CALS Adventures Abroad

• Major: Animal science
• Minor: Zoology
• Study Abroad Course: Animal Conservation and Management, Thailand
• Session: Summer 2023

I’m passionate about conservation and exotic animal species. I traveled to Thailand to get hands-on experience with elephants and marine species. 

My favorite part of the program was working hands-on with Asian and Indian elephants at Elephant Nature Park and learning about marine research on the island of Koh Tao. I learned to scuba dive and research Thai marine indicator species with the New Haven Diving School.

I found community by enthusiastically accepting every new experience. I made good friends with my peers and connected with many of them. Being friendly and having a desire to learn and grow is essential.

My study abroad experience helped me pursue a new path and provided direction for my future. I decided to pursue a master’s in conservation biology. I want to see the world and keep working in conservation and research while traveling. 

I recommend future study abroad students be prepared to try new things, keep an open heart and mind, and find joy in the little things! Also, make sure you drink plenty of water and pack bug spray!

• Major: Animal science
• Minors: Nutrition and agricultural business management
• Study Abroad Program: Classic Prague Program, Czech Republic
• Session: Fall 2023

Prague is beautiful, and the program had classes that met my remaining degree requirements. It was easy to apply through NC State, gain credits and experience a similar American-style semester with a life-changing cultural experience.

I took Food and Society, Humans and the Environment, Czech Language and Culture and Contemporary World Literature. Food and Society was fun: We made authentic Czech dishes in the NC State Prague Center’s kitchen. Czech Language and Culture immersed us in the country’s history and people, including several exciting field trips to culturally relevant spots.

Side travels included Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany — a lifetime goal and an incredible experience. Paris was stunning, and Slovakia has fun nightlife among hostels and beautiful historic spots. Amsterdam has an excellent public transit system, and the Netherlands is such a beautiful country that it is worth exploring beyond the tourist areas.

Studying abroad taught me patience, flexibility and timeliness. I’m now confident I can successfully navigate new environments. I’ve also experienced the excitement and reward of meeting people of different cultures and backgrounds, sharing stories about our home countries and becoming lifelong friends.

• Major: Animal science, pre-veterinary concentration 
• Minor: Zoology
• Study Abroad Program: Exchange program, University of Surrey, England
• Session: Fall 2022

I decided to study in England because it was a country I had yet to visit, and the University of Surrey had a veterinary program that interested me.

I took Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology and Concentrations in Bioscience (a research-based seminar class). Each class featured a professor from a different country. I enjoyed getting a multifaceted perspective within each class. 

My favorite memory of studying abroad was traveling with the friends I made. I have traveled around England and visited Amsterdam, Italy and Greece.

Studying abroad connected me to other students as we navigated the same struggles together. 

This experience has made me well-rounded and confident and enhanced my leadership skills. I have a new perspective on education and veterinary medicine. 

If you’re considering an exchange program, conduct thorough research before fully committing to a program, ensuring you won’t have to retake any courses. I would also encourage students studying abroad to immerse themselves in the program. You’ll be able to join on-campus clubs or societies and meet more people from your host country with similar interests.

• Major: Biological engineering, bioprocessing concentration
• Minors: French and biomanufacturing
• Study Abroad Program: French Language and Culture, Lille and Paris, France
• Session: Summer 2022

Studying abroad in France provided an opportunity to practice speaking French. I took an advanced French class and a class on sustainable cities. The class was conducted entirely in French, and we discussed sustainability topics and current events. In addition to learning advanced grammar, I enjoyed field trips to sustainable businesses near Lille.

Amiens was my favorite day trip. The NC State group went on a guided tour of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens. Since it was just our group, I could ask the tour guide vocabulary questions if I didn’t understand something in French. We discovered a church official’s grave marking on the building’s original floor (from the 1300s), and our guide also explained the history of several wall carvings. In the afternoon, we took a tour along a river and viewed houses with unique and fanciful gardens.

Traveling to France helped me develop an international perspective and work better with people from different backgrounds. These skills are essential in today’s globally connected world.

If you’re worried about the timing of your study abroad trip, consider a short Maymester or summer program. If you’re concerned about finances, look into scholarships at NC State. Also, remember to research the weather beforehand. Summer was colder in northern France than I expected.

