Study Abroad Symposium

The Study Abroad Symposium is an initiative started in 2023 to showcase the learning, intercultural experiences, growth, and impact of participating in study abroad programs through conference-style presentations and sessions. The Symposium is held each Fall semester and open to all members of the UIC community.

Presenters include both UIC faculty who have led Faculty-Directed programs and students who have studied abroad. Past session topics have included:

  • How experiences abroad helped further students' personal, professional, and academic goals
  • High-impact experiences during study abroad programs that led to increased intercultural competence
  • How participation in a study abroad program went beyond tourism and how students engaged with the local culture
  • Innovation in faculty-directed study abroad programming

Navigate below to explore past session information and view copies of the presentation slides for each.

Click here to view the Fall 2024 event program and session descriptions! Heading link

Fall 2024 Presentations Heading link

If I Knew Then What I Know Now - Reflections of a

If I Knew Then What I Know Now – Reflections of a “Newbie” Faculty-Directed Program in Siena, Italy

Presenter: Professor Carmen Ochoa Galindo

The focus of this session was  to reflect on Professor Ochoa Galindo’s experience in leading a faculty-led program for the first time, how she was able to recruit students and be the first faculty to get the minimum number of students for the program to be carried out. This session also shared Professor Ochoa Galindo’s experience in dealing with two students who left the program within a few days of arriving to Italy and what I learned from that experience.

 

View the presentation slides here.

Language and Social Justice in Oaxaca for Spanish Heritage Speakers

Language and Social Justice in Oaxaca for Spanish Heritage Speakers

Presenter: Ana Rodriguez Gallego

Session Description: On this panel we will discuss our program in Oaxaca, Mexico, which is specially designed for heritage Spanish speakers — bilinguals who have been in contact with Spanish through their homes. Multiple experiences allow students to build on their Spanish while participating in artistic and cultural events. We also focus critically on issues of bilingualism and social justice, and reflect on the unique positionalities invoked when a person is seen as “Mexican” (or “Ecuadorian, ” “Dominican, ” “Puerto Rican, ” “Guatemalan” , etc.) in the U.S., but they are seen as “American” in Latin America. The panelists have participated in this program and are majoring in different areas at UIC, and will discuss how the program helped further their goals.

 

View the presentation slides here.

Negocios in Europe!

Negocios in Europe!

Presenter: Ruben Ramos

Session Description: Join Ruben in his story about how he spent his summer in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he spent a month refining his knowledge of the business world by conducting a case study on H&M through the lens of international strategy. In his presentation, he will break down his perspective on how his journey changed his life and go through how he felt as a Latino in Europe, share his hands-on experience with the European business world, provide insight into the fast-fashion industry as a whole, and share how a first-generation commuter student from the south side of Chicago even made it there in the first place. Of course, Ruben will also share the fun things he did
throughout my trip; the countries and cities he visited in Europe are as follows: Denmark, where he stayed in Copenhagen. Germany, where he visited Frankfurt
and Cologne. England, where he visited London and Oxford.

 

View the presentation slides here.

Chicago Classrooms to Tokyo Tower

Chicago Classrooms to Tokyo Tower

Presenters: Hadeel Banibaker and Rahaf Mohamed

Session Description: Going to Japan taught me how to navigate a newcountry, boosting my confidence in problem-solving and independence. I developed vital skills like adapting to new transportation systems and overcoming language barriers. I gained unique experiences and discovered similarities between my own culture and Japanese culture. These realizations made challenges seem less daunting and enriched my personal growth, leaving me more open to trying new things.

Studying abroad enhanced my professional growth through international exposure and cultural understanding. It improved my language and communication skills, introduced me to global career opportunities, and allowed me to network with professionals and students while visiting international campuses. I gained fresh perspectives and insights I hadn’t imagined before.

 

View the presentation slides here.

College Success in a Global Context: Fostering Cross-Cultural Awareness for First-Generation Students Abroad

College Success in a Global Context: Fostering Cross-Cultural Awareness for First-Generation Students Abroad

Presenters: Dr. Jennifer Olson, Arthi Rao, Luna Valderrama, Jose Diaz, Africa Handley, Drew Gambino-Smith, Yazmin Martinez Baltazar, and Nicolaus Wilburn

Session Description: This panel will begin with an overview of the First Year Flames Abroad program, highlighting how its design fosters intercultural competence and cross-cultural awareness. A collaboration between the College of Education, the Study Abroad Office, and the Office of New Student and Family Programs, this program offers a unique study abroad opportunity specifically tailored for newly admitted first-year students, with an emphasis on first-generation college students. Participants travel to Costa Rica with UIC faculty and staff for an immersive short-term experience focused on global learning and sustainability. The program also includes a fall semester seminar, “College Success and Leadership in a Global Context,” which builds on the knowledge gained abroad and prepares students for academic success at UIC. The panel will feature students from two years of the program who will share their personal insights on how the experience enhanced their intercultural competence and cross-cultural awareness, offering diverse perspectives from across different majors.

