By Dakota Galvin, College of Arts and Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences students traveled to seven different countries this summer, engaging in hands-on learning experiences that spanned cultural immersion, global research, and academic exploration across disciplines.
From the coral reefs of Curaçao to tea farms in Kyoto, students from USF’s College of Arts and Sciences packed their passports for a summer of learning beyond the classroom. Whether for fieldwork or putting their language classes to the test, each voyage offered students a unique lens through which they deepened their understanding of the world – and themselves.
Curaçao – approximately 1,300 miles away from Florida.
On the beautiful island of Curaçao, Chantale Begin, a professor of instruction in the Department of Integrative Biology, led her annual Scientific Diving field course. The students mastered key techniques for surveying coral reef ecosystems, logging more than 20 scientific dives as they earned their credentials as scientific divers through the American Academy of Underwater Sciences.
For Maliana McCollum, an integrative biology major, the trip earned her skills and new connections she’ll carry with her throughout her career.
“I grew confidence in the field of work that I’m excited to continue, learned many new research and data collection techniques, and made unforgettable friendships and memories from this trip,” McCollum said.
London – approximately 4,400 miles away from Florida.
Harry Potter Films students at Tower Bridge. Photo courtesy of Jessica Cook.
In London, students and faculty from across the college immersed themselves in the city’s historic museums, archives and neighborhoods while taking courses ranging from “Harry Potter Films” to “Cross-Cultural Psychology” to “Empire, Blood and Belonging: Anglo-American Citizenship and Migration.”
Scott Solomon, co-director of the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies and leader of the USF London program, sees this experience as a special opportunity for students and faculty, alike.
“London is a key global node for so many fields and allows easy access as English speakers,” he said in an interview with USF World.
“No matter the course or field, London has a tremendous amount to offer.”
Madeline Swanson, who is studying elementary education in the College of Education, had long dreamed of studying abroad—even before enrolling in college. The global opportunities offered through the University of South Florida played a pivotal role in her decision to attend.
“The actual study abroad experience was no less formative and amazing than expected,” Swanson said. “I felt that I personally grew and developed meaningful relationships with those in my program – I came out of this trip more confident, well-traveled, and more wholly appreciative for the opportunities and sights the world gives us,” she added.
Jane Austen in London students at Regent’s Park. Photo courtesy of Jessica Cook.
Harry Potter Films students at Westminster Bridge/Parliament/Big Ben. Photo courtesy of Jessica Cook.
“I would go on this trip a thousand times again and I would personally recommend it over and over again to anyone who asked.”
The interdisciplinary experience open to students of any major, which Solomon has led for more than a decade, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.
Germany – approximately 4,800 miles away from Florida.
Arwen Puteri, a visiting assistant professor in the Department of World Languages, led students on an immersive journey through Germany – exploring the cultural and historical sites of Berlin, Munich and Dresden.
Roselvis Martinez is an honors student studying psychology. She’ll graduate in 2026. Photo courtesy of Roselvis Martinez.
It was a bucket-list experience for Austin Sommer, a political science major who is minoring in German.
“Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to learn where history actually took place — the food, culture and historical sites created a truly unique learning environment,” he said.
“As a German minor, I was able to use the language during my time abroad, which made the experience even more immersive. There is no more meaningful way to connect with someone of a different culture than to speak to them in their native tongue,” he added.
Learn more about the USF Germany Culture and Society program.
Meanwhile, psychology student Roselvis Martinez had a German adventure of her own with the Judy Genshaft Honors College with their “Germany Beyond the Classroom” program.
Her dream to help others overcome mental health challenges led her to her major, and she recognizes the importance of a multicultural perspective in understanding future patients.
“Countries in Europe have a different dynamic regarding culture and social norms compared to the U.S. and Cuba, where I grew up. Experiencing and observing these differences will have a profound impact on me as a future therapist,” Martinez said.
“One thing I learned about myself on this trip is that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to; I can be independent and adaptable.”
Malta – approximately 5,450 miles away from Florida.
In Malta, under the direction of Davide Tanasi, a professor of history and director of the Institute for Digital Exploration (IDEx), students had the opportunity to work with technology that allowed them to document cultural heritage artifacts in 3D and excavate relics from ancient Punic and Roman civilizations.
Students discovered how archaeology complements historical research in reconstructing the past. From pottery cleaning and emergency restoration to documentation, cataloging, drawing and 3D scanning, they explored how fragments of ancient objects can reveal stories lost for thousands of years.
This excavation marked the conclusion of a four-year initiative focused on reinterpreting the pre-Roman occupation of the area surrounding the ancient city of Melite — modern-day Rabat. The site includes the mansion known as the “Domus Romana,” which experts believe was likely the seat of the imperial representative.