• Major: Agroecology and sustainable food systems, research and production concentration
• Minors: Extension education and nutrition
• Study Abroad Course: Sustainable Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Valencia, Spain
• Session: Summer 2023

I chose Spain for my study abroad program because the Spanish customs and lifestyle appeal to me. I’m also interested in Mediterranean agriculture. The SECU People Helping People Scholarship supported my trip.

I enjoyed the cultural immersion and daily excursions to different farms, towns and facilities. The delicious lunches following our outings provided a rich cultural experience that helped me conceptualize Spanish culture and agriculture. 

We visited the Mercado Central food market, made cheese, visited a winery, observed olive oil and citrus production, and attended a Flamenco dance. A weekend tour of the sandy and hilly coastal town of Peñiscola was so much fun. These excursions were vital to understanding and participating in Spanish agricultural processes.

Studying in Valencia confirmed my interest in global sustainable agriculture and travel. I traveled internationally for the first time, and I’m eager to return to Valencia. I also learned about different types of crops, farming practices and gastronomy. The contrast between the café interactions between Spain and the U.S. was also a culturally enriching experience. My horizons and aspirations for the future expanded after this trip.

I advise future study-abroad students to research their destination country’s customs, styles, language and culture. Don’t be afraid, people will assist you with the travel process and the culture shock. If you sense the call to study abroad, run with it! You won’t regret it.

• Major: Animal science, concentration in pre-veterinary bioscience 
• Minors: Dance choreography and performance, zoology
• Study Abroad Program: Wildlife Management and Conservation, South Africa
• Session: Summer 2023

Ever since I was young, I’ve dreamed of traveling to Africa to experience its unique wildlife, incredible people and natural beauty.

I took Reptile and Exotic Management and earned a certification. I now have the confidence to advise others on preparing for reptile animal husbandry. I also took a class about parasites and diseases in South African large animals, and I enjoyed hearing from local farmers about their real-time problem-solving skills. I also attended a fascinating class on fish anesthesia and surgery. Before taking the course, I didn’t know you could put a fish under!

Our host, a local farmer, drove our group to his vast, fenced-in farmland. He took us to his herd of grazing buffalo. The vehicle pulled up within 50 feet of the massive herd. The farmer took out a cooler full of South African drinks. We jumped out of the vehicle, grabbed a drink and watched the sun set. 

On my last day, I saw the Tree of Life (the baobab tree)— a bucket list item. Almost every day, we went to a small corner of the market to grab essential items, which became a familiar spot on the way to our work each day. My favorite view had to be the Three Rondavels, a beautiful display of three mountain peaks seen from a mountain overlook. 

I gained several veterinary hours to add to my vet school applications. I want to concentrate on wildlife medicine, and my study abroad experience gave me a realistic idea of what this career path entails.

• Major: Agricultural science
• Minors: Agricultural business management, extension education and horticultural science
• Study Abroad Program: Science, Education and Extension (SEE) Inside Greek Agriculture
• Session: Summer 2024

I am an agricultural science major at NC State. Originally from Bunn, North Carolina, I am excited to pursue agriculture and connect to my rural community. I received travel support from the Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship, the Park Enrichment Grant, the University Honors Program Experiential Grant and the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant.

SEE Inside Greek Agriculture was an incredible experience that allowed me and a group of 20 students to gain a broad understanding of agricultural industries and life in Greece. Our journey started at Perrotis College at the American Farm School in Thessaloniki. 

During the first week, we heard from Perrotis College guest professors about topics such as Greek extension, animal welfare, the Mediterranean diet and food labeling. We explored the beautiful campus and took a taxi into town to try the regional cuisine.

During our second week in Greece, we explored Litochoro, Trikala and Ioannina. We engaged in many activities, ranging from hiking the legendary Mount Olympus to boating in scenic lakes. We ended the trip with a few days in Athens. While in the capital city, we took a guided tour of the storied Parthenon atop the Acropolis. We also ate incredible meals at authentic Greek tavernas. 

We all worked to get to know each other during our first few days at Perrotis College. We enjoyed having fun and having different foods delivered to campus while becoming great friends over game nights. While Greece’s sights, sounds and smells were extraordinary, the friends I made on this trip will last a lifetime.

I recommend SEE Inside Greek Agriculture to other students. The scope of this trip is broad: students with interests and majors from various backgrounds can learn something. The trip encouraged me to reflect on my future career opportunities and consider new avenues.