 

View the presentation slides here.

Learning Across Cultures: Student Perspectives on the Personal and Professional Impact of Study Abroad

Learning Across Cultures: Student Perspectives on the Personal and Professional Impact of Study Abroad

Presenters: Dr. Jennifer Olson, Jacky Marchan, Monique Arguello, and Felipe Costa Neves

Session Description: This session will showcase students’ perspectives on how studying abroad offers unique educational experiences that contribute
to their academic, professional, and personal growth. The session will begin with an introduction to The College of Education’s study abroad program, Education, Globalization, and the Child in Brazil, which explores how childhood and educational experiences are shaped by regional, national, and cultural contexts. The program features online sessions with Brazilian partners to prepare students for their immersive experience abroad, where they visit schools and universities to conduct comparative
analyses and critically examine the influence of globalization on education and childhood. Students will share how their participation enhanced their academic learning, expanded their professional horizons, and fostered personal development, offering diverse insights into the transformative impact of studying abroad.

 

View the presentation slides here.

The French Experience

The French Experience

Presenter: G Muntu

Session Description: Join me as I share my transformative study abroad experience in France! This session will take you through the exciting, challenging, and life-changing aspects of studying in one of Europe’s most culturally rich countries. I’ll provide an inside look at how living and studying in France expanded my academic horizons and reshaped my
personal growth. You’ll hear firsthand stories about adjusting to the French university system, navigating cultural differences, and enhancing my language skills. I’ll share how I embraced new experiences, from exploring historic landmarks to engaging with locals, all while balancing the demands of student life. One of the key themes I’ll focus on is the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. From managing language barriers to overcoming homesickness, the challenges I faced helped me grow in ways I never anticipated. I’ll talk about how these experiences built my resilience, independence, and adaptability—skills that will benefit me in my future career.

 

View the presentation slides here.

How Study Abroad Impacted our Identities and Career Paths

How Study Abroad Impacted our Identities and Career Paths

Presenters: Claire Dombrowski and Aubrey Hennig

Session Description: In today’s interconnected world, the value of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone has never been greater. Study abroad experiences are not just about traveling to new places—they’re about transformation, both personally and professionally. This session will delve into how our journeys abroad reshaped our sense of self and opened doors to unexpected opportunities. We will share how our study abroad experiences challenged our identities and helped refine our career paths. We’ll start with a glimpse of who we were before going abroad—our career goals, aspirations, and sense of identity at that time. We’ll reflect on how these initial ideas were radically transformed as we immersed ourselves in new cultures and pushed past the boundaries of our familiar environments. A key focus of the session will be on how study abroad can be a catalyst for career and identity development. We’ll discuss the academic and professional skills we gained while going abroad to a foreign country, including how cross-cultural communication and adaptability shaped our professional growth. Whether it was learning a new language, acquiring unique skills, or simply seeing our career goals in a new light, we’ll explore the direct link between these experiences and our eventual career trajectories.

Beyond career development, we’ll explore the profound personal growth that comes with navigating a new culture. From overcoming our cultural norms to learning how to adapt in unfamiliar settings, these moments of challenge became turning points that increased our confidence, independence, and resilience. We’ll share the lasting impact these experiences have had on our sense of identity, how we view ourselves in a global context, and how our values have evolved. This session will also provide practical advice for students considering studying

abroad. We’ll highlight key takeaways from our journeys and offer tips on how to maximize the experience, from making meaningful connections to embracing the inevitable challenges along the way. Whether you are a student curious about what studying abroad could offer, or someone interested in understanding how international experiences can shape one’s career and identity, this session will leave you inspired and motivated. We’ll close with a motivational message on the power of stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown.

If you are looking for a deeper understanding of how studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, and how it can profoundly influence both personal and professional growth, we invite you to attend our session. Let our stories spark your curiosity and encourage you to see the world—and yourself—in a new light.

 

View presentation slides here.

From Classroom to Culture: Personal Growth Through Study Abroad

From Classroom to Culture: Personal Growth Through Study Abroad

Presenter: Drew Gambino
Session Description: The focus of my session will be on my overall experience with the Costa Rica study abroad program and how it can truly benefit others. You can learn so much by experiencing the outside world and I think that it is something that anyone can benefit from.

 

View presentation slides here.

