When ����vlog���� senior Duban Figueroa Palma looked out his airplane window in January as his plane was about to land in Spain to begin his study abroad semester, he knew he was in for a memorable experience.

“When I saw the bright blue water and colorful buildings of Alicante, Spain, I knew it was going to be an amazing place to live for a semester,” he said. “The journey there was exciting but also nerve-racking. Being in a city 5,000 miles away from everyone that I knew was a crazy feat to do, but it turned out to be an incredible experience.”

Figueroa, an ecology and wildlife biology major from Fort Smith, Ark., spent the spring 2024 semester studying at the Universidad de Alicante. He took courses in field ecology, animal physiology, plant physiology, training for teachers of physical education, sport sciences and Spanish, all of which correlated with his majors and minors at Ozarks.

“My favorite course was field ecology; the professor and students made it extremely fun,” he said. “For the lab work we went to hike mountains near the city of Maigmo, Spain; we did some observations and measurements of nearby sand dunes in Guardamar del Segura; and did some experiments on silk larvae in the laboratory. I was able to take two larvae home and let them cocoon and birth into these beautiful silky white moths. I found this course to be especially useful; the labs we did gave me a lot of experience and new knowledge on the techniques that my future career would most likely require.”

The sport sciences course also made an impact on Figueroa.

“Every week a student would have to do a teaching model for the class,” he said. “One student took us to a beach called San Juan near Alicante and taught us how to kayak with proper technique and afterwards we kayaked far into the Mediterranean Sea. This course helped me get out of my comfort zone and made me a better speaker and teacher, along with getting to know some wonderful people.”

It was the first time in Europe for Figueroa, an avid runner who previously competed on the University’s cross country team. He took advantage of his free time outside the classroom.

“Just about every day, I was out running, many runs,” he said. “I helped one of my friend’s train and run with me, so hopefully she is still doing it. There were also a lot of beach days and nights; sometimes I would go nap at the beach and swim during the day and have dinners at night with some friends. I took a lot of day trips as well to cities such as San Juan, La Vila Joisoa, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, and Denia, all of which were amazing to see.”

His last night in Alicante was especially memorable.

“It was the first night of Hogueras, a huge festival that marks the start of summer, which they were going to do a firework show in the center of the city,” Figueroa said. “My group and people I knew went to see it and it was amazing, extremely loud but beautiful to see. At the end of the night, we all ended up at the best bar/restaurant in Spain called Casa Blanca and reminisced. A lot of emotions were felt that night, but it was worth it. If I had another chance to live this experience, I would do it all over again.”

Figueroa said he first heard about Ozarks’ study abroad opportunities during his tour of campus as a high school student back in May of 2021 and it stuck with him.

“I was always interested in going to another country and seeing how people there go about doing scientific work,” he said. “I then heard about professors who went abroad during their years of university and students here at Ozarks and they all said wonderful things about their experiences. I said to myself, ‘Fudge it, I’m going to Spain.’ I am the type of person that once I set a goal, I will achieve it no matter how hard or long it will take.”

He said the experience gave him added self-confidence as a student and as a traveler.

“Living abroad made me extremely independent; I managed to buy groceries for myself and cook daily, fixed minor issues in my apartment, and planned out small trips by myself,” he said. “I also immersed myself in the culture. I gained insight on the everyday Spanish life, like having five meals a day, the last meal with wine of course, going to the beach, being physically active, and noticing different Spanish sayings. As a student, it exposed me to different teaching styles and perspectives on the subjects that were taught. I gained new knowledge about how to come at a problem and solve it. I also gained new problem-solving skills and made a vast network of peers and professors, which provides me different perspectives and potential career connections.”

The University’s Student Enrichment Fund (SEF) helped Figueroa fund the experience.

“SEF made this whole idea possible; It was the most important aspect of making my trip as well planned as it was,” he said. “I do not think that I would have been able to have made as many memories and experiences without it. I am forever grateful for the SEF Committee for granting funds to make my dream possible.”

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Coming from the small town of Scranton, Arkansas, and never having had the opportunity to travel abroad, ����vlog���� senior Alexia Olmos took a giant leap of faith this past summer.

Olmos spent the months of June and July studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she took a class through the University of Buenos Aires.  

It was quite an adventure for the small town girl, and one that opened new horizons for the psychology major.

“I have never had the chance to go abroad or travel alone, so being forced to go out on my own and meet new people really has really made me feel comfortable enough to go anywhere in the world,” she said. “It made me also think that I would like to travel for work in my future and learn more about other cultures so I can better understand people in my future job. This experience really encouraged me to grow personally and professionally. It also taught me to value the opportunities I have as well as value the people that surround me and the lessons that they bring.”

Olmos took a class called Intervention Strategies in Mental Health, which met daily from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. She would wake up each morning, have breakfast with her host family, and then take a 30-minute walk to class.

“This walk was always full of beautiful sights because I would have to walk through several parks as well as the town center,” she said.

