study abroad - News - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Broadens Horizons Through Study Abroad in Uruguay

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock student Josh Wynne-Hudson spent part of his summer studying thousands of miles from home and came back with lessons that will shape his future career.

Wynne-Hudson, an ASL/English interpretation major from Joplin, Missouri and member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, spent five weeks in Montevideo, Uruguay, studying Latin American history and culture, the social dimensions of health in Latin America, and experiencing the country’s vibrant culture firsthand. He participated in the summer program at Universidad ORT Uruguay, the country’s largest private research university, in May and June.

“When I started looking into study abroad programs, I didn’t have a specific destination in mind,” Wynne-Hudson said. “Because my major is in American Sign Language, my options were more limited, but I wanted something that was culturally relevant and interesting. The more I learned about Uruguay — from its renewable energy efforts to its high literacy rate and great quality of life — the more I wanted to experience it for myself.”

The university’s study abroad program combined academic coursework with rich cultural immersion. Wynne-Hudson and his classmates toured Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja “Old City,” a historic area filled with art, architecture, and street vendors. They explored Sierra de Minas, where Wynne-Hudson faced his fears on a ziplining adventure and learned about Uruguay’s elaborate tea rituals by preparing yerba mate. Other excursions included visits to the Parliament building, the zoo, and several local food tastings.

“Montevideo is such a vibrant city,” he said. “You can walk around and find new events, new people, and new things to do every day. I especially loved the street markets, called ferias. I’m really into antiques, and I ended up finding a lot of antiques and vinyl records.”

Living in an apartment during his stay gave Wynne-Hudson a firsthand look at daily life in Uruguay as well as an opportunity to navigate language barriers.

“Living in a place where Spanish isn’t my first language was sometimes daunting, but it was also incredibly rewarding,” he said. “It pushed me to improve my communication skills and become more adaptable, which is really important in my future career.”

Wynne-Hudson said one of the most valuable parts of the experience was learning how to overcome communication challenges — a skill that’s essential for interpreters.

“This trip really helped me get more familiar with how to handle communication barriers,” he said. “That’s such an important part of interpreting, and it’s something I couldn’t have learned as effectively in a classroom.”

The experience also took Wynne-Hudson beyond Uruguay’s borders. He visited Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he toured museums and connected with Argentinian Sign Language interpreters.

“It was fascinating to see the similarities and differences in sign language use,” he said. “I recognized a lot of the signs, and talking with them gave me new insights into how sign language is used in other countries.”

For Wynne-Hudson, the trip was a transformative journey that expanded his worldview and prepared him for his future as an interpreter.

“Being immersed in another culture and navigating communication differences gave me tools that will help me throughout my career,” he said. “It would be amazing to go back someday with the benefit of hindsight and everything I learned on this trip.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock History Graduate Explores the Past and Future in Study Abroad Experience

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000

For Auriel Del Carmen, studying abroad at the University of Nottingham in England was more than just a chance to complete his final semester of college in a unique and unforgettable setting. It was an opportunity to see history come alive, build lifelong friendships, and gain the global perspective he hopes to bring into his future career.

Del Carmen, who graduated in August with his bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in information technology, spent January through June studying in England as part of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s direct exchange program with the University of Nottingham. The experience allowed him to dive deeper into his passion for history while preparing for the next step in his academic and professional journey.

“I plan to pursue a career working for government institutions, museums, or historical sites, and I’m also considering the public history graduate program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Del Carmen said. “Studying abroad gave me a new perspective on how history is taught, preserved, and experienced, and I know that will help me in my future career.”

During his semester abroad, Del Carmen took courses in Society and Culture in 18th Century England, Kingship in Crisis: Politics, People, and Power in Late-Medieval England, and Early Modern European History, along with an online course from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. He said that a lot of his learning took place beyond the classroom in the castles, museums, and archives that bring European history to life.

“I experienced history with my own eyes,” he said. “Visiting historical sites, walking through castles, and exploring museums gave me a deeper understanding than I could ever get from a textbook.”

The trip also gave Del Carmen valuable experience with archival research and historical interpretation, skills that will be essential in his future career.

