Students and staff reflect on global ventures
Student learning how to use an underwater camera in Belize. Photo Courtesy of: Anya Hanson
At the University of Rhode Island, there are over 700 study abroad locations, both domestic and international with options to study abroad for entire semesters, summer sessions and short spring break trips, there are also special opportunities to participate in a J-Term study abroad.
J-Term is typically a three-week period that begins in early January and ends at the start of the spring semester. This leaves plenty of time to explore new places and experience hands-on learning in many areas of study, according to the URI Abroad website, which boasts multiple locations, topics and lengths of J-Term trips.
According to the website, past J-Term trips include locations ranging from Bonaire, Hawaii, Bermuda, Belize and Germany.
Anya Hanson, a diving safety officer who works in the URI Research Office, recently acted as a faculty supervisor on the J-Term trip to Belize this past winter session.
While in Belize, Hanson participated in a two week session where students were able to scuba dive and aid in research regarding human impact on the island in the forms of coastal erosion and similar environmental changes.
“It is a really immersive experience that gives students experiential and project based learning,” Hanson said. “There is also a community aspect where the students are off the grid and in a group, which creates a unique bond.”
Students on the trip each had been diving certified at the University prior to leaving for Belize. This certification was only necessary due to the nature of the trip and the research being done on the trip.
“We were off the grid, no internet, no phone and people loved it,” Hanson said. “It gave us a chance to get away and take a break. These were long days, we were getting up early in the morning and out until late at night. But it was so community oriented and immersive.”
Hanson said she thinks students should use these trips as a way of experiencing what they love in a new location. It brings a fresh perspective and adds another level of excitement.
“I found out about this trip because I have been wanting to do some type of study abroad experience but can not go for a whole semester due to my major,” said Amanda Campbell, a third-year nursing student who went on a J-Term trip to Hawaii. When she found out the short length of the program and the fact that she could go to Hawaii, despite going alone, she knew she had to go.
The trip to Hawaii allowed students to participate in a course regarding exercise as theory and gain real world experience as well.
“My favorite memory of the trip was working with AcesSurf and helping people with disabilities have a day at the beach,” Campbell said. She was able to aid in transferring disabled adults from their wheelchairs into the water to swim and surf which she found to be extremely rewarding and impactful.
Additionally, the University offers financial aid for J-Term trips and there are a number of scholarships being offered as well.
Most information can be found on the URI study abroad website and there are also advisors dedicated to aiding in the application process.
Hanson advised any students looking to go abroad to look at the URI Abroad website for more information. J-Term trip applications close around October and summer trip applications typically close around April, so it is imperative students take the time to consider their options.