After class, her group would take the subway or walk to other parts of town to grab lunch.

“Our daily ritual also included having Gelato after lunch from a place called Rapanui,” Olmos said. “After that, we would go sightseeing to museums, markets, parks, arcades, and many other things. Our host families would have dinner around 9 p.m. so we would go home for dinner and then gather again at night to watch the soccer games for Copa America.”

Olmos took part in the study abroad through a program called the Institute For Study Abroad (IFSA).

“I originally heard about IFSA through my Ozarks seminar class my freshman year from Nicole England and Vanessa Hollowell,” she said. “After that, it stuck with me over the past two years, so I decided to check it out and found that Argentina had an excellent psychology program, which really interested me.”

Outside of class, Olmos had plenty of time to explore the city.

“I got to be on my own and go explore Argentina’s amazing markets every weekend,” she said. “This was a super unique way of getting to know the people and culture because the markets are super big there. I loved this because I met so many unique people and got to learn several history lessons and immerse myself in a culture unlike either of my cultures. I met people from all over the world and learned new trades or crafts.”

She and her friends also enjoyed a long weekend that gave them a chance to explore another iconic South American city.

“Our girls’ group from class took a trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,” she said. “It was only a three-hour flight and super close geographically. Being able to go to one of the seven wonders of the world, Christ the Redeemer, was another one of those unreal once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”

Watching the popular sport of soccer with classmates and Argentinians also stood out.

“My favorite moment was watching the Copa America finals,” she said. “Soccer is obviously huge in Argentina and their fans are amazing. Our class of 16 gathered at a bar to watch Argentina and Colombia play. Although I was rooting for Colombia, the atmosphere that the fans brought and the unreal feeling of being in Argentina when Argentina won was a once in a lifetime experience for me. Then celebrating that with an amazing group of people was a top tier experience for sure.”

Olmos said the experience has not only given her new-found confidence, but it has also reinforced her career plans.  

“I think this experience will allow me to better help future patients in my field, since I hope to work in counseling,” she said. “I think traveling helps you open your mind and better understand other perspectives. I learned a lot of interesting things about psychology from a culture quite different from my own. I would really love to be able to travel to other countries with less developed systems in psychology and work with people to get programs started, provide training, education, and resources that would benefit overall. I would also really love to work with children in counseling, so this would consist of me getting my master’s degree, getting work experience, and hopefully opening my own practice within 10 years. I really find passion in being in a place where I can help people, and my goal is really to ultimately be fulfilled in my career ”

Olmos credited the Niece Endowment Student Enrichment Fund for helping her take part in the study abroad experience.

“During the summer when I am not in school, I have to work full-time, so the student enrichment fund and its wonderful committee made this trip possible by giving me an opportunity that I otherwise may not have gotten to experience,” Olmos said. “The financial support allowed me to pay for tuition and travel expenses, which allowed me to use my own money on experiences outside of my class and better immerse myself in the opportunities and cultures that surrounded me. Not only that, but several members of the enrichment committee made this possible by helping me navigate an area I was unfamiliar with.”

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The educational experience for ����vlog���� seniors Arely Saucedo Castaeda and Judith Olguin took them more than 5,000 miles away from their hometown of Clarksville this summer.

Saucedo and Olguin spent a part of their summer in Verona, Italy, taking a class on Italian food and culture and touring the country as part of a study abroad program through the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). The class was held on the Verona campus of Salesian University Institute of Venice.

For Saucedo, a political science major, it was her first time traveling abroad.

“My first experience traveling internationally was exciting but also a bit overwhelming,” she said. “I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity as I stepped into a new country. Getting accustomed to the language, culture, and people was different, and learning how to navigate public transportation was unfamiliar, but it was all part of the adventure. I made sure to immerse myself in the local culture of Verona, trying new foods and exploring the historical sites.”

The summer session class lasted from July 1 to Aug. 3.

“We learned about the food culture in Verona, Italy, as well as the differences between the cuisine in the U.S. and Italy,” Saucedo said. “We also participated in class field trips to Venice. In my food and culture class, our professor took us to a coffee brewery where they sell specialty coffee. We learned all about what makes specialty coffee and why it is called specialty. The second field trip was to the local food market, where all the fruits, vegetables, fish, and wine are locally sourced from the Veneto Region.”

Olguin, a health science major, said having time to explore the area on her own was one of the highlights of the experience.

“I got to attend the opera, I took a visit to Padua and visited a few Basilicas, and I visited the Giusti Garden,” Olguin said. “This experience abroad impacted me significantly as a person because I gained a global perspective and gained new independence. It also made me want to travel even more.”

Olguin, who was visiting Europe for the first time, said one moment in Verona was especially memorable.

“I’ll never forget going out to eat with my new friends that I made during the program to a rooftop restaurant that overlooked Verona, and finishing the night by exploring Verona and eating gelato,” she said.

Saucedo said her most memorable moment was attending an opera performance of Carmen.