“Studying abroad will definitely strengthen my resume,” he said. “A lot of history jobs require travel, and employers look for people who are adaptable and already have international experience.”

For Del Carmen, one of the most rewarding parts of his time abroad was the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

“I made new friends from the UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, and the Philippines,” he said. “It was amazing to share our cultures and learn from one another.”

He also immersed himself in British culture, trying traditional dishes like fish and chips and the full English breakfast, enjoying the lively pub scene, and sampling some of the country’s memorable Indian and other international cuisine.

“Having dinner with your friends at the catered hall is like dining at Hogwarts’ Great Hall,” he added.

Del Carmen made the most of his time abroad, traveling extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Within the UK, he visited Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge, Liverpool, Canterbury, Dover, Manchester, Cardiff, Newcastle, and London. He also joined the university’s Travel Society, which allowed him to take group trips with other international students at reduced costs. A highlight of the semester was visiting London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne.

“Edinburgh was one of my favorite places because of its atmosphere and history,” he said. “The old city center is hundreds of years old, and visiting Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish crown jewels was unforgettable. Amsterdam was also incredible. The canals, the scenery, and the historic sites were beautiful.”

Looking back, Del Carmen says the semester in Nottingham was one of the most transformative experiences of his life.

“I learned how to adapt, navigate new places, and live on my own,” he said. “I gained research skills and a better understanding of history and information technology that will help me in my career.”

Most importantly, he says, the experience gave him a new appreciation for the power of education and community.

“I want to thank my advisors and scholarship donors from the History Department and the Study Abroad Office for making this possible,” Del Carmen said. “And I want to thank all the friends I met in Nottingham for making it feel like a home away from home.”

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Braden Carr Builds Skills Through Summer Internship and Study Abroad in Scotland

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Braden Carr, a junior at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, had a summer filled with professional development and international learning opportunities that are helping prepare him for a career in public service.

Carr, a Paragould native, is a double major in political science and criminal justice and a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. This summer, he interned in the Little Rock office of , R-Ark., where he spent five weeks assisting with constituent services, writing letters, answering phone calls, and attending meetings with local leaders. He also accompanied staff members to community events across the state.

“I spent half of my time in the office and half of it out,” Carr said. “I would answer questions for constituents, help with casework, and go to meetings with mayors, state representatives, and different interest groups. My favorite part was meeting with members of the community and seeing the impact it makes. You don’t think about politicians going out and meeting with groups like Arkansas Disability Rights and hearing what their thoughts are on bills. Being able to help members of the community be heard was really meaningful.”

Carr said attending the was one of his most memorable moments. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Division of Rural Services, and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission host this conference so people can learn about programs and services available to assist rural communities and their leaders with development, planning, and revitalization efforts.

“It was my second day on the job, and I had a VIP lanyard,” he said. “It felt pretty special as an intern. I shadowed our field representative and took notes on the event.”

The internship gave Carr practical insight into how government functions at the local, state, and federal levels.

“I’ve learned how to interact with members of the community,” he said. “I want to serve the public, and this showed me how the public’s needs can be addressed by different levels of government. We’ve studied it in class but seeing it in action was really cool.”

Following his internship, Carr traveled abroad for a four-week summer program at the , where he studied international relations and comparative criminal justice.

“It was interesting to see international relations taught from a European perspective,” Carr said. “It helped me to think creatively and critically and to consider things from a different point of view. Meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds was also helpful. I got over my culture shock pretty fast, and it was amazing to build friendships with people from around the world.”

Carr’s time abroad included field trips to St. Andrews, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, as well as a tour of a decommissioned nuclear bunker. He also went hiking in the mountains around Stirling and sampled traditional Scottish dishes.

“I really enjoyed haggis and fish and chips,” Carr said. “My professor would teach us a Scottish word of the day, which was fun. Their accent changes a lot depending on where you are in Scotland, and it was interesting to hear how much of the Scots language is still part of everyday life.”

Carr credits the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program for supporting him throughout the process.

“The Donaghey Scholars program was a huge help in all of this,” he said. “They helped me plan and get into the study abroad program, and they also provided a recommendation for my internship. They made both of these amazing opportunities possible.”

Carr, who plans to graduate in May 2027, hopes to pursue a career working in policy or political campaigns.

