“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 in the College of Engineering. “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.”
Organized by the Center for Aviation Studies and led by Matt Dreher and Adam Beckman, the International Perspectives on Aviation program is part of a semester length course that focuses on broadening student’s global understanding of aviation.
Tima noted how the experience reminded her of her values and how people are all connected.
“Being abroad I remembered how much I value playfulness in my connections. It's easy to get caught up in our day-to-day responsibilities, but taking time away allows us to remember who we are and what we value. Because we are constantly networking in a formal fashion, we forget that humans are playful and full of light. Being in Brazil with my classmates helped me remember that. It was also a great way to zoom out and find that I am just one person in a big world full of people. And in a big world of people, we are all differently the same. I realized how much I value seeing how different cultures connect. It's magnificent,” Tima explained.
“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.”
Celebrating cultures and differences can bring more kindness and create global citizens.
“I think it is important to be a global citizen because it allows us to be more empathetic and compassionate towards people who are different from us. When we exist in an American-centric environment, we see America as the only relevant country or culture. The truth of the matter is that there are so many different people and cultures out there. These different cultures are just as important and have such a rich history that most Americans never care to learn. Seeing the beauty of other cultures through traveling abroad allows us to respect and celebrate diversity. We gain the perspective to care for and understand other cultures better; empathy brings a more caring and just world. Being a global citizen allows us to bring more kindness to everyone we encounter.”
A week together in Brazil helped all the students bond according to Tima.
“My study abroad program was especially memorable because of the Ohio State students on the trip and our in-country guides. When I first started in this program, I didn't know anyone I would be traveling with. By the end of the week, I had made so many friends! The group of people in this program encouraged me to experience all that Brazil had to offer and I am incredibly grateful. My experience will forever hold a special place in my heart,” Tima remarked.
The location of this global education program rotates on a four-year cycle. In spring 2026 the program will travel to Germany, in spring 2027 to the United Kingdom, in spring 2028 to France and then back to Brazil in 2029. Campus b serves as the in-country partner on this program.