From humanitarian engineering projects in Honduras to studying the ruminant industry in Scotland, more than 250 Buckeyes studied abroad in 10 countries on 12 programs during spring break 2025. Students learned lessons, ventured out of their comfort zones, gained confidence and developed new cultural understanding.
International Perspectives on Aviation - Brazil
"Studying abroad is one of the best ways to learn and grow."
“Understanding aviation concepts in a different setting truly opened my eyes to the beauty and uniqueness of the world. I saw how the landscape and climate influence operations, as well as the impact of governmental and military influences,” reflected Dianna Désir, an aviation major in the College of Engineering. “The exposure to Brazilian culture allowed me to find both similarities and differences that kept me eager to discover more.”
“Studying abroad has always been an important goal of mine. I think that studying abroad is one of the best ways to learn and grow. Immersing yourself in another culture from an education standpoint allows you to gain perspective of your place in the world and grow to be open to new experiences,” reflected Lindsey Tima, an aviation major. “Going to Brazil was everything I dreamed it would be and more! I feel the experience and the perspective I gained from my study abroad is irreplicable.”
Scotland's Ruminants
"Beyond the academics, it was the cultural immersion that made the trip unforgettable."
“What made my study abroad experience with Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Scotland’s Ruminants program truly memorable was the opportunity to explore Scotland through an agricultural lens. Getting to visit farms and research facilities allowed me to connect classroom knowledge with real-world practices in a completely different environment. Beyond the academics, it was the cultural immersion that made the trip unforgettable. Experiencing Scotland's magnificent landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality alongside fellow friends created a one-of-a-kind experience with a global perspective. It wasn't just a study abroad trip; it was a powerful reminder of how deeply interconnected agriculture is across the globe,” reflected Megan Garrison, a senior studying animal sciences.
“My study abroad experience with Ohio State’s College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences Scotland’s Ruminants program was truly unforgettable. The program combined my passion for animal sciences with a hands-on dive into Scotland’s agriculture. From visiting sustainable sheep farms in the Highlands to learning about Glasgow’s veterinary school program, I had the opportunity to see how ruminant care varies across different environments and cultures,” reflects Olivia Hillman ‘26, an animal sciences major who plans to be a veterinarian. "Going abroad has allowed me to see animal care through a global lens. Scotland, known for its ruminant industries, was the perfect place to do just that."
Buckeyes Abroad Network - London
"Each museum visit, alumni meeting, and tour was another opportunity to get out of my comfort zone."
"Studying abroad is not just about getting to know places and the culture, but also a way to find what you’re made of, and the things that you can achieve when you put effort into the opportunities that you want to accomplish. It was important for me to study abroad to reach my maximum potential of being a first-generation college student," reflects Helen Alvarez, an international studies major, who studied abroad in London over spring break on the Buckeyes Abroad Network program. “One of the things that made my study abroad program memorable in London was the number of connections that I made within my group. Each museum visit, alumni meeting, and tour was another opportunity to make great memories as well as get out of my comfort zone."
Guatemala Engineering Service-Learning
"We had the amazing opportunity to work with a local community coffee nursery farm."
“I was part of the Water Testing and Rainwater Harvesting team currently in Panajachel, Guatemala on College of Engineering Guatemala Engineering Service-Learning program,” shares Lydia Dunkle, a mechanical engineering major with a minor in humanitarian engineering. “We had the amazing opportunity to work with a local community coffee nursery farm to ideate and plan for future rainwater collection projects that will help the community have enough water to grow their crops. We also tested water sources around Panajachel and surrounding towns and determining whether the water is fit for their needs.”
"This week was an enriching, eye-opening, and educational experience. The sights, sounds, and smells of the few cities in Guatemala that we visited were incredible. After this wonderful week, it truly feels like I have left part of my heart with Guatemala and the amazing people I met there. The overall task for us was to collect data on the slope of the mountain, the quality of the soil, the type and health of trees in the mountains, and what other insects and animals lived in those mountains," shared mechanical engineering major Jenia Patel.
Scientific Roots in Europe
"I learned the value in having the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone, as well as my ability to navigate language barriers, unfamiliar places, and unexpected plans."
“My study abroad experience was memorable because it was my first time going abroad and I had the privilege of traveling alongside an amazing group of classmates and professors. It was important for me to go abroad because I wanted the opportunity to grow personally and academically through cultural immersion,” shared Mackenzie Jackson, a senior biology major who studied abroad on the Scientific Roots in Europe spring break program. “I learned the value in having the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone, as well as my ability to navigate language barriers, unfamiliar places, and unexpected plans. Connecting with so many people from different backgrounds helped me see the world from new perspectives, which is a skill I will take into my personal and professional life moving forward. I made lifelong friends and memories, and had the opportunity to add a unique, global perspective to my education."
Multicultural Histories and Legacies of Spain
"I am more open to new things than I realized, and I do want to see more of the world and gain perspectives from traveling."
"What made my trip memorable is that I didn't do anything twice; everything I ate or explored, I did only once, so I could experience as much as possible within a limited time frame. What I have learned about myself from this experience is that I am more open to new things than I realized, and I do want to see more of the world and gain perspectives from traveling. This is something I didn't realize about myself before going to Spain. To have compassion, perspectives and understand the world outside of your bubble, you need to explore and talk with new people. Experience other people's cultures and see past what you have been accustomed to. Studying abroad has sparked my desire to travel," reflected Ejuan Kendrick, who studied abroad on the Multicultural Histories and Legacies of Spain program.
"Going abroad was important to me because I love hands-on learning. As much as I appreciate learning about other cultures in the classroom, travel is such a unique way to learn about the world. There's no substitute for chatting with locals, trying traditional foods, and exploring a new city. I was surrounded by curious, enthusiastic people who challenged me to try new things. Being in a new environment can be stressful, but the compassion and humor of my new friends kept me grounded! I have learned that I am truly passionate about social change-based leadership. Diving into leadership theory helped me better understand how I can be a more effective communicator and participant in bringing about positive change," said Hayley Cymerman.
Fisher Global Business Ireland
Fisher College of Business MBA students David Cascante Mora, Bria Isaacson, Ramakrishnan Moorthy, Ritika Chakraborty and Caroline Smith share their Buckeye pride from the Cliffs of Moher during the Global Business Expedition in Ireland during spring break. The students are enrolled in Marketing Research and Analysis (BUSML 7201) during spring 2025 with Roger Bailey. As part of the Global Business Expeditions (GBEs), the Fisher graduate students immersed themselves in small-scale consulting projects led by expert faculty in the Emerald Isle with stops at local and global companies. GBEs are more than just a learning experience—they're a gateway to understanding global business from a fresh perspective.
