Argonauts build global perspectives through learning experiences abroad
This summer, students, faculty and staff from the University of West Florida are engaging in immersive international experiences across multiple continents as part of the University’s continued commitment to global learning and academic collaboration. From Ghana to Costa Rica and Japan to destinations across Europe, Argos are gaining firsthand experience in sustainable development, business, conservation, cybersecurity, cross-cultural exchange and more through UWF’s largest offering of summer study abroad programs since 2019 and other international partnerships.
Ghana
This summer, a delegation from UWF’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences completed a one-week study abroad experience in Ghana to learn about the country’s environmental and national planning issues and connect these experiences back to the respective Environmental Writing and Urban Planning course content. They visited a nonprofit that addresses environmental problems through innovative business solutions, toured a rainforest national park, visited a cocoa farm to learn about sustainable small-scale farming, and met with senior officials from Ghana’s National Development Planning Commission for discussions centered on national development planning, governance and sustainable development.
“For me, I think the most impactful part of the experience – and study abroad in general – is that by being in a completely different context, students are really able to learn more about themselves as they interact with others,” said Dr. Kwame Owusu-Daaku, associate professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at UWF who accompanied the students on the trip. “It is beautiful to see the growth in a student in their awareness of and compassion for others in such a short amount of time.”
“The trip was truly life changing,” said Nora Elliot, environmental science major. “The most impactful part was meeting new people. Each and every person we met was sincerely kind and welcoming. They shared their stories and listened to ours, allowing us to connect despite our various differences. This perfectly exemplifies that despite being raised in different places, with different traditions, languages and customs, we were able to build beautiful relationships that defied the bounds of one country because we approach each other with kindness and curiosity rather than judgement and fear.”
Europe: Germany, Switzerland and France
Another group of Argonauts participated in a study abroad experience across Germany, Switzerland and France through the Argos on the Rhine program. Through a partnership with the Transatlantik-Institut at Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society, UWF students had the opportunity to study alongside German students while participating in academic and cultural experiences designed to deepen their understanding of European business and culture.
The group visited Germany’s Schwetzingen Palace, toured Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne by boat, explored a sports and exercise science research lab affiliated with TSG Hoffenheim soccer club, toured the headquarters of international chemical company BASF and more. Undergraduate business students took an international business course, while MBA students took Advanced Managerial Economics. Through these site visits, cultural activities and academic experiences, participants gained a broader global perspective while strengthening international connections.
“The neatest thing about study abroad is watching students gain the confidence to navigate a new environment on their own,” said Dr. Richard Hawkins, professor in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business and leader of the program. “For many, it’s their first time in Europe, and seeing them learn to explore independently while experiencing a different culture is very rewarding.”
“I will always be grateful for the opportunity to experience another way of life with different cultural norms,” said UWF MBA student John Graves. “There is a unique power in witnessing firsthand how different cultures solve the problems that are universal to us all. Travel ultimately is an excellent tool for personal growth; it redefines how you view the world and your place within it.”
Costa Rica
UWF biology professor Dr. Alexis Janosik led a group of 16 students on a weeklong program that immersed students in marine biology fieldwork, focusing on leatherback sea turtle nesting research and monitoring. Students engaged in conservation efforts and data collection for leatherback sea turtles while completing coursework centered on marine biology and tropical ecology, blending hands-on ecological research with environmental education. Alongside sea turtle conservation work, students also explored Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of leading this program is watching students connect what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world conservation,” Janosik said. “Seeing a leatherback sea turtle nest under the stars or exploring the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica creates moments that stay with students long after they return home. Those experiences deepen their understanding of science, strengthen their commitment to conservation, and often transform the way they see both the natural world and their own potential.”
“Spending a week in Costa Rica was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Katherine Lundgren, senior marine biology student. “Academically, I was able to grow as a scientist by honing my observational techniques, embracing my curiosity and formulating specific questions to study with limited resources. This trip brought me back to what initially inspired me to become a scientist: my love for nature and learning.”
Japan
In Osaka, Japan, Dr. Eman El-Sheikh represented UWF at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Jikei Group of Colleges.
El-Sheikh, the associate vice president of the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI, delivered a keynote address to over 700 Jikei faculty, staff, students and partners from around the world. She also led a seminar on AI in cybersecurity to over 200 Jikei students and held several meetings with Jikei administrators and faculty to discuss future collaboration opportunities in AI and other areas.
The partnership between UWF and the Jikei Group spans more than three decades and has supported a wide range of academic and institutional collaborations. In recent years, the partnership has expanded to include cybersecurity education initiatives, with UWF helping to develop programs and training opportunities for Jikei students and faculty.
“I was truly honored to represent UWF at the Jikei Group of Colleges’ 50th Anniversary Celebration and strengthen our partnership, which has evolved from student and faculty exchanges to groundbreaking collaboration in cybersecurity and AI,” said El-Sheikh. “Through such partnerships, we are preparing the next generation of global leaders and innovators who will help shape a safer, smarter and more connected world.”
From Africa and Europe to Latin America and Asia, these opportunities reflect UWF’s commitment to building global perspectives through education and cultural exchange. Supported by the UWF Office of Global Engagement, formerly called International Affairs, study abroad programs and international partnerships provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to engage with people and ideas from around the world and develop connections that extend far beyond the classroom.
“Studying abroad is essential for preparing our students for the global workforce,” said Rachel Hendrix, executive director of the Office of Global Engagement. “Beyond academic enrichment and exposure to different perspectives, these experiences help students gain a deeper understanding of the world while helping discover their own place within it.”
To learn more about UWF’s Office of Global Engagement, visit uwf.edu/global.
