“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.”
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.
“This global education experience solidified my desire to live and work abroad or experience new countries for a change of scenery—somewhere where I can continue learning, whether it’s my craft, a new language, or a new culture,” Désir explained.
Désir, who also studied abroad on the 2024 International Perspectives of Aviation program in Spain and France, compared the cultures, languages and environment of all the countries she’s studied in.
“Both experiences were truly life changing. While the structure and drive within the aviation field vary slightly between the regions, it was eye-opening to explore their historical contexts. Each visit impacted me differently, shaped by language and climate,” Désir remarked.
A native of Haiti who spoke French as one of her first languages, Désir felt comfortable and connected in Europe.
“I felt a deep sense of comfort and familiarity during our stay in France. And although I don’t speak Catalan, the mix of French, Spanish, and Portuguese in Andorra was surprisingly easy to navigate. That combination gave me the confidence to approach locals and start conversations. Spain took me by surprise with how at ease I felt there. I like to think of it as the “country of love.” I experienced a strong sense of community and trust that I haven’t felt since leaving Haiti.
“In contrast, my language skills were limited in Brazil. Still, from the moment we landed, the vibrant culture, warm climate and national pride gave me a sense of home. While the aviation insights were incredibly enriching, it was the historical context provided by our guides that truly left a lasting impression. I felt seen, welcomed, and part of the community.
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.