“This summer showed me that I’m on the right path,” he said. “I want to keep serving the public and making sure people’s voices are heard.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Gains Global Perspective During Semester Abroad in Spain

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:08:00 +0000

A ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student spent the spring semester immersed in Spanish culture, where she gained experiences and life skills that she says will help her in any future career path.

Sofia Villegas, a junior management major from Cabot and a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, studied at the University of Sevilla in Sevilla, Spain, during the spring 2025 semester, through International Studies Abroad. She took courses in international business, intercultural management, international marketing, and Spanish language.

“My favorite part was becoming a local,” Villegas said. “By the end of my time in Sevilla, my day flowed. I was no longer seen as a tourist but as someone who knew their way around. I even got to the point where I was complaining about tourists interrupting the peace.”

She grew to love the city’s rhythm, especially afternoons spent in Maria Luisa Park, her favorite spot to study or relax after class.

“Sevilla is a much larger city than Little Rock, yet when I was in the park I felt as if I was in the countryside,” she said. “Having that space and peace in the middle of a busy city was amazing and I loved it.”

Villegas said the experience taught her valuable lessons about adapting to new environments and navigating cultural differences. These are skills she believes will serve her well in her future career.

“In today’s world, no matter what career field you are in, adaptation is extremely important,” she said. “Being thrown into Sevilla, I was forced to learn how to adapt. My entire environment changed, and I was by myself. I had to learn to network and adapt to the environment I was in.”

Villegas enjoyed trying Spanish food and adopting Sevilla’s café culture, where she often studied and met friends. She also noticed cultural differences, like how staring isn’t considered rude in Spain, while smiling at strangers immediately marked her as a foreigner.

During her semester abroad, she traveled widely, visiting cities across Spain as well as Gibraltar, Portugal, Malta, and Morocco. Highlights included Granada’s historic sites, island-hopping off the coast of Portugal, and visiting nomadic Berber communities in Morocco.

Looking back, Villegas said the study abroad experience was transformative.

“I believe anybody with the ability to study abroad 100% should, and that I would 100% do it again if I could,” she said.

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Emilia Berry Gains Hands-On Therapy Experience During Summer Abroad in Ireland

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:02:00 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock student Emilia Berry spent her summer overseas, where she gained invaluable experience that will shape her future career as a speech-language pathologist.

Berry, a junior communication sciences and disorders major from Bryant, interned at in Dublin, Ireland, the country’s national education campus for children with sight loss and other sensory impairments and disabilities. From June 28 to July 26, she worked in ChildVision’s equine-assisted therapy unit, where she learned to care for horses and assist in therapy sessions for children with complex disabilities.

“My main job was leading the horse during therapy sessions while the child rode and the therapist worked with them,” Berry said. “Through this, I got to observe many hours of therapy and many different therapeutic strategies. Watching the positive effects that this form of therapy provided to so many different kids brought me so much joy and really confirmed my passion for a career in therapy.”

Berry, who plans to graduate in May 2027 before pursuing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, said the experience opened her eyes to new possibilities in her field.

“Even though it wasn’t experience in the specific field of speech-language pathology, this internship helped expose me to and educate me on alternative forms of therapy,” she said. “The information and strategies I learned through this experience will influence my own clinical practice one day and have inspired me to continue researching equine-assisted therapy and other non-traditional forms of therapy in the speech-language pathology field.”

Outside of her internship, Berry enjoyed visiting Dublin’s museums, learning about Ireland’s history, and making new friends from around the world.

“Some of my favorite moments were just sitting and talking with the other American interns and the Irish volunteers,” she said. “We got to talk a lot about the differences between our cultures and countries, and I learned so much from them and made some really great friends.”

Berry also appreciated Ireland’s approach to work-life balance, noting that most shops, even in areas geared toward tourists, often closed by 6 p.m. so people could go home to enjoy time with their family and friends.

“I really respected and appreciated that about their pace of life and would love to bring some of that into my own life,” she said.

After finishing her internship, Berry traveled to Scotland, where she explored Edinburgh and Stirling before returning home. Looking back, she said the experience gave her both professional insight and personal growth.