“Experiencing an opera in an ancient arena was incredibly exciting and unique,” she said. “The atmosphere, the powerful music, and the grand setting all combined to create an unforgettable experience. It was a remarkable blend of history and art, and it deeply enhanced my appreciation for opera.”

Saucedo said being immersed in Verona’s culture and learning to navigate a new environment independently boosted her self-confidence.

“The friendships I made with fellow students from across the world enriched my experience and taught me the value of building connections across cultures,” Saucedo said. “Academically, the food and culture class deepened my knowledge of culinary traditions and their cultural significance. The field trips we took provided hands-on learning that made the course material more enriching. This experience has given me a global perspective that I can apply to my future studies and career, enhancing my understanding of how different cultures influence food practices.”

Saucedo added that the trip “changed how I view the world and travel in general.”

“Experiencing Verona’s rich heritage and traditions firsthand expanded my understanding and appreciation of global diversity. I became more open to exploring new places and embracing unfamiliar environments, seeing them as opportunities for growth. It made me value international friendships and the different perspectives they bring. I am now more eager to explore new destinations, immerse myself in different cultures, and learn from the world around me.”

Olguin also said the trip changed how she viewed the world. “It made me realize that travel itself is a privilege and I was fortunate enough to have U of O give me a glimpse of life abroad.”

Both students received the University’s Student Enrichment Fund to help fund the experience.

“The financial support helped cover essential expenses, which allowed me to participate fully in the study abroad program,” Saucedo said. “This fund made it possible for me to enroll in the food and culture class and take part in the enriching field trips to local businesses. The Student Enrichment Fund significantly enhanced my trip and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the culture and opportunities offered. I am deeply grateful for the support which enabled me to focus on learning and exploration.”

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When ����vlog���� senior Nicolas Dunsworth of Clarksville decided to add a second major in English to one in mathematics, even he didn’t fully understand how the two completely different disciplines would complement each other.

Dunsworth, who is spending the Spring 2022 Semester studying abroad at the University of Saint Andrews in St Andrews, Scotland, will graduate next month with a double major in English and math. He said he decided to major in the two disciplines primarily because of his interest in the fields. But he’s quickly discovered that they fit in quite nicely in his plans to pursue a career in data analytics.

“The two fields are very different systems of thought, and while I take a very analytical approach to both, the more rigid structure of mathematics and the more free-form thinking expected in English have given me a more well-rounded viewpoint than I would have had otherwise,” Dunsworth said. “From a data analysis perspective, my education in English should help in giving me more tools, as data analysis and the study of literature have similar fundamental questions. Where in English I explore the question of what a text is saying on a deeper level, in data analysis the question becomes what data is telling me beyond a surface level. Mathematics was the career path I chose, and the English major allows me to defy stereotypes about mathematicians and our ability to communicate. I’ve found that math is what I love, but that English is a passion. ”

Dunsworth (pictured above at Edinburgh Castle) has found the perfect location to complete his English degree requirements, studying British literature in the heart of the United Kingdom.

“Given that I’m studying English, and my background in English literature as opposed to American and world literature is somewhat lacking, it made a whole lot of sense,” Dunsworth said. “It’s been a great experience. St. Andrews places a much greater focus on poetry, drama and older British work. Overall, this experience has broadened my horizons and exposed me to new people. As I go forward into the world from Ozarks, I will do so having met people from diverse backgrounds that I wouldn’t have been able to without this experience.”

The experience includes being a part of the St. Andrews swimming team and having the opportunity to travel around Europe. The travelling opportunities were enhanced when the college’s faculty went on strike for a period during the semester.

“Swim has been wonderful, and we’ve had a few really enjoyable weekend travel meets,” he said. “On my own time, I spent most of Reading Week, about equivalent to spring break, in France, visiting Lyon and Paris. I had the opportunity to visit some friends and the cities and countryside were wonderful, and I had a great deal of fun. A friend and I also spent a week in Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, as all of my faculty were either online or on strike. That was simply gorgeous. Having the opportunity to bike through volcanic landscape, visit amazing beaches, try Spanish food and improve my Spanish was invaluable.”

Dunsworth credited several Ozarks faculty and staff for helping him secure the study abroad opportunity in Scotland.

“Dr. Danielle Young did both her master’s and her Ph.D. in the UK and she recommended me a list of schools, and had nothing but glowing praise for Saint Andrews,” Dunsworth said. “Nicole Justice was a great deal of help with general study abroad stuff, as I began figuring things out. Andrea Cooper was also a great deal of help with my résumé and personal statement as I was looking to apply. Dr. Matt Myers, my advisor for math, was really helpful as a sounding board as I played around with ideas on what the study abroad might look like. And Dr. Brian Hardman, my advisor for English, was extraordinarily helpful with figuring out what it might look like for me to do my senior thesis while abroad. He helped me in discovering and exploring what courses I might take, and to ensure that the experience would help me grow as much as possible as a scholar of English.”

