Mikaela McCallup graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from 鶹Ƶ Stark and is about to graduate with a master’s degree in education in cultural foundations from 鶹Ƶ. It only makes sense, then, that studying abroad would greatly enhance her learning experiences.
As an undergraduate student, McCallup spent three weeks in Germany and one week in Rwanda. She was prepared for two other international trips in 2020, but the pandemic prevented them from happening.
McCallup explained that the first time she ever considered traveling abroad to study was after Sarah Schmidt, Ph.D., visited one of her classes to talk about the Office of Global Educations Initiatives program. Schmidt is an assistant professor of political science and the former assistant director of global education initiatives at the Stark Campus.
“Studying abroad was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me – or so I thought,” she said. “I grew up so poor in the projects of Canton and did not even think I would graduate from college, let alone go to another country while doing it. I am forever grateful to Dr. Schmidt and 鶹Ƶ for providing me with the opportunity – and confidence – to study abroad.”
The OGE Initiative program is designed in ways that students can experience substantial cross-cultural immersion on each trip. For McCallup, each trip was part of a class, and she traveled with a group of other students each time.
“I got hands-on learning experiences while studying abroad,” McCallup noted. “I could never have comprehended or appreciated the learning I received from traveling overseas compared to courses in a classroom. Immersing yourself into other peoples’ culture while learning about their history makes you understand it so much more.”
She acknowledged that there are big differences between Germany and Rwanda – in foods, geography, traditions, etc. – but that each country left its mark on her. “Among the cultural highlights I experienced was learning the European way of being, unapologetically, yourself, and the kindness radiating from the people of Rwanda,” McCallup said. “The food was amazing in every place, especially the barbeque we had in Rwanda.”
One of her favorite activities was going on a safari trip while in Rwanda. “We saw so many animals! Lions, zebras, elephants, hippos and so much more. It makes for an early morning and a long day, but it was so worth it!”
McCallup is adamant that all students should consider studying abroad and she encourages them to go to non-traditional places, such as Rwanda, the Czech Republic or even Vietnam. “Whether you are a fine arts major or a STEAM major, these trips and cultural experiences will benefit you every step of the way,” she said.
“Being in other countries makes us more empathetic to those around us. It makes us see the world differently and debunks stereotypes that we have about those places. Learning abroad makes us want to be life-long learners.”