“Getting to see and experience a child’s growth and success firsthand is something you don’t get to see in the classroom,” Berry said. “Studying abroad was such an amazing experience and really did change who I am for the better.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Skylar Boone Gains Global Perspective Through Summer Spent in Thailand

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Skylar Boone, senior graphic design major, spent her summer studying abroad in Thailand, where she says the experience gave her confidence, independence, and a new outlook that will help her grow personally and professionally.

Boone, a native of Little Rock, studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from June 29 to Aug. 10. While enrolled at Chiang Mai University, she took courses in psychology, sociology, and Thai language.

“At first I considered going somewhere in Europe to study abroad, since that’s where most people go,” Boone said. “But I wanted to do something a little different. My mom’s friend suggested Thailand, and after hearing about her experiences there, I thought it sounded amazing. It’s affordable, beautiful, and the people are really nice. I had never been to Southeast Asia, so I decided to step out of my comfort zone.”

While in Thailand, Boone immersed herself in the local culture. She practiced speaking Thai at restaurants and street markets, learned traditional greetings, and saw how Buddhism influences daily life in Thai culture.

“In Thailand, showing respect is very important,” Boone said. “When you greet people, you wai (a traditional Thai greeting), which means you put your hands together and bow. You bow lower depending on someone’s age or if they’re a monk. It was something new to learn, but I liked it once I got the hang of it. I also learned the saying ‘Mia pen rai,’ which means everything is impermanent or everything is okay. People in Thailand didn’t stress out or get mad easily. They were at peace, and that was really inspiring.”

Some of Boone’s favorite memories included making new friends, exploring nature, and trying local food. She described the beaches of Krabi as “so picturesque that it almost didn’t feel real, like something out of a postcard.” She also enjoyed a hike to a hill tribe village, where she sampled freshly grown coffee, and a kayaking trip through mangrove trees.

“The food was amazing and so affordable, and I miss it so much,” Boone said. “But what stood out the most to me was the people I met. I got along well with the other American students and made Thai friends at school. It was such a rewarding part of the trip to meet new people and learn about their lives.”

Boone said the experience taught her important life skills that will help in her future career in graphic design.

“I feel like it taught me a lot about independence and being out of my comfort zone,” she said. “At first, I felt totally out of my element, but I overcame that by talking to people and making friends. It’s important to do things that make you uncomfortable, because that’s how you grow. That’s the main lesson I took away.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches Workforce Development Center to Strengthen Career Pathways and Support Arkansas Industry

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has launched the Workforce Development Center, a new initiative designed to prepare students and professionals for career success while helping Arkansas businesses and industries meet their evolving workforce needs.

The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved the new center during its Sept. 26 meeting. Housed within the Office of Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Ann Bain, the Workforce Development Center brings together four existing units — Concurrent Enrollment, Corporate and Community Education, Study Abroad, and University Career Services — under one strategic umbrella. The goal is to enhance collaboration, optimize resources, and align the university’s efforts with state and regional workforce priorities.

“The Workforce Development Center gives us the unique opportunity to support learners from age 14 through retirement,” said Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development, who leads the new center. “Our mission is to equip students and professionals with the skills and credentials that employers are seeking while helping companies across Arkansas upskill their workforce. We want to start by actually listening to business and industry leaders in our community and design programs and certifications that they value and need. Workforce development cannot happen in silos.”

The Workforce Development Center will serve as a central hub for aligning academic programs with non-credit courses and expanding opportunities for learners. Among its priorities are:

· Expanding non-credit workforce pathways through Corporate and Community Education

· Developing new certificates of proficiency that meet industry needs

· Increasing internship opportunities through University Career Services

· Broadening career and technical education opportunities for high school students through Corporate and Community Education

· Creating tools for workforce data collection and assessment

· Evaluating prior learning assessment across the university

· Expanding global workforce experiences, such as global internships, through Study Abroad

· Supporting grant writing for workforce-related initiatives

Provost Bain said the creation of the center reflects ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s commitment to both student success and Arkansas’s economic vitality.

“This center is about more than connecting students with jobs,” Bain said. “It’s about strengthening Arkansas’s economy by preparing graduates to meet workforce demands, supporting employers in developing their talent pipelines, and creating opportunities that benefit entire communities.”