Dunsworth, the oldest child of U of O President Richard Dunsworth and his wife Holly, began taking classes at Ozarks at age 11 and became a full-time student at age 15. He will graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors (3.85-4.0 GPA) next month at age 18.

“It’s been quite the wild ride, and I spent nearly all of my formative years at Ozarks,” he said. “As a younger college student, especially as introverted as I was, there was always a certain disconnect between myself and my peers. Even by the time I could feasibly pass for a freshman I was in upper-level classes, maintaining a similar age difference. Despite that disconnect, I wouldn’t trade my experience at Ozarks for the world. As the gap between my age and that of the younger students closed, I’ve made some wonderful friends who I hope I’ll still know decades from now.”

He said he is proud to have earned a college degree at the age when most students are beginning college.

“Ozarks has been a part of my life for a very long time now, and it’s somewhat saddening to see that chapter of my life close,” he said. “But at the same time, I’m prepared and excited for what life has in store for me next. If there’s one thing I know about the end of this journey, it’s that the 11-year-old that started classes years ago would be proud of the man I am today.”

After graduating from Ozarks, Dunsworth plans to pursue a master’s degree, concentrating in data science, while also working part-time in data analysis. He eventually hopes to secure a remote data analyst position that will allow him to pursue his new-found love for travel.

“My time at Ozarks formed most of my developmental years, and, as such, the education and community at Ozarks have helped to shape the person I am today,” he said. “As I look back at pictures of myself when I took my first class, and even later, I’ve grown a great deal both physically and mentally. I’ve definitely grown out of my shell while at Ozarks and St. Andrews. More than anything, my time at Ozarks taught me how to think.”

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Jennifer Schmitt was apprehensive about going to Ireland for her study abroad experience, but not just because it was a country she was unfamiliar with, but because she was going in September 2021, during a very unsure time in the pandemic. Jenny is also one of our JLC students, so navigating the academic requirements of her program was also a huge concern for her.

����vlog���� provides many different options for students to participate in study abroad, with Ireland being a program that is offered through Study USA. For students to be eligible to participate in this specific program, they need at least a 3.2 GPA as well as be in their sophomore year at Ozarks. Nicole England, Ozarks’ Director of Walton Scholars Program and International Program Manager, said that “Studying abroad is an enriching opportunity both personally and academically. Students have the opportunity to learn new languages, appreciate various cultures, different teaching methods, and global issues. The intercultural experiences gained while studying abroad are life-changing to students. ����vlog���� participates in several exchange programs with universities around the world – we have partners in countries in Europe, Asia, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.”

Speaking on her time in Ireland, Jenny said that one of the most difficult things for her to adjust to is that she had no school assignments until the last 5 weeks of school. During her time before her assignments came due, Jenny participated in the culture of Ireland and was able to immerse herself in the beauty of the country. “Ireland is a beautiful country that pulls you in, not only with its rich history, but also its welcoming diversity” she said of her experience.

While she was studying abroad during the pandemic and at times that made things a bit more challenging, Jenny went on to say that she thinks of her experience “as a positive one” and that the study abroad program has “changed [her] life forever.”

The program was so influential and positive for her, that she has even encouraged two of her friends to participate in the program in the future. Madisyn Doddridge, Ozarks health science major, said that Jenny’s experience with the “people, places, and even the campus” made her decide to go. Madisyn went on to say that she hopes she gets to encounter all that Jenny did and more.

Another student who has decided to take advantage of this opportunity is Claudia Garcia, Ozarks elementary education major. Claudia was persuaded that this was the opportunity for her after Jenny mentioned her experience and the connection with the education program. “Talking with Jenny has been extremely helpful in my application process and getting accepted, but I also hope to have the same experience she went through as well as gain all the knowledge and more that she brought back with her from Ireland.”

Tina McCain, Jenny’s JLC Academic Coordinator, was so excited for her to be able to participate in the program. Tina said of Jenny “[she] has always been independent, determined, and self-motivated. Studying abroad allowed her to build on that independence to grow her self-confidence and establish new friendships.”

When it comes to the academic support that Jenny was accustomed to while on Ozarks campus, Tina and Jenny continued to meet a few times each week via Zoom in order to make sure she was on track and not experiencing anything that could potentially set her back during her studies. During these sessions, Tina said that Jenny’s “excitement was contagious. It was so fun to hear her describe her experiences and share about the culture of Northern Ireland.”

Jenny was drawn to Ozarks through the JLC. As a student who has been diagnosed with A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder), it is difficult for her to pass tests and to say on top of assignments. Through the JLC program, she is able to take normal classes with the additional support that she sometimes needs. Jenny said that “the JLC has helped me reach my goals by being an educational support system and I even used the JLC while I was in Ireland. That was helpful because I was able to talk with my coordinator and use the writing assistants.”

One of Jenny’s favorite things about Ozarks is our size. “My favorite part of ����vlog���� is how small it is and how it feels like your second home. When I first saw the chapel in person that was the biggest draw.”

