communicating with diverse professionals," he noted.

"Over the course of my life, I have only lived in the U.S. and Ohio. Through this programme, I will be forced to live out of my comfort zone, surrounded by a new culture, and as an immigrant who needs to adapt to be successful," he added.

Guatemala and Spain

BW students also participated in independent study in Spain and a faculty-led service program to Guatemala, led by Dr. Rachelle Hippler and professor Ken Atchinson.

Eight students representing the academic areas of software engineering, business, computer science, cybersecurity analyst, visual communication design and education were part of a partnership experience with Mission Guatemala. BW's collaboration with the nonprofit organization spans 11 years and multiple projects.