Summer was an active time for the Norfolk State students and faculty who participated in study abroad programs. The programs visited five countries and covered an array of topics.
In coordination with the Office of Global Learning & International Programs, studying abroad gave the students a new academic experience, career advancement, and the opportunity to travel to these countries for the first time. Fine Arts major Simone Couther, who traveled to Ghana, said the occasion was unforgettable. “Norfolk State University gifted their student artists access to Gallery 1957.” says Couther, “It houses the most exquisite, beautiful, and thoughtfully narrated artwork most of us have ever seen, and for that, we are forever grateful.”
Study abroad experiences not only educate students in their field of study but inspire them as well. “My study abroad experience in London was truly captivating,” said Social Work student Milan Brooks. “It highlighted the fact that there is much work to be done back at home to support low-income communities by addressing their most pressing needs.”
Professor Frederick, an Associate Professor in Fine Arts, conducted a course on Fashion History that focused on Italian fashion history from Ancient Rome to the modern day. “The experience of being afforded the opportunity to lead NSU fashion students in their studies in Florence is game-changing for the students as well as myself,” says Frederick. “It opens the world and creative opportunities as well as expanding their network of peers and businesses.” While in Milan, they visited a feather manufacturer and the University of Florence American University of the Arts.
Sociology, Psychology, and Business students who traveled to Kingston interviewed 20 Jamaican employees about how they use cybersecurity and how they are impacted by cybersecurity. The students then created video presentations based on their findings. They also hosted an Interdisciplinary Socio-Cybersecurity Workshop about the role of cybersecurity in the workplace along with the University of West Indies. “As a Jamaican professor, I was proud of how our students experienced culture shock and exposure to different cultural norms,” said Sociology Department Chair Dr. Carlene Turner. The other professors who accompanied the students were Dr. Yuying Shen, Dr. Claude Turner, and Ms. Khiera Williams.
Elementary Education PK-6 major Talia Thomas experienced personal development on her trip to Barcelona. “This study abroad experience made me more independent, and open-minded, while encouraging the environment to where I felt comfortable sharing my thoughts with the other HBCU students in my class,” stated Thomas.