Jenny is from Defiance, Missouri and is a junior. Outside of her studies, she enjoys singing and dancing. Help us celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the JLC during our Homecoming weekend April 8-10! See the weekend schedule and register for events now.

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When ����vlog���� senior Jakobe’ Durant walks across the stage next week to receive his college diploma, he will proudly establish a new family tradition.

The Spanish major from Destrehan, La., will be the first in his immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree, and he will be doing so with Cum Laude honors.   

“This is something monumental to me because I have been told that I would not go far, that my goals were too big and that I would not get far in life because of where I was born and because of who my family is,” Durant said. “This achievement helps me show the world that nothing is impossible and, hopefully, that can be encouraging for others. I want to be an influencer that can tell and show people that if you work hard enough you will achieve what you have worked for.”

Durant’s educational pursuits are not stopping at a bachelor’s degree. In the fall he will pursuing a master’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature at the University of Huelva in Spain.

Durant said he was in shock when he learned he had received a highly competitive full scholarship to continue his higher education in Spain, where he had spent a year studying abroad in 2019-2020.

“I almost cried after seeing my name on the provisional list of the scholarship,” he said. “The fact that I was one of the top 20 to receive this prestigious scholarship is a blessing and an honor. My friends, family and professors were the ones that believed in me the most. They believed in me more than I did and that is something that I will never forget.”

Durant said he first got interested in Spanish in high school through a particular teacher, Mrs. Machio, and quickly discovered he had a knack for it.

“When I saw how much I was speaking in as little as a year I continued to go above and beyond the Spanish requirements for the Spanish courses,” he said. “When I was in my last year of high school, I knew I wanted to do something with languages and business and I wanted to double major in international business and Spanish. At the end, I was only able to major in Spanish and minor in international business.”

His love for the language continue to blossom during his time at Ozarks.

“I still remember being a freshman taking senior-level Spanish classes and people asking me to help them with their Spanish, even though I was just a freshman,” Durant said. “For that reason I continued to study Spanish.”

Durant’s said his time studying abroad in Spain was transformational, even though it started a bit rocky.

“My first days were hectic,” he said. “From missing a connecting flight to almost sleeping on the streets, and even getting my boots stolen, I still had a smile on my face and didn’t let any of that bring me down. The reason being that all of this happened in Spain and somehow I knew this would make a great and fun study abroad story one day. Overall, my experience in Spain gave me an all new perspective about the world that we live in and made me aware of what there is in life.”

Durant hopes to combine his love of Spanish with his interest in international business to launch an exciting career.

“My career goal is to ultimately travel around the world helping people businesses expand their companies to other countries,” he said. “Before accepting my scholarship offer from The University of Huelva, I found out that I made it to the second phase of the hiring process of becoming an international agent for a soccer company in Barcelona which would have been a really great job opportunity. Hopefully, if they are still looking for more I would be more than happy to apply again and see where that would take me.”

Being a member of the swim team was one of the extracurricular activities that made his Ozarks experience even more meaningful.

“It definitely enhanced my college experience by showing me that working hard pays off at the end,” he said. “Being named one of the captains for both swim and dive was an honor that I will never forget and I will take with me. These sports have taught me a lot about myself and that I am capable of whatever I want as long as I never give up and work hard for what I am wanting to achieve.”

As he embarks on his finals days at Ozarks, Durant is quick to thank the University for its support over the past four years.

“Ozarks has made a community of people that were strangers my friends and family while I was away from my home in New Orleans,” he said. “Now that I am about to graduate and it is hard to say goodbye to these special people that have been encouraging me since day one. The support I have been receiving from the faculty and student body is unlike any other and for that I am thankful to be graduating from here.”

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Case, a health science major and education and religion minor from Keller, Texas, returned from an 11-month study abroad experience in Japan in August. It was a transformational experience for someone who had never previously travelled outside of North America.

Case spent the year taking classes at Fukushima University through the study-abroad program University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). His courses, which were all taught in English, ranged from Japanese language and grammar to Asian history to even a class on Anime, a popular style of Japanese film and television animation.

“I’ve always been fascinated with Japanese culture, their technology, the people and a lot of that had to do with my interest in Anime,” Case said. “That was a big part of my decision to go to Japan. In one of my first classes, I had the professor ask the class, ‘What is your favorite Anime character?’ I remember thinking, that’s something I never expected to hear in a college classroom.”

The language barrier was the most difficult part of the experience and it forced Case to work diligently on his Japanese.

“The greatest challenge was definitely making friends and the language barrier,” he said. “I didn’t know any Japanese from the beginning, so no one could really talk to me unless we used a translator. But using a translator wasn’t meaningful to me, so I did everything I could do to learn. I overcame it by trying to be positive and hang around my new friends more and listen to how they speak. As the months went on, it became easier and I made many friends and managed to learn some of the language.”

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in the spring, Fukushima University was in between semesters. When classes resumed, they were all completely online. Case rarely left his residence hall while taking classes throughout the summer months.