The Workforce Development Center will build upon the success of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Corporate Partnerships Program, which offers employees of partner companies a 10 percent tuition scholarship, a $25-per-credit-hour book scholarship, and a waived application fee. This fall alone, the program has seen nearly 475 enrollments from 130 corporate partners. Since 2022, more than 1,500 students have participated, generating an estimated financial impact of nearly $5 million.

The Workforce Development Center will also house the newly formed Workforce Development Center Council, a group of faculty, staff, and administrators from across the university. The council will meet regularly to share insights on workforce trends in their fields, ensuring the center’s initiatives remain responsive to changing needs in the state and region.

By uniting these efforts under one umbrella, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is positioned to help students succeed in their careers while supporting businesses and industries with the talent and training they need to grow.

“This is a space for collaboration,” Duvall said. “Whether you’re a student, alumni, or employer, we want to work together to make sure ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is providing the right pathways for Arkansas’s workforce now and in the future.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock invites community members, alumni, employers, and industry leaders to partner in shaping the future of workforce development in Arkansas. Those interested in sharing ideas, identifying workforce needs, or exploring partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact Duvall at aduvall@ualr.edu.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Art Students Explore Culture and Creativity in Japan

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Nineteen students from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s School of Art and Design spent two immersive weeks this summer studying contemporary Japanese art and culture in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Led by Professors Michele Noiset and Clark Valentine, the May 19-30 study abroad trip offered hands-on experiences with calligraphy, tea ceremonies, temple architecture, and modern art museums. The trip encouraged students to reflect on the intersections of tradition, technology, and visual storytelling.

“For me, the highlight was the cultural experiences,” said Clark Valentine, assistant professor of drawing. “Together, we visited numerous temples and shrines, each giving us valuable insights into Japanese history. These experiences helped us build a narrative of historical Japan while also seeing how our contemporaries are engaging with that history today. We had 19 students from our program participate, which made it even more meaningful.”

Funded in part by the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Study Abroad Fund, the program emphasized sketching, journaling, and cultural observation. Students were asked to identify a single aspect of Japanese culture that stood out to them, which they will translate into illustrated journals and podcasts in their upcoming coursework. Some of their work is on display on the third floor of the Windgate Center of Art and Design.

“The opportunity to travel to Japan was an incredible adventure,” said Noiset, assistant professor of illustration. “Our students were inspired not just by the art and architecture, but by how respectful and clean the cities were. It was an unforgettable experience for all of us.”

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who went on the trip include Jerry Anderson, Jason Bongfeldt, Savannah Brinkley, Scarlett Clements, Jacia Gilbert, Madelyn Hall, Emma Huey, Courtlyn Jenkins, Leianna King, Ariana Langley, Macey McLaughlin, Rocio Pantoja, Harlowe Phillips, Megan Rouse, Virginia Singleton, Jessie Steppe, Landon Tabor, Stormie Thirion, and Alexandro Vazquez.

The group’s busy itinerary included visits to the Tokyo National Museum, Mori Art Museum, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum, as well as historic sites like the Meiji Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Students participated in a calligraphy workshop, practiced the traditional tea ceremony, and even attended a Maiko performance in the Gion district.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock art and design students visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum during a study broad trip to Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Benjamin Krain.

“One activity that really stood out for me was the International Manga Museum we went to in Kyoto,” said Leianna King, a senior illustration major from North Little Rock. “To me, it was just so nice to see how something like manga—often considered a ‘lower art form’ in the U.S.—was respected enough to be housed in a museum.

King, who hopes to become a children’s book and graphic novel illustrator, was struck by the blending of nature with urban spaces in Tokyo.

“The most memorable parts of this trip for me were just the scenery of Tokyo itself,” King said. “I loved how flora interacts with the city. Despite being in a major metropolitan area, plants were everywhere: growing on the walls of buildings and covering fences. I was just memorized by simply looking out of the train windows, seeing everything from the cityscape to the mountains and rice fields.”

For graphic design student Virginia Singleton, the trip served as both a creative recharge and a deep lesson in cultural nuance.