Somos Boricuas: Echoing the Voices of the Island

Somos Boricuas: Echoing the Voices of the Island

Presenters: Anissa Camacho, Yaritza Rodriguez, and Daniel Rivera
Session Description: Hurricane Maria was a category 5 hurricane that swept through the island of Puerto Rico in 2017, destroying everything in its path. The total damages averaged out a total of 91.6 billion dollars. The aftermath of Hurricane Maria’s fatalities was a total of 4,645 Puerto Ricans. The aftermath of its destruction was given plenty of media attention worldwide on the neglect of the United States government in addressing the natural disaster and the aid needed by its citizens. Many fellow Americans are still unclear about the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico. We hope to change that by echoing the voices of Puerto Ricans who welcomed us to conversations on their experience during the hurricane and their current situations.

Learning from Puerto Rico: Environmental, Economic, and Political Challenges for the Future is an immersive study abroad program that explores the history of the island and the current issues that have been intensified due to climate change. We were welcomed by scientists, scholars, politicians, community activists, and artists who shared how Hurricane Maria allowed the faults to be shown in their infrastructure and governance. We want to bring awareness to the lack of knowledge of the Puerto Rican’s lived experiences.

Studying Abroad as a Health Professional Student

Studying Abroad as a Health Professional Student

Presenters: Gwyneth Franck, Helen Melaki, and Kirsten Castle

Session Description: Health care professional students rarely have the opportunity to study abroad due to rigorous academic requirements, internship opportunities, or other personal or financial difficulties preventing their participation. Additionally, training health professional students abroad, especially in low or middle income countries, can present additional logistical and ethical challenges. However, it is imperative for health care professionals to understand and experience different environments, cultures, and ways of providing health care to properly prepare them for the healthcare needs of those both here and abroad. This session will discuss several different approaches to training and involving current and future heath care students in international educational experiences, and tips for students and faculty who are interested in
participating or leading their own trips.

 

View presentation slides here.

Tokyo at 20

Tokyo at 20

Presenters: Fatima Jassim and Arya Aitipamula
Session Description: Learn about what it’s like to study abroad in Tokyo in your 20s with your friends! As an engineering major and first-generation college student, I wasn’t planning on study abroad when I first enrolled but after going on this program I have definitely learned how life-changing the experience is. I will discuss what daily life in Tokyo was like, traveling around the country, trying new foods, and the cultural knowledge I gained as well as the little differences I noticed in Japan. I will also speak about my expectations vs reality and what helped me prepare the most.

 

View the presentation slides here.

Reclaiming Space: the Transformative Impact of Study Abroad on Black Identity

Reclaiming Space: the Transformative Impact of Study Abroad on Black Identity

Presenter: Alyssa Adams

For many, studying abroad represents a life-changing experience, but for Black students, it can mean so much more—a chance to reclaim space, redefine identity, and challenge the narratives that often confine us. This roundtable invites you to engage with the transformative power of studying abroad, particularly for students of color, as we explore how stepping into unfamiliar environments can empower individuals to break free from societal expectations and expand their global capabilities.

As a Black woman, my journey abroad was not just about learning a new culture but about reclaiming space in environments where I was often underrepresented and learning how to navigate new, empowering identities. This session will spark a conversation on how Black students, in particular, face unique challenges and opportunities during study abroad experiences and how these experiences can inspire personal and professional growth that extends far beyond the borders of home.

We’ll reflect on what it means to step outside societal confines, take control of one’s narrative, and occupy spaces that weren’t always designed with us in
mind. Through storytelling and discussion, attendees will be encouraged to think critically about the role of study abroad in fostering resilience, intercultural competence, and global awareness.

Whether you are curious about the more profound impact of studying abroad or passionate about advocating for more inclusive opportunities in global education, this session offers a platform to rethink what it means to reclaim space—both physically and symbolically. Join us for an inspiring conversation about identity, empowerment, and how crossing borders can help us transcend limitations that the world often tries to impose.

 

View presentation slides here.

First Year Flames Abroad: First Generation College Students’ Perspectives & Experiences

First Year Flames Abroad: First Generation College Students’ Perspectives & Experiences

Dr. Jennifer Olson, Estrella Andrade, Lupe Bautista, Illeane Cecilio, Claire Dombrowski, Diego Flores, Yan Kyaw, Martin Sanchez

Session Description: The panel will begin with an overview of the First Year Flames Abroad program to set the stage for how the program design contributes to building intercultural competence and cross-cultural awareness. The panel will include student participants across two years of the program, who will share their experiences in the program, and specifically how the program helped build intercultural competence and cross-cultural awareness. Panel participants include students across multiple majors to highlight various perspectives and experiences in the program.

View the presentation slides here.

Study Abroad: Expectations Vs Reality

Study Abroad: Expectations Vs Reality

Presenters: Brianna James and Rahaf Mohamed

Session Description: This session explored the similarities and differences between the presenters’ expectations prior to departing for their programs in Botswana and Thailand and the reality once they arrived in-country.