“When the pandemic first hit, it wasn’t that bad in Japan, so I decided to stay here and complete the year,” Case said. “Once it got bad here, they pretty much shut everything down and that was difficult. I was basically locked in my room for three months and the only places I could go to was the grocery store down the street. All the area businesses were closed and no one was allowed to be within six-feet of each other. I passed the time by working on the language and doing a lot of eight-hour video chats with friends.”

Ironically, Case said that before the Covid-19 shutdown it was the more hands-on, interactive aspect of Japanese instruction that he enjoyed the most about his academic experience.

“Their teaching system is much more hands-on instead of a lot of reading and papers, so the learning process was more fun,” Case said. “I believe Japanese schools want you to enjoy learning by activities instead of writing or typing on a computer. I was really enjoying that before the pandemic shut us down. I did have some great opportunities to travel around and see a lot of the country before it was shut down, so I’m thankful for that.”

The professors at Fukushima University were some of Case’s strongest advocates.

“My professors were very supportive of me and were always in my corner cheering me on and telling me that I could do it,” Case said. “I believe that made me a little bit more confident in myself. It’s certainly scary trying new things, so having them congratulate and encourage me was very uplifting.”

Case credited the Ozarks staff and faculty for providing the help and support to make his goal of studying in Japan a reality. He is one of the first students from Ozarks to study in Japan.

“The process to get there was pretty long and tedious, but thanks to [Director of Campus Recreation] Bendex Stevenson and other staff and faculty members, I was able to achieve it,” Case said. “I honestly can’t thank them enough. To represent Ozarks as one of their first students in Japan was quite an honor and would not have been possible without support from a lot of people.”

Case, who would like to pursue a career in teaching, said he enjoyed the experience in Japan so much that he plans to return for graduate school. The next time, though, he expects to have a better grasp of the language and culture.

“My Japanese and my knowledge of the culture improved so much in a year, but I’m continuing to work and improve in those areas,” Case said. “I realize that I can do and experience so much more if I can continue to get better with the language. I can’t wait to go back.”

Calling the experience transformational, Case said he is now confident and inspired to take on whatever comes next following his Spring 2021 graduation.

“This past year has really changed me and given me the confidence to know I can overcome a lot of obstacles and still succeed,” Case said. ‘To know that I spent a year in a completely foreign country, not knowing anyone at first and then getting through a world pandemic; that tells me I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. That’s a great feeling.”

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The business administration major spent the semester studying at the Universidad de Granada in Granada, Spain, through a company called Sol Education Abroad.

“As a commuter student, it was a tough decision to go since I’m so used to being with my family,” Garcia said. “But I’m so glad I did it. This opportunity helped me experience a true college experience and grow individually in a whole new continent. Studying abroad taught me that learning isn’t just in the school but also in the various settings you place yourself. Granada is a city rich in history and culture, and I learned more in that semester abroad than any other semester.”

Garcia took 15 credit hours in courses such as Latin American civilization and culture, Spanish literature, Spanish grammar, marketing communication, and economics and business in Spain and Latin America.

“One great thing about doing my courses abroad was the language difference,” Garcia said. “All my classes where in Spanish, which helped me learn Spaniard Spanish and learn the subject in a different language. Another benefit about being abroad is having the opportunity to learn the different education system. The way they teach in Spain is different from the USA. They have different priorities and standards which was really nice to learn about as well.”

The lessons were just as valuable outside the classroom as well.

“I was learning many new things every day in so many different aspects,” Garcia said. “it helped me gain skills in money management, self-awareness, courage and problem-solving as an individual. I grew so much as a person.”

Garcia said one of the most memorable parts of the experience was staying with a host family that was organized through Sol Education Abroad. He said a typical day would start with breakfast with his host family before walking to classes.

“Our classes would be two hours long but we had a short break during class to get a snack or buy a coffee,” he said. “After class, my friends and I would walk to a coffee shop called Qarmita, owned by a Venezuelan refugee who became a great friend of ours.  We would finish our homework for the day and then would head back home to eat lunch at 3 p.m. with our host families. After lunch we would take a siesta, which is very common in Spain. As a professional napper, there wasn’t much to complain about. Once nap time was over, my friends and I would gather again and walk around the city of Granada and go for tapas, which is an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. To finish most of our days, we would usually head to the church of San Miguel Alto, which is the highest viewpoint of Granada. It had a great view of La Alhambra and was the perfect place to watch the sun set.”

Garcia became fast friends with many of his classmates who came from around the United States as well as Europe and South America. They were also able to bond though long weekend excursions around Europe.

“In Europe, it is easy to travel to many countries for an affordable price, so we took advantage of that,” he said. “We also had the chance to really explore Granada. It seemed like every day we got to see something new in the city. Granada would host many events like art shows, comic book sales, local market sale, movie week, Christmas light shows and other family events where we discovered new things to do.”

Garcia said once he made up his mind to study abroad, he was surprised how easily and quickly the experience came together. Much of his trip was funded through a University grant, the Academic Enrichment Fund, that assists students with study abroad trips or research projects.