“Navigating Tokyo’s rail system sharpened my instincts for intuitive design,” said Singleton, who plans to launch a freelance branding studio after graduation. “And things like the tea ceremony reinforced the importance of pacing and ritual. My future brand work can borrow that same mindful choreography to create memorable user experiences.”

Singleton also found value in the small moments, like getting ramen with classmates late at night or seeing Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” in person.

“It’s those sensory details—the smell of temple incense, the grain of handmade paper—that stick with me,” Singleton said. “They’re going to shape how I design moving forward.”

Despite their varied artistic interests spanning illustration, design, photography, and storytelling, each student came away with a deeper understanding of Japan’s balance of high-tech innovation and centuries-old traditions.

“Every activity taught us something about intention and respect,” Noiset said. “Whether it was mark-making in calligraphy or bowing at shrines, the experiences gave students a new lens for their creative work.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Business Students Explore Global Supply Chains and Culture in Argentina

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Ten ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, this May, gaining firsthand experience in global supply chain management.

Led by Professors Joe Felan and Otmar Varela from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Business, the May 15–24 study abroad program gave students the opportunity to explore international business practices while immersed in Argentinian culture. The trip included visits to banks and businesses, assignments analyzing global logistics, and cultural experiences that deepened their understanding of international markets.

“This class helps students understand the connection between a company’s supply chain strategy and its overall business strategy,” said Varela, professor of management. “Students learn how to evaluate and coordinate the movement of goods and services across international borders to gain a competitive advantage.”

Students on the trip included Tanisha Brown, Alberta Harper, Logan Hice, An Le, John Leonard, Karen Martinez Ibarra, Jamilyia Phillips, Nathaniel Todd, Paris Webb, and Nadia Young.

In addition to studying the economic climate and supply chain logistics of Argentina, students experienced everything from ranch excursions and tango shows to local cuisine and a professional soccer match. Each student completed daily journals, a case study or white paper, and a virtual presentation to reflect on their experience.

“The biggest takeaway from this trip is the people,” said Felan, associate professor of management. “Argentinians are incredibly friendly and passionate. Our students saw that passion not only in our business visits, but also at the fútbol match and tango performance.”

For senior Nadia Young, a business management major from Little Rock, the trip offered fresh inspiration for her future career in cosmetic product development.

“This trip gave me a deeper appreciation for global markets and how trends can vary by culture,” Young said. “Observing how people in Argentina approach self-expression and style have inspired me to think more inclusively and creatively about future products I’d like to develop.”

An Le, a senior studying management and marketing from Benton, found particular value in learning how Argentinian managers navigate challenges like high inflation and government instability.

“This study abroad trip has helped me explore a different culture and way of life,” Le said. “As someone who wants to work in international business one day, this helps me learn how people outside the U.S. conduct business and the way they communicate.”

Paris Webb, a junior from Mayflower, appreciated the opportunity to connect with fellow students and discover cultural differences through daily experiences.

“Even when I didn’t speak Spanish, people were nice and helpful,” she said. “I met some amazing people and made some great connections. We made even better memories.”

The group also bonded over food, especially Argentina’s beloved empanadas, and learned about local customs such as drinking mate, eating dinner at midnight, and sharing soda from glass bottles poured into personal cups.

“Before this trip, I didn’t realize how deep Argentina’s passion for soccer goes,” said Alberta Harper of Sheridan. “We even had our own friendly match with our classmates and professors, and I really enjoyed playing.”

Like many of her peers, Harper walked away with a deeper understanding of the challenges Argentinians face daily.

“They deal with uncertainty we in the U.S. take for granted,” Harper said. “They take their work seriously and have great pride in their life and work.

For Varela and Felan, the most rewarding part was seeing students grow through cultural exposure and curiosity.

“My favorite part is when students tell me they completely enjoyed the experience and hope to visit other countries in the future,” Felan said. “Dr. Varela and I hope we can open students up to the wonderful educational growth that comes from visiting other countries and cultures.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Students Explore Interfaith Connections and Cultural History During Study Abroad Journey Through Spain

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:20:00 +0000

A group of University of Arkansas at Little Rock students embarked on a transformative summer study abroad program that took them on an interfaith and intercultural journey through Spain, where they explored centuries of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic influence on Spanish history, politics, and identity.

