Expanding Horizons and Broadening Student Perspectives
A global education can be an unforgettable experience that broadens students’ minds and perspectives. Georgian Court students can make their dream study abroad experience a reality through service trips, semester-long opportunities, and even virtual experiences.
This year, two particularly popular programs took students to Puerto Rico for the Community Service Learning & Cultural Exchange and Iceland for the Land of Fire and Ice: Icelandic Health, Wellness and Recreation program.
The TRIO-Student Support Services (SSS) program, which supports first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and those facing financial challenges, co-sponsored the Puerto Rico adventure.
“TRIO is an incredible program on campus. I wouldn’t have been able to go on this trip without them,” said Sabrina Halk, a recent Georgian Court graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design and Multimedia, who is now pursuing her Master of Science in Integrated Marketing and Communication. “Over the years, they’ve helped me with everything from tutoring and academic counseling to financial literacy and support. Their office is always open, and they truly go above and beyond for their students.”
Fourteen students participated in the one-week program. Before the trip, Georgian Court students completed a virtual exchange with university students in Puerto Rico. They also enrolled in Puerto Rico: Language & Cultural Exchange, which allowed them to better understand the history of Puerto Rican culture and its connection to the United States. The course also emphasized resilience and persistence as it relates to culture and college success.
“This trip gave me a chance to truly connect with Puerto Rican culture in a way reading never could. Seeing how they live their lives first-hand helped me understand the struggles communities face, and how they come together to make a difference in their community,” explained Mirella Bueno Garista, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. “Gentrification is a global issue, and Puerto Rico’s murals and public art beautifully reflect their voice and resilience.”
Students collaborated with TRIO-SSS participants from Universidad de Sagrado Corazon in San Juan on service projects, including cleaning up houses for local non-profit organizations and assisting at an organic non-profit garden.
“We worked with Proyecto Enlace, where we cleaned and prepared a home for a future family. We also cleared trash from an abandoned property that was being transformed into a community hostel. It was amazing to see the tangible impact we were making,” said Halk. “University students from Puerto Rico joined us, along with TRIO participants, which made the experience even more meaningful. We had the chance to connect, work, and learn from each other.”
Students had the opportunity to hear the sounds of the coqui frog firsthand in El Yunque Rainforest, visit a local beach, and fully immerse themselves in Puerto Rican culture.
“This trip pulled me out of my comfort zone, opened my eyes to how similar and different we all are, and opened my eyes to the desire to start seeing the world more. I learned so much about Puerto Rico, including its culture, people, and resilience,” reflected Nancy Velez, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Medical Imaging Sciences. “Despite daily challenges, the community finds joy in small moments and uses art, music, and activism to share their story beyond the scenic views.”
The Puerto Rico trip was led by Dr. Danielle Staten Lamb, Director of TRIO-SSS, and Laura Dunn, Director of Global Education Programs.
“I loved having the faculty there; they were incredible resources,” explained Halk. “They were supportive, a learning resource, and great role models. I learned a lot just from being around them.”
The trip to Iceland focused on health, wellness, and recreation compared to those in the United States. Twelve students participated in the program, which consisted of virtual pre-travel meetings, a one-week trip to Iceland, and a post-trip online class activity. Students also enrolled in the course Icelandic Health, Wellness and Recreation.
“The Iceland trip immediately caught my attention and piqued my interest,” said Darren Burleson, an Education & Exercise Science major who hopes to become a Physical Education teacher. “The focus was on leisure and understanding why Iceland is ranked as the third happiest nation in the world. I was drawn to learning about their lifestyle and visiting Iceland’s beautiful natural landscape.”
Students experienced the Midnight Sun, hiking in nature, birding, and visiting subterranean spas like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. Students participated in float therapy, in-water massage, and hydrotherapy in geothermal water at these locations.
“I remember comparing the Gullfoss waterfall to the people standing beside it in the distance. The clear rainbow that cast across it led me speechless,” explained Brittany Webster, an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis candidate who earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2022. “My eyes filled up with tears as my body tried to process the surreal scenery I was facing. I couldn’t say much then, but I can’t wait to tell everyone about that moment.”
Through immersive learning experiences and cultural programs, these trips left students with a deeper understanding of the world, new friends, memories, and a desire to continue their travels.
The two Iceland trip leaders were Dr. Sachiko Komagata, Associate Professor and Program Director of Integrative Health, and Jasmina Perazic, GCU Women’s Basketball Coach.
“The leaders were welcoming, approachable, and always willing to help. They were learning alongside us, which made the whole experience feel more connected,” said Burleson. “They worked with us every step of the way, and made everything seamless.”
Students of all academic levels, including graduate students, are eligible for study abroad programs. Most also receive one credit for participating in the optional courses. Many students share their photos and experiences with peers and families through a “Student Reflections” blog (Puerto Rico) (Iceland) on georgian.edu.
“Come stop by the office to learn about study abroad destinations and ways to make it affordable!” encouraged Laura Dunn. “Our faculty-led programs change locations annually, and we have additional programs in over 20 destinations! In 2026, our faculty will lead students to Belize, Costa Rica, Nepal, South Africa, and South Korea.”