View the presentation slides here.

 

Transcending Horizons: Fostering Personal Growth Abroad

Transcending Horizons: Fostering Personal Growth Abroad

Presenter: Mandeeq Ali

Session Description: In this presentation, I will be taking a deep dive into how studying abroad promotes self growth. Both in an educational/ professional setting, and also in a social setting. Learning about your host countries culture history. As well as the cultures in surrounding countries give you an insight into what life really is like all around the world. As a person whose major is Communication, I can say that study abroad helped me learn about the different types of relationships people have overseas and here in the United States.

View the presentation slides here.

 

Unlocking Global Horizons: Studying Ecology, Conservation, and Marsupials in Australian Rainforests

Unlocking Global Horizons: Studying Ecology, Conservation, and Marsupials in Australian Rainforests

Presenter: Daniel Liu

Session Description: The School for Field Studies: Marsupials of Australia offers a unique program model that revolves around place-based centers, an innovative interdisciplinary curriculum, fieldwork emphasis, and student cohort structures. Located in the heart of the rainforests of Queensland, there is no better place to study Australian flora and fauna, as well as the effects that environmental changes have on them. Through high-impact activities such as field experience and community service, I learned about Australian marsupials, interacted with local communities, and most importantly, embarked on a journey of exploration, service, and self-discovery that undoubtedly left me forever changed. The importance of these activities in shaping personal interests and fueling future aspirations quickly became apparent to me, and my session will discuss this impact.”

View the presentation slides here.

Advancing Students’ Academic, Professional, and Personal Goals Through Study Abroad

Advancing Students’ Academic, Professional, and Personal Goals Through Study Abroad

Presenters: Dr. Jennifer Olson, Anissa Comas, Ivan Garay

Session Description: This panel will highlight students’ perspectives of their study abroad experiences with specific attention to how studying abroad contributed to their academic, professional,and/or personal development. The panel will begin with an overview of The College of Education study abroad program Education, Globalization, and the Child in Brazil. The program examines the experiences of childhood and how educational experiences are often contextualized by region, country, and culture. The program includes online sessions with Brazilian partners to introduce students to Brazilian education and set the stage for the study abroad experience. While in Brazil, students visit schools and universities to engage in ongoing comparative analysis and critically examine the influence and impact of globalization on childhood, schooling, and education. The panel will include student participants across two years of the program, who will share their experiences in the program, and specifically how the program helped further their academic, professional, and/or personal development. Panel participants include students across multiple majors to highlight various perspectives and experiences in the program.”

View the presentation slides here.

Language and Social Justice in Oaxaca for Spanish Heritage Speakers

Language and Social Justice in Oaxaca for Spanish Heritage Speakers

Presenters: Dr. Kim Potowski, Ana Rodríguez Gallego, Citlalli Santiago, Yaritza Rodriguez, and Vanessa Delgado

Session Description: On this panel we will discuss our program in Oaxaca, Mexico, which is specially designed for heritage Spanish speakers — bilinguals who have been in contact with Spanish through their homes. Multiple experiences allow students to build on their Spanish while participating in artistic and cultural events. We also focus critically on issues of bilingualism and social justice, and reflect on the unique positionalities invoked when a person is seen as “Mexican” (or “Ecuadorian,” “Dominican,” “Puerto Rican,” “Guatemalan”, etc.) in the U.S., but they are seen as “American” in Latin America. The panelists have participated in this program and are majoring in different areas at UIC, and will discuss how the program helped further their goals.

View the presentation slides here.

Discovering Language and Exploring Black Identity in Study Abroad

Discovering Language and Exploring Black Identity in Study Abroad

Presenter: Amber Lewis

Session Description: This session will demonstrate how students’ extracurricular interests can inform and lead to meaningful participation in a study abroad program with a specific focus on language learning. Additionally, comparative perspectives about how other cultures connect with and celebrate Black history, traditions, and customs using Brazil as a case study.

View the presentation slides here.

“Oh the Places You’ll Go” - Utilizing Study Abroad

“Oh the Places You’ll Go” – Utilizing Study Abroad

Presenters: Emmagrace Fuhler and Elizabeth Villarreal

Session Description: Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity that takes you out of your comfort zone and allows you to embrace a new world full of opportunities and experiences. However, these experiences can be difficult to navigate and hard to apply to your future goals. In this session, we will explore how to utilize your time wisely to improve skills and get the most out of your study abroad experience. We will then discuss how these experiences can further your professional and educational goals. Join us as we navigate critical concepts about personal growth, cultural perspective, and career goals.

View the presentation slides here.