From discussing climate change at COP29 in Azerbaijan to learning veterinary techniques for examining elephants in Thailand, more than 190 Buckeyes studied abroad in seven countries on eight programs during winter break 2024. Students learned lessons, ventured out of their comfort zones, gained confidence, and developed new cultural understanding.
Human and Animal Interactions in Chile
"Travel to Chile was enough to unlock a hidden confidence inside myself."
"I thought for the longest time that my stress and anxieties would keep me from fulfilling my heart’s desire to see the world. However, after this experience, I have learned that my fears were entirely irrational. Being given this opportunity and the support to travel to Chile was enough to unlock a hidden confidence inside myself that I had difficulty finding before. I feel much more comfortable immersing myself in a ‘foreign’ culture as I found it easier to try new foods, experiences, and meet new people while exploring the country on the Human and Animal Interactions program." Abigail Merriman, animal sciences major.
"For me, it was important to go abroad so I could gain new perspectives about animal interactions, welfare and production animals. While some of the students on the Human and Animal Interactions program came from an industry-based background, I'm from Littleton, Massachusetts - not a livestock town. Having both perspectives opened my eyes to the differences in the cultures and how we view animals as pets versus livestock." Faith Bergeron, animal sciences major.
Mosaic Brazil: A Panorama of Social Justice
"I also learned how useful it is to be adaptable and open to change."
"Through the Mosaic Brazil: A Panorama of Social Justice experience, I learned about how adaptable and optimistic I am. When it comes to traveling, there are going to be things that do not go as planned. The best way to handle this is to continue being optimistic and remember how much of a privilege it is to visit another country. I also learned how useful it is to be adaptable and open to change. I learned how to adapt to this new environment and culture to not only be considerate but also to learn from the people living there. This adaptability will help me quickly respond to and assist my future students from various backgrounds." Sydney Dennison, early childhood education major.
"The Mosaic Brazil study abroad program was an unforgettable experience. As college students who spend a lot of time immersed in the same subjects with the same people, I think it is absolutely critical to take a leap of faith and experience something completely foreign. We participated in several activities that I wouldn’t have been able to experience if I had only visited for tourist purposes. For example, visiting Patota do Galo, an organization that works to create a space for children to be able to participate in traditional Brazilian dance and music." Karen Gallegos, finance major.
Panama: Through the Lens of AgriCulture, Sustainability and Diversity
"This journey broadened my worldview, enhanced my understanding of global challenges."
"Traveling on the Panama: Through the Lens of AgriCulture, Sustainability and Diversity program was a significant experience for me because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to immerse myself in a completely different culture. This journey broadened my worldview, enhanced my understanding of global challenges in agriculture, and introduced me to innovative approaches to sustainability. By visiting Indigenous communities, farms, and the iconic Panama Canal, I gained valuable insights into the interconnectedness of culture, history, and the environment—insights that would have been difficult to fully grasp from a distance." Liliana Weikart, animal sciences major.
"Over the course of the ten day experience, we traveled to Boquete, Las Lajas, El Valle and Panama City, visited various farms, community members and even an indigenous village with the Ngabe people to be fully immersed. As someone who did not grow up around animals (even pets) this experience put me outside of my comfort zone in the best way! Being up close and personal with horses, brahmin, cows, sloths, capuchin monkeys, butterflies, lizards, the famous geisha coffee and the Panama Canal among other things was eye opening. The magnitude of this immersive and informative experience is not lost on me. I am excited to use my newfound knowledge and experiences in my future career as a public servant specifically focused on environmental advocacy." Sydney Hopkins, public management, leadership and policy major.
"This is my first study abroad experience and I could not be more grateful to have chosen the Panama Agriculture and Sustainability program for this winter break! Not only have I learned so much through hands-on experiences at farms and conservatories, but I've met so many amazing people to share this experience with." Ally Lewis, food engineering major
Engineering Service-Learning in Ghana
"I learned to navigate unfamiliar situations and respect the lived experiences of the people I was serving."
"Working on the rainwater harvesting project gave me the opportunity to directly apply my engineering knowledge to a meaningful cause. The Engineering Service-Learning in Ghana experience taught me that I thrive when combining technical problem-solving with meaningful human connection. I learned that I am most inspired when working collaboratively with others, especially in a setting where cultural values and practical needs intersect. It also reinforced the importance of adaptability and humility in service work, as I learned to navigate unfamiliar situations and respect the lived experiences of the people I was serving." Billings Amoah, electrical and computer engineering major.
"One key lesson I learned in Ghana is the importance of relationships. By connecting with those around you, you build a sense of community, and life seems to slow down to make space for those meaningful connections. My time in Ghana taught me to be more present and intentional with the people around me, rather than constantly focusing on the future." Ellie Spiewak, food, agricultural and biological engineering major.
The United Nations Climate Change Negotiations
"I learned that I can start conversations on my own with people from around the world."
"Having the opportunity to attend COP29 on the The United Nations Climate Change Negotiations program was a dream come true for a student passionate about sustainability and combating climate change. I learned that I can start conversations on my own with people from around the world and learn about their culture, upbringing, and perspectives. This enhanced my experience at COP29 because I was able to engage in meaningful and informative conversations with people. It is important to talk to local people and engage in immersive cultural experiences to understand the history and cultural richness of a nation." Christine Andreeva, environment, economy, development, and sustainability major.
International Veterinary Medicine Experience in Thailand
"I learned how to perform a physical exam on an Asian elephant!"
"The International Veterinary Medicine Experience in Thailand was truly a transformative experience. We gained valuable experience in various aspects of veterinary medicine surrounded by a different culture - one where religion plays a big role in what they do. I learned techniques and skills that I will be able to implement in my career as a veterinarian. Kudos to Ohio State for allowing this program to be offered for credit to veterinary students!" Maggie Ringley, veterinary medicine master's student.
"I learned how to perform a physical exam on an Asian elephant! The doctor was showing me where to palpate an arterial pulse." Ruhi Vidwans, doctor of veterinary medicine student.