Previous Destinations

Student Reflections on Abroad Experiences in 2019

GEL South Korea

GEL Cuba

Business and nursing students traveled to Havana, Cuba to explore entrepreneurship and healthcare.

GCP 2019

Students, faculty, and staff travel to Greece, Mozambique, New Zealand, Thailand, Greece, and Cuba over spring break!

Student Reflections on Abroad Experiences in 2018

Uyen Tran | Doctor of Physical Therapy, ’20

“Today, my GCP group and I visited a university class in Spain that was learning the English language. It was so easy to connect with these students no matter our backgrounds, ages, and beliefs. I had such a great time learning about these students and connecting to them on a level that I have never thought I could with someone in a different country. I felt like I was able to open myself up to these students and express myself in so many different was through my conversations with them. To be able to do that in a foreign country is a privilege to me and I can’t express how much I love my experience in Spain!”

Colleen Preuninger | Youth Theology Institute Director

“Today we took a 6.5 hour, 14 mile bike tour (I almost died, but didn’t), and a tango lesson. Our GCP group learned what it means to encourage one another when we’re at our limit—and how to work as a team. I am sunburned and tired, and grateful for the day in Uruguay!”

Kit Gould | Sport Management ’18

“I think the coolest thing I’ve seen so far has to be the training for the Biathlon and all the athletes. I couldn’t tell you who they are, but just seeing all of them in action is pretty exciting. Normally I’m at home watching the Olympics on the television but to actually be here in person is so different and thrilling. Once in a lifetime,” “Thrilling,” “Humbling,” “Unforgