Study Abroad Testimonials
Interested in what previous students have to say about their study abroad experience? Check out our student testimonials and hear from past participants about this exciting, life changing opportunity, in addition take a look at some of our video testimonials linked below to hear directly from our previous participants!
The Bahamas & Costa Rica Testimonials
Students who attended the Costa Rica program were led by Dr. Paul Melvin and Dr. Aubrey Dyer, they will be hosting the Bahamas program for 2024.
"I was able to connect with others and network. This allowed me to utilize my knowledge on the field and grasps different and better comprehension. Pure Vida." J. Munoz, Costa Rica, 2023
"It’s was an amazing experience, filled with hand on and visuals not just homework and presentation. Wildlife, forest and rivers sites were amazing, food and fruit were delicious and the people were very friendly. Would definitely do it again. You will never know what is waiting for you outside this campus so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone." - G. Alchebenawi, Costa Rica, 2023
"It was rewarding because not only did I get to learn about and be in a beautiful country, but I also met some amazing people. The group that went on the study abroad trip was amazing. We supported one another and were there for each other making the experience amazing. Step out your comfort zone, you will have the time of your life." - D. Kennedy, Costa Rica, 2023
"My study abroad experience was beyond rewarding. It allowed us to see all aspects of life in Costa Rica by highlighting the hard work they are doing to improve their country but also being transparent about their struggles. It also forced me to look at the big picture of obstacles I otherwise would have thought of as isolated. They emphasized how social, economic, political, and environmental issues are always intertwined. However, my favorite aspect of the trip was the national saying we often heard, Pura Vida, which means pure life. But to them, it wasn't just a saying it was a way of life that I definitely brought home with me and incorporated into my own outlook on life. You don't truly know yourself until you allow yourself to be immersed in a new exciting environment." - P. Phillips, Costa Rica, 2023
"It was rewarding for many reasons, including the bonding time I had with my classmates, the foods I got to taste (exotic fruits, plantain tamales, Costa Rican home-cooking, etc.), the activities I got to try (white-water rafting, tortilla and cheese-making, hiking, etc.).
Pura vida is the Costa Rican lifestyle. I remember a sign in this small eats-joint saying that pura vida conveys appreciation for the simple things of life; to live a peaceful, simple, uncluttered life with much appreciation for nature, family, and friends.
Here's how you put it into practice:
Wanna say hi? Say Pura Vida!
Wanna say bye? Say Pura Vida!
And it doesn't stop there.
Yes! = Pura Vida!
Thank you! = Pura Vida
You're welcome! = Pura Vida!
How are you? = Pura Vida!
I'm fine! = Pura Vida!
Life is pura vida.
Live pura vida in Costa Rica! I promise you that you won't regret it." - M. Dacosta, Costa Rica, 2023
“Very rewarding! I met some great people, had a lot of fun snorkeling, and even learned something!" - Anonymous, Bahamas 2018
“As a non-science major, I would say that I was able to take in the most information. I was exposed to a world that I had never learned about before. At the beginning I knew nothing about tropical ecology, by the end of the program I could tell you about the plants, the birds, and so many different fish and aquatic creatures.” - Anonymous, Bahamas 2018
“It was such a rewarding experience! I had the chance to learn so much more than the class entailed. We met so many locals in the country and Dr. Melvin was very knowledgeable about the island's history as well as the class material covered." - Anonymous, Bahamas 2018
“I had a once in a lifetime experience to see aquatic biology in its habitat and to see some amazing species that can only be seen in the Bahamas.” - Anonymous, Bahamas 2018
France Testimonials
Students attended the Teacher Education in France study abroad program with Dr. Erica Dotson.
"It was extremely rewarding because it has shown me education in a different part of the world. With this experience I am now 10 steps ahead and I couldn’t have asked for something better. If your thinking about it (study abroad), just DO IT! It’ll be worth it, I promise!” - D. Wright, France, 2023
"This program was rewarding because it gave me an appreciation for a different culture. The more I see the less I know." - S. Sutton, France, 2023
"The experience was definitely rewarding! It helped me get a better understanding of what options I will have for my career. I learned a lot about the culture and life in Paris. The experiences were beneficial as it helped me learn more about who I am and what I want in the future! Traveling the world can teach you more than reading a textbook!" - A. Neil, France, 2023
"It was very, very rewarding. I had so much fun and I learned so many things that I will take with me beyond teaching. I've experienced memories and ideas that I will cherish for a lifetime while in Paris. It was such a dream experience and I would do it all over again if I had the opportunity. Being in Paris felt so lovely. It was a dream come true. Enjoy life while you're young. Take trips, make connections, and try things you have never tried before. It's a big world , take advantage of it." -I. Harvey, France, 2023
“There are not enough words to describe what I experienced abroad. It was a chance of a lifetime, and the reward was the interactions and differences that we were making in the French school that we had the opportunity to teach at.” – Anonymous, France 2019
“This was an amazing experience. I have always wanted to study abroad and I finally had the opportunity. By going to France, I was able to explore and have a more enriching experience than if I had gone on my own. I was able to learn more about the country and I was given the opportunity to teach in a classroom setting in France. All these experiences have helped me in becoming more aware and given me a chance to understand education as well as teaching English as a Second Language and how I can better help my students moving forward.” – Anonymous, France 2019
"This program was incredibly rewarding. This is one experience I will never forget. I was able to teach for the first time in a classroom with my team members." – Anonymous, France 2019