“The professors and staff at Ozarks were really helpful in providing information and tips for my study abroad opportunity,” Garcia said. “They always encouraged me and informed me about grants I could apply for to help me financially, such as the Academic Enrichment Fund. And, Sol Education Abroad handled many of the details and set me up with a great host family.”

Garcia said his study abroad experience is just the latest step in his growth as student. “This University has encouraged and pushed me outside my comfort zone in so many ways and that’s helped me learn and grow,” he said. “I was fortunate to take the roles as student ambassador and Ozarks experience mentor leader while I’ve attended here. These two important roles allowed me to grow and the study abroad trip was the next step. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”

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With colorful macaws flying in formation overhead, the growls of howler monkeys echoing through the jungle and surrounded by walking palms — Tolkienesque trees that get its name from its tall, spiny root system that looks like multiple legs — Cherokee Gott found herself in disbelief as she stood in the rainforest of the Bolivian Amazon.

“I kept thinking over and over, ‘I can’t believe I’m here right now,’” said Gott. “I’m from a small town in Oklahoma and I had never even been on a plane before, much less travelled outside of the United States. This was all so new and exciting to me.”

Gott was one of 15 ����vlog���� students and faculty members who took part in a 15-day study abroad trip to Bolivia and Peru in January. The trip was the capstone of a multidisciplinary Fall 2017 Semester class — Study Abroad: Bolivia and Peru — that examined the culture, language, history and agriculture of the region.

The upper-level class was taught by Dr. William Clary, professor of Spanish, and Dr. Kim Van Scoy, professor of environmental studies and sustainable agriculture. The highlights of the trip were visits to the Madidi National Park in the Bolivian Amazon, the highlands of the Andes Mountains and the World Heritage site of Machu Picchu.

Like Gott, a sophomore environmental studies major from Claremore, Okla., it was the first significant trip abroad for several of the students on the trip.

“When the plane took off from Miami, that is when it really hit me that I was doing what I had always dreamed of doing since I was a kid; I was travelling the world,” Gott said. “The whole trip, from the time we landed in La Paz, Bolivia, to flying over the Andes Mountains, hiking in the Amazon and standing on top of one of the Seven Wonders of the World at Machu Picchu, was an amazing adventure. It was extremely difficult to convey my thoughts in my journal because I could not come up with the words to explain the uniqueness and beauty of the land, people and experiences.”

Clary, who has organized and led numerous study abroad trips to Central and South America, said students learn on multiple levels during a trip like this.

“Certainly exposure to societies and cultures with complex economic challenges gives them needed perspective on how most of the world lives,” Clary said. “Student growth also occurs as they begin to understand that traveling like this is feasible, that one can do these kinds of trips without the guiding hand of a travel agency. Finally, by experiencing Bolivian and Peruvian culture up close in different contexts, students acquire both knowledge and deeper understanding of intercultural differences and historical traditions outside the United States.”

Van Scoy added that a trip abroad is the ideal “cure for racism and prejudice.”

“I think the students who travel to Latin American countries learn first-hand how generous and gracious our neighbors to the south are,” Van Scoy said. “In Bolivia, we were shown tremendous generosity from the second poorest country in the hemisphere. Lessons like that stick with students.”

Bordering Peru, Madidi National Park encompasses an area of 1.9 million hectares of South American rainforests, glaciers and Andean peaks. With more than 1,000 bird species, 12,000 plant species and 2,000 vertebrates, it is considered one of the most biodiverse spots on Earth.

The Ozarks contingent spent four days and three nights staying at an indigenous eco camp deep in the Madidi rainforest—a six-hour boat ride from the nearest city. Local guides led the group on several educational treks through the jungle.

“To experience life in the jungle and to see and learn about all of the different plants and animals was an experience I will never forget,” said Deborah Sebagisha, a sophomore chemistry major from Rwanda. “It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

One of the highlights of Madidi was an opportunity to visit a remote, off-the-grid indigenous village in the Amazon rainforest, the Quechua-Tacana community of San Jose de Uchupiamonas. The group toured the village and was invited to have lunch with a local family.

“I learned that the happiest people in the world are the ones that seem to not have a lot. The perfect example of this would be the members of the indigenous village,” Gott said. “Our guides were amazing and they always seemed to be smiling and joyful. When we visited the village, the people were extremely friendly and welcoming.”

Sebagisha agreed that the visit to San Jose was impactful.

“The people of the village didn’t have a lot, but they wanted to share the little that they had,” she said. “I would describe them as a very humble and charitable community. I learned from that community about sharing and caring with no limits and discrimination.”

A visit to the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu, high in the Andes Mountains, was another high point of the trip.

“Machu Picchu has always been a place that I have wanted to visit since high school and never in a million years did I imagine that I would visit as a college student,” said Rebeca Silva, a junior Spanish major from Rockwall, Texas. “To learn about it in class and then to actually get to see it in person was amazing.”

Silva said the entire trip “broadened my horizon on the way I view life and the world.”

