College of Education and Health Professions Travels the World Through Study Abroad Trips

From traversing the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland to ziplining across New Zealand, students in the College of Education and Health Professions spent the summer examining the caring professions from a global perspective.

Faculty-led study abroad trips to Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and New Zealand immersed students in new cultures and environments, encouraging them to reflect on the similarities and differences between life abroad and back home in the United States.

Health Teams Abroad in Sweden

One trip for students in health-focused majors takes students to Sweden each summer. Health Teams Abroad is one of the university's longest-running study abroad experiences, completing its 19th international journey this year.

In total, 16 undergraduate students from fields such as speech-language pathology, nursing and public health came together for a three-week interdisciplinary exploration of healthcare. Through classroom discussions, seminars and site visits, students observed clinical assessment and care across the lifespan by visiting preschools, primary care clinics and more.

Rachel Glade, clinical professor of communication sciences and disorders, leads the trip each year and said it helps students build "cultural competence, global citizenship, and essential communication, leadership, and teamwork skills."

In addition to engaging with local Swedish providers across different health disciplines, the group also made time for cultural activities like hiking, biking and visits to renowned medical schools and museums.

Wrapping up its second decade of global travel, Health Teams Abroad continues to deliver a transformative experience that Glade said "bridges disciplines, cultures, and healthcare systems" while preparing the next generation of collaborative healthcare leaders.

One of those future healthcare leaders is Lucy Jean Church. She participated in a Health Teams Abroad trip as a junior before entering her senior year and said her experience in Sweden sparked a love of studying abroad and confirmed her decision to pursue a Master of Public Health.

Adventure Therapy and Leadership in New Zealand

After completing a year in her master's program, Church signed up for a new, life-changing study-abroad experience this year, one that landed her in New Zealand.

Throughout the trip, students explored the interrelated nature of leisure, recreation and mental health with faculty members David Christian and Merry Moiseichik as their guides.

As they learned adventure leadership and therapeutic skills, they also explored various facets of the country's culture by interacting with students and faculty from the University of Canterbury, staying at a traditional Māori meeting place (a Marae), and visiting Queenstown, a renowned adventure destination. From ziplining and canoeing to high-ropes courses and rafting, students packed one-of-a-kind experiences into each day of the trip.

Church said her experiences abroad in New Zealand and Sweden were filled with experiential learning, cultural immersion, and personal growth as she was challenged to learn in new ways every day.

"Both programs have strengthened my passion for public health and research as I continue working toward my future goals, including pursuing a Ph.D.," she said. "Most importantly, it has introduced me to incredible people, lifelong friendships, and memories that I will carry with me forever!"

Education and Health Care in Ireland

The college's annual faculty-led trip to Ireland invited 17 students from health and education majors to explore the Irish cities of Limerick, Galway and Dublin.

Eight of the college's education majors taught lessons at five different Irish elementary schools throughout the trip, sharing about American culture and learning alongside Irish students. They also toured Mary Immaculate College to learn about the Irish education system. The nine health and social service majors visited sites across Ireland to learn about health care and well-being in the country. 

"It was a remarkable group of students," said faculty leader Jack Kern, a teaching professor of physical education. "They were professional, engaging, and simply a pleasure to be around. They seemed to take advantage of the learning opportunities and truly embraced everything Ireland had to offer."

The group also visited iconic Irish cultural sites throughout their journey. At Bunratty Castle, which was originally built in 1425, they toured one of the country's most complete and authentically restored castles. A day trip from Dublin to Howth led the group to a historic fishing village and peninsula with roots stretching back over 5,000 years.

Nursing Across the Lifespan in Rome

More than 1,000 miles away at the University of Arkansas Rome Center, nursing students took part in the third edition of "Nursing Across the Lifespan in Rome."

Associate Professor of Nursing Marilou Shreve led students on an exploration of the Italian healthcare system, visiting institutions like the Italian Red Cross and the Policlinico Umberto I. The course was designed to help students think critically about the different approaches to healthcare between the United States and Italy.

Students also engaged in an Italian language course tailored to nursing students, helping them develop the everyday language skills and vocabulary needed to communicate in healthcare settings. Nursing student Sophie Alberstadt called her experience at the Rome Center "nothing short of life-changing."

"Broadening my horizons through clinicals in Rome opened my eyes to the ways in which we can all learn from each other and improve healthcare globally," she said. "Studying at the Rome Center gave me confidence and new perspectives that will shape the nurse I will become. I am indebted to each person and memory along the way that made this summer one to remember!"

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Italy

Students and faculty weren't the only ones in the college traveling the world.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), an outreach unit in the college, recently took its members on an Italian adventure, exploring iconic cities like Venice, Florence, Rome and the Sorrento Coast.

OLLI is a member‐driven, service organization, primarily serving adults 50 years of age and older. The team provides its members with a lifelong learning venue that promotes intellectual vitality through exploration and discussion, delivered through high-quality, affordable educational and social programs.

From nighttime views of Rome to the beauty of the Tuscan hills and the awe of Pompeii, members explored the country's rich culture and history at each stop.

Next May, OLLI will once again invite members to explore the world, this time in Ireland.