Whether its exploring sustainable agricultural practices at an organic pineapple farm in the Dominican Republic or conducting comparative human and animal interaction studies in Ireland, Buckeyes who participated in 2025 winter break program were fully immersed in new cultures and ideas. Over 140 students studied abroad in seven countries during break, bringing back with them unforgettable memories and invaluable lessons.
FAES First-year Student Experience
"Being grouped with other Buckeyes with similar interests made me form genuine connections and helped me find my people."
“It was important for me to go abroad to better realize the things I take for granted every day and see the similarities and differences of production agriculture in another country.” Miranda Ott, sustainable plant systems major.
“This experience will help me in the long run with my career by giving me more of an understanding of other countries and their work in agriculture. I plan to work in an agricultural communications career, and I know that this program has helped me learn how others perceive sustainability and industries.” Becca Ludwig, agricultural communication major.
FCOB Honors Cohort Global Lab
“Being able to learn in a challenging environment is what traveling abroad is all about”
“This is experience will help me in my career by giving me a broader, global perspective of how businesses operate. As someone going into finance, it was important for me to have formed an international perspective of how businesses operate across the world.” Erin Brandwein, finance major.
“Going abroad was important for me so that I can differentiate my business curriculum at Fisher with global perspectives and insights. International business is fundamental to all business done in the United States and Brazil helped me understand how integral South American resources and infrastructure are to the global economy.” Jacob Brodson, marketing major.
Human and Animal Interactions
“I learned from this experience that I am equipped to handle unknown situations”
“Being hands-on and involved is a way that I learn best, and I felt that this class gave me so much experience compared to the classroom. I was able to learn more about Ireland’s culture and grasp an understanding of their bonds with animals.” Natalie Schneider, a psychology major.
“I learned from this experience that I am equipped to handle unknown situations. This was my first time flying and navigating a country on my own. Being able to do that makes me feel ready to handle other unknown situations. This study abroad program also strengthened the love I have for animals and really opened my eyes to the work it takes to run these organizations."
International Veterinary Medicine Experience in Thailand
“Traveling and working with diverse species has always been a dream of mine.”
“I want to have a global career. The veterinary community is surprisingly small and so expanding the breadth of my experiences and making connections outside the United States is a great step in that direction,” said graduate veterinary medicine student Regina Turning. “The kindness and generosity of the Thai people cannot be overstated. I hope that one day, down the road, I will be able to repay their generosity through collaboration and maybe even hosting Thai veterinary students for a similar international experience in the U.S.!”
Panama: Agriculture and Sustainability
“I learned that I can approach unfamiliar situations with confidence and trust myself to adapt”
“Going abroad allowed me to grow both personally and professionally by challenging my assumptions and encouraging a more open mindset. I gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity within Latin America and learned how much climate, history and community values shape agricultural practices.” Daniela Coutinho, animal science major.
“This experience strengthened my understanding of global agriculture and the environmental factors that influence animal production systems. It also helped me become a more culturally competent communicator, especially when engaging with future Spanish-speaking clients. These skills will support me as I work toward becoming a veterinarian who can serve all communities with empathy and clarity,” said Coutinho.