“Every place we traveled to changed me in a different way and opened my eyes,” Silva said. “From experiencing a different way of life and culture, I grew to be more appreciative of the things that I feel are taken for granted in America. Something as simple as a free public restroom, with toilet seats, is something that I now feel grateful to have. This trip was very much a humbling experience for me and I feel blessed with all the lessons, memories and experiences that I have taken and made from it.”

The trip was not without its difficulties. Nauseating altitude sickness, painful insect bites, uncomfortable overnight bus trips, frustrating visa issues at the border and pesky 3 a.m. wakeup calls were a few of the minor inconveniences the group faced. There was even plane mechanical problems that delayed the return home two days.

“This was a very challenging trip and the students were often outside of their comfort zone,” said Van Scoy. “The altitude was challenging and several were impacted. Through it all, they remained in good spirits and were enthusiastic about their opportunities. I don’t think there was a single person who participated on this trip that didn’t grow personally.”

For Hailey Godfrey, a junior health science major from Salem, Ark., her first trip abroad was eye-opening.

“This trip helped me realize all of the steps that are involved in traveling abroad,” she said. “It is not an easy process. The most important lesson I learned was to be patient. Not everything on an abroad trip is going to go perfect.  We had a couple of hang ups, but it helped me understand how to be patient when things were not in our control. Even with the difficulties, it was an incredible experience.”

Most of the students received assistance to pay for the trip through the King Endowment for International Study, a University fund established by the estate of Virginia L. King to help Ozarks students who want to study abroad.

“To see first-hand how gracious people are and to experience the unique sights, sounds and smells of a foreign country is just incredible,” said Kole Smith, a senior biology major from Canehill, Ark. “This trip has given me the confidence and desire to travel abroad more and to see different parts of the world and I’m thankful that the King Endowment gave me this opportunity.”

For Gott, her first trip abroad has motivated her to begin plans to spend a semester during her junior year studying abroad in Chile.

“I knew I needed to experience travelling with a group first before I started thinking about going somewhere on my own,” Gott said. “Whoever says that travel is over-rated needs to open their minds and broaden their horizons. The world is so much bigger than the United States and it is definitely worth seeing. There is so much to learn about and so many amazing people and places to see. I cannot wait for my next adventure.”

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Chen, a senior English and international business major from Costa Rica, and Navarrete, a senior economics and political science major from El Salvador, will study at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) this summer. Established in 1895, LSE is considered one of the foremost social science universities in the world, with an acclaimed reputation for academic excellence.

����vlog���� students Catalina Chen and Gerardo Navarrete will spend three weeks this summer studying abroad at the renowned London School of Economics and Political Science.

"I’ve known about the London School of Economics since I was in junior high in El Salvador," said Navarrete. "Being an economics and political science major, I can’t think of a better place to learn and grow. It’s definitely a dream come true for me."

Both Chen and Navarrete will live on the LSE campus and each take an intensive course during the first summer session, which runs from July 7-25. Chen’s course is International Political Economy and Navarrete will take Development Economics. Each class is comprised of three hours of lectures each day, followed by two hours of seminars.

"They are very compact, intense classes, which I’m very much looking forward to," said Chen. "This will allow us to really get into the subject matter in an in-depth and comprehensive manner."

Chen, whose parents are Chinese, speaks fluent English, Spanish and Chinese. She hopes to one day use her business education and trilingual skills in the international business sector.

"I’ve never been to Europe, so I’m looking at this as a great way to learn about the European economy and to get a different perspective," said Chen. "I’ve studied in Central America and in the United States, so this will definitely help to help round out my education and to get a different view of the world economies."

Chen is also excited about the diversity of the student body at LSE. According to the institution’s website, approximately 6,000 students from more than 100 countries and every continent attended summer school at LSE last year.

"To be able to meet students from literally all over the world will be incredible," Chen said. "The whole experience will add so much to my cultural awareness of the world."

Navarrete said it was difficult trying to pick just one of the more than 70 summer courses offered by the university.

"I was like a kind in a candy store looking at the list of classes," he said. "There were so many great courses to choose from."

Both Chen and Navarrete said the summer study abroad trip would not have been possible for them had it not been for the Academic Enrichment Fund, which was established by Ozarks to offer competitive grants to students in support of their research or creative projects, professional preparation through internships, and study abroad.

"I realize how unique and special this opportunity is," said Navarrete. "My professors really encouraged me to pursue my dream of studying abroad in London. These types of opportunities can truly be life-changing and I want to make the absolute most of it."

A life-long goal for Navarrete is to help improve the economy in his home country of El Salvador, something that has led to him learning as much as he can about world economics.

"The way you can truly help and uplift a country is to improve its economic foundation," he said. "I want to do whatever I can do to help the country and people that I love, so that’s why an opportunity like this to learn at a great institution is so important to me. I want to apply the theories and best practices that I’m learning in the textbooks and classes back in my country to make a difference. I can’t think of a better purpose for my life than that."

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