Learning without borders: YSU students expand global perspectives through study abroad programs

This past spring break, students from various colleges at Youngstown State University had the opportunity to learn and experience life abroad. Courses offered through the Williamson College of Business Administration and the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education gave students real-world exposure to international culture, and memories that will last a lifetime.

IB Field Study Tour LDN Paris

The Williamson College of Business Administration’s IB Field Study Tour LDN Paris class spent spring break in London and Paris, offering 25 students hands-on exposure to international business practices and global cultures.

The study abroad experience, led by professors Michelle Green, John Rossi and Doori Song, combined academic instruction with experiential learning, including a company visit to Danone, a French multinational food products corporation. During the visit, students learned about global marketing strategies, sustainability initiatives and the company’s B Corp certification.

“I would not have had the opportunity to visit Danone and learn about their sustainability efforts without studying abroad,” one student said. “It was eye-opening to see how international companies integrate social responsibility into their business models.”

In addition to business-focused learning, students engaged with daily life abroad, navigating public transportation systems and exploring cultural norms in both cities. Many students noted that experiencing these differences firsthand helped challenge assumptions and broaden their worldviews.

“Being in a different country showed me that while cultures may differ, people are more alike than we often realize,” another student said.

Cultural experiences such as visiting historic landmarks and traveling alongside classmates further enhanced the trip’s impact. Students described moments like seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night and exploring world-renowned sites as highlights of the trip.

Overall, the course helped students build confidence, adaptability and a stronger understanding of global business and cultural intersection.

Psychology in Historical and Cultural Context: Study Abroad in London

Students in the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education traveled to London as part of their Psychology in Historical and Cultural Context: Study Abroad in London course. The experience allowed students to study psychology where much of its modern foundation was shaped, and much like the WCBA trip, it combined academic instruction with cultural immersion.

Led by professors Jeffrey Coldren and David Fruehstorfer, the trip included visits to landmarks such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum and the Houses of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster. The itinerary also included excursions to Stonehenge and the Roman Baths, providing a broader historical context beyond the city.

A key academic component of the program was a visit to the Sigmund Freud Museum, paired with a lecture at University College London. These experiences allowed students to explore psychological theories and topics, including areas of study less commonly emphasized in the United States.

“Academically, we listened to talks on many branches of psychological study that are rarely discussed in the U.S.,” one student said. “Personally, my perspective changed through a sense of independence. This was my first time being out of the country without my family, and it gave me a sense of freedom.”

Students were also encouraged to engage with the city independently, experiencing London’s culture through architecture, museums, food and daily life. For one participant, a moment at Westminster Abbey became a lasting reflection.

“I realized I was so focused on watching my steps that I hadn’t looked up to see the stained glass and architecture above me,” the student said. “After that, I made a point to be more present and fully experience the country around me.”

By studying psychology within its historical and cultural context, the course helped students deepen their understanding of the field while building independence and global awareness.

Costa Rica Ecosystems Field Ecology

Students from the College of STEM had the opportunity to visit Costa Rica over spring break as part of their Costa Rica Ecosystems Field Ecology course, gaining hands-on research experience in tropical environments. Led by professors Carl and Gloria Johnston, the program took 13 students to La Selva Biological Station.

While based at the research station, students lived in shared cabins and conducted intensive fieldwork in a rainforest setting. They worked in groups on research projects examining the effects of human impact on tropical plant and animal diversity, as well as aquatic microbiology and chemistry in tropical rivers. Days were spent collecting data in the field, followed by evening data analysis in laboratories and classrooms at the station.

“It was an amazing experience getting to apply what we’ve learned in class to real field research in one of the most biodiverse places in the world,” one student said.

In addition to academic research, students participated in guided educational activities, including a night tour of the rainforest and an excursion on the Sarapiquí River. The program also included travel to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, where students experienced ecosystems distinct from the rainforest environment.

While on the coast, students visited waterfalls, snorkeled with tropical marine life and explored the forest through ziplining excursions. These experiences reinforced their understanding of biodiversity, conservation and environmental adaptation. For many students, the trip marked their first time traveling outside the United States, granting them new perspectives that they otherwise may not have gained.

“Seeing the biodiversity up close made me realize how important conservation truly is,” another student said.

Through the course, the students were able to build skills in research planning, data analysis and scientific presentation. They will present their findings from the trip at this semester’s STEM Showcase on April 18.

Together, these study abroad experiences gave YSU students the opportunity to grow academically, personally and professionally by engaging with the world beyond the classroom. Through hands-on learning, cultural immersion and global exploration, students developed skills, built confidence and gained new perspectives that they will carry with them throughout their personal and professional lives.

YSU will continue to offer study abroad experiences, with more information available on the study abroad website.