For Aiden Eylward, assistant project manager at IDEx and a graduate student studying forensic anthropology, taking part in the excavation was a chance to bring classroom learning into the field.
“What makes the Roman Domus so special is the way it offers something to students from many different disciplines. Coming from the world of bioarchaeology and forensics, I found that working in the funerary context gave me a unique chance to connect my field of study with the broader goals of the project,” Eylward said.
“I came back from Malta with stronger fieldwork skills, lasting friendships and a clearer sense of how I want to grow as both a researcher and an anthropologist.”
Learn more about the Melite Civitas Romana Project.
Japan – approximately 7,350 miles away from Florida.
Students got to experience a blend of traditional and modern life while enjoying local cuisine and expert-led excursions. Photo courtesy of Mako Nozu.
In Japan, Mako Nozu, a senior instructor in the Department of World Languages, led students from across majors on a three-week journey through the land of the rising sun exploring Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo.
According to the program overview, the students got to experience “a perfect blend of traditional and modern life,” from visiting ancient temples and tea ceremonies to neon cityscapes and cutting-edge technology.
For many students, this was their first trip abroad. One such student was Matthew Despain, who hopes to continue sharpening his Japanese language skills with the goal of one day working in the country.
“It was rewarding to gain travel experience,” Despain said. “I was able to practice skills for traveling abroad by myself. Communication, using foreign currency, navigation, using public transportation and budgeting were a few of the skills I developed, and these are also general life skills that are good to have.”
Despain, a student at the College of Engineering, is one of many USF students to supplement his major area of study with a minor from the Department of World Languages. By integrating global language skills with his engineering studies, he hopes to gain a competitive edge in the international job market.
“From this trip I was able to plan for a possible future in Japan,” he said.
Taiwan – approximately 8,600 miles away from Florida.
From left - Alexandra and Jazmine traveling to Taiwan. Photo courtesy of Jazmine Virzi.
Virzi (left) and Keidel (right) working in the lab. Photo courtesy of Jazmine Virzi.
Two students from Professor Marcus Cooke’s Oxidative Stress Group (OSG) lab traveled together to the Taichung Institute of Health in Taiwan. Alexandra Keidel, a recent graduate from the Department of Chemistry, and Jazmin Virzi, a PhD candidate in the Department of Molecular Biosciences, are studying DNA damage and repair using adductomics methodologies.
According to Virzi, the experience was invaluable.
“By learning first-hand their protocols, we are now able to effectively run our own samples with our instruments. This is crucial for minimizing lab to lab variability within our area of research, especially since we’re at the forefront of our field,” she said.
Beyond the lab, the opportunity to travel to Taiwan offered a meaningful cultural experience, enriching both researchers’ academic growth and personal perspectives.
“Honestly, the people and culture were the best parts of traveling to Taiwan,” Virzi said. “We made some lifelong friends while there, and we hope we’re able to go back and visit in the future to see everyone. The food was also absolutely delicious.”
Virzi and Keidel share meals and stories with new friends while abroad.
Singapore – approximately 10,400 miles away from Florida.
In Singapore, students joined Ryan McCleary, a professor in the Department of Integrative Biology, to explore the city-state’s rich history and vibrant culture through the lens of urban ecology. Known as one of the most densely populated nations in the world—with limited natural resources—Singapore offers a unique setting to examine how biodiversity, sustainability and urban planning intersect in a modern metropolis.
For Sharfa Afrin, an integrative biology student, Singapore’s approach to environmental sustainability in a densely populated setting reflects her passion for environmental health.
“Many of their techniques are ones that countries such as the United States should draw inspiration to support the conservation of our planet,” she said.
When planning the annual trip, McCleary has two goals in mind: to show students there’s more than one way to solve a problem, and to prove that where there’s a will, there’s always a way.
“If a country like Singapore with six million people can decide they’re going to build buildings that all have plants and vines hanging off of them and actually create more vegetative space than they lost by cutting the area down where they put the building… there are solutions out there,” McCleary said in an interview with the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus.
This trip embodied that mindset in many ways.
“Probably the best experience was our side trip to Batam, Indonesia,” McCleary said. “On my last visit, I’d planned to take students to a village built on stilts over the water—a poor, polluted area that’s a stark contrast to Singapore just 30 miles away. But heavy rain kept us from going. This time, I was determined to make it happen.
“When we arrived, we learned the government had moved the residents and was redeveloping the site—including the mangroves—into a tourist zone. I was disappointed, but our guide suggested another traditional village nearby. It turned out to be a great idea.
“We parked the van and walked through the streets, stopping in shops and chatting with locals. We stood out—this part of Batam doesn’t get many tourists. Kids followed us around, and when school let out, we were surrounded by students eager to give high fives, practice English and meet the foreigners. My students loved it, and the kids were balls of energy!”
Learn more about the global learning programs available at USF.