Led by Dr. Rebecca Glazier, professor in the School of Public Affairs, and Dr. Avinash Thombre, professor of applied communication, the course, “,” took students to Spain. From May 20 to June 1, they traveled to Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Granada, and the Mediterranean coast city of Almuñécar, where they visited grand cathedrals and mosques to city squares layered with historical memory.

“Getting to meet with local government groups, non-profits, and religious organizations in Spain, visit historical sites, and have meaningful conversations about religion and interfaith connections made for an incredible experience,” Glazier said. “Our night tour of the Mezquita in Córdoba was especially powerful. It is a beautiful site, and hearing about how it was built as a mosque and later converted to a cathedral was important and heartbreaking.”

Through guided tours, academic readings, class discussions, museum visits, and conversations with local leaders and organizations like Casa Árabe and Arco Forum, the group explored themes such as convivencia (coexistence), religious freedom, and the legacy of colonialism and conflict.

“Given the complex history of Spain over the last 2,000 years, there is a wealth of information to explore and learn regarding intercultural and interfaith issues,” Thombre said. “By immersing themselves in the various historical sites of different cities in Spain, our students were exposed to the intricacies and interplay of culture, communication, politics, and faith. The transformative experience is an effort to sensitize our students to the fact that coexistence of our faiths and cultures is possible if we make an effort.”

The students who participated in the study abroad trip included Rory Abbott, Catherine Clevenger, Carlee Felty, Payten Free, Madelyne Hunter, Amirah Jackson, Bex Little, Mercy Macjones, Amaya Mendoza, Jeralyn Mitchell, and Suzy Velez.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students visit the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain.

For students like Amaya Mendoza, a sophomore political science major, the program offered invaluable preparation for a future career in public policy.

“This trip offered a deep dive into the intersections of religion, politics, and cultural identity,” Mendoza said. “It broadened my global perspective and helped me think critically about real-world challenges related to diversity and inclusion. Visiting places like Casa Árabe and leading a discussion on veil bans gave me the opportunity to reflect on the real impacts of policy decisions on people’s lives.”

Madelyne Hunter, a political science senior, said the trip gave her new perspective on the histories and cultures that shape modern society.

“I care a lot about the atmosphere of a place,” she said. “The architecture, the scenery, the cathedrals—it was all unforgettable. Learning that the concept of veiling isn’t actually inherent to Islam was surprising and being able to reflect on that while visiting mosques made the learning experience much deeper.”

For Suzy Velez, a 67-year-old studio art major and full-time student, the journey was as much about personal transformation as academic enrichment.

“Spain has long been my dream destination, and being there inspired me,” Velez said. “From museums to mosques, churches, and cathedrals, each place left its mark. The most powerful moment for me was visiting the Jewish Quarter in Córdoba and learning how entire families were buried in mass graves during the Inquisition. It wasn’t just a history lesson—it was a loss that felt personal.”

Velez described the trip as “soul work” that will continue to inspire her as an artist.

Students also explored Spanish cuisine, engaged in a tile workshop, saw a flamenco performance in Granada, and even swam in the Mediterranean Sea. Their travels were enriched by daily academic discussions and reflection, both in-person and through blog posts shared with the broader community. The course emphasized cultural immersion, empathy, and critical reflection.

“I’m returning home more open-minded, more curious, and more committed to fostering dialogue and understanding across differences,” Mendoza said. “This wasn’t just about studying abroad; it was about becoming a better global citizen.”

The students will host a public event titled, “Interfaith in Action: How Spain’s Religious History Can Impact Little Rock’s Future,” at 6 p.m. Monday, July 21, at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown, 333 President Clinton Ave. Panelists Rev. Patricia Matthews of the Interfaith Center, Dr. Ali Khan of the Madina Institute, and Hon, Annabelle Imber Tuck of Congregation of B’nai Israel will join students and guests for a community conversation. The event includes a student slideshow of the study abroad trip and light refreshments. For details, contact Glazier at raglazier@ualr.edu.

The post ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Students Explore Interfaith Connections and Cultural History During Study Abroad Journey Through Spain appeared first on News.

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