Study Abroad

Summer 2024

Journeys Seminar: Hawaii Field Study

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Taught by Instructor Ava Fujimotto-Strait, Summer 2024 Study Abroad in Hawaii is the latest Study Abroad opportunity from Elliott T. Bowers Honors College:
     Our Honors Hawaii Field Seminar offered an immersive blend of classroom learning and field experience on the Big Island. After studying Hawaiian culture, history, and environmental diversity, we embarked on a week-long journey exploring diverse landscapes and culturally significant sites. We hiked through a caldera and lava tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visited the Green Sand Beach, paid respects at an ancient heiau, and participated in open mic night in the paniolo town of Waimea. The lush Hamakua Coast provided a stark contrast to our ascent of Mauna Kea, where we gained insights into the significance of indigenous celestial knowledge and sacred sites. The highlight was our community engagement project with Pohaha I Ka Lani in Waipio Valley, where we volunteered in an ancient taro field. This experience deepened our understanding of traditional Hawaiian life and the concept of malama 'aina (caring for the land), while allowing us to contribute meaningfully to the local community. Above all, the deep connections forged among our group members, along with our shared memories and consumption of local grindz, have definitely created a lasting bond. A hui hou!!!!
- Ava Fujimotto-Strait, instructor
 
     Participating in this field course was an eye-opener and a humbling experience.  The islands' beautiful landscapes, diversified ecosystems, and rich cultural past made for an unmatched learning environment.   Having this field course made many learning experiences much more enjoyable and memorable.  Learning about the island’s history beforehand and visiting it to see its current state was a very rewarding experience.   I had a very shallow knowledge of Hawaii before the course and this course helped me review and expand my knowledge. 

     Beyond the academics, this course helped me mature and strengthen my beliefs seeing that many truths hold around the world, despite the language or culture.  Living with about 20 other people was an extremely fun and growing experience.  Learning how to compromise and behave selflessly was something that helped me grow.  I’ve made many friends and memories that I will never forget.  This field course was truly changing.
- Josiah Nimmons, student
The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College would like to thank Ava and John Fujimotto for teaching this course.

Summer 2023 

Journeys Seminar: Africa Field Study

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During the Summer 2023 semester, Dr. Jeffrey Wozniak, Dr. Samuel Adu-Prah, and Dr. Willis Oyugi led a field study to the Ghana and Kenya Africa! Students enrolled in this course will be earning 3 hours of Honors seminar credit going towards their Honors requirements. 

Traveling to Ghana and Kenya was a transformative journey that exceeded all of my expectations. I went into the trip excited to learn about the geography, culture, and history of these two beautiful countries, but I came back with so much more - new friendships and a fresh perspective on the world. 

Each day offered something new, from interacting with the locals to visiting historical sites. The guides, who were proud representatives of their heritage, made the experience even more profound with their passion and hospitality, leaving a lasting impression on our study abroad group.

One of the things that had the greatest impact on me was seeing how the people in Ghana and Kenya embraced life with joy and gratitude. The locals greeted us with warmth and kindness, making us feel like part of their community. In Ghana, was where I truly felt immerse in the daily lives of the locals, allowing me to experience their traditions, values, and sense of community. In Kenya, immersing myself in the Maasai culture and witnessing the relationship between wildlife and humans was incredible. 

I've realized that some of the most valuable lessons don't come from books but from interacting with people from different walks of life. This journey has made me more thoughtful, and I know it will influence how I approach my education and future experiences. 

- Victoria Camarillo, student

The summer 2023 study abroad in Africa was a wonderful opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of  the relationship between various African environments and cultures. We traveled all the way across Ghana, from the southern coast to the northern boarder with Burkina Faso.  Along the way we learned about the various environments, histories, and cultures of varied regions of the country.  In Kenya we were in residence at the Mpala Research Station where we spent time on safari learning about the incredible flora and fauna of the region and even climbed up over 12,000ft on Mount Kenya.  In both countries we sought to learn how the African environments mesh with local cultures, we explored the slavery and its legacy, and examined environmental history along the way.

- Jeffrey Wozniak, instructor 

The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Wozniak, Dr. Samuel Adu-Prah, and Dr. Willis Oyugi for teaching this course.

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The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College

Academic Building IV Suite 202 | Box 2479 | Huntsville, Texas 77341-2479

Phone: (936) 294.1477 | Email: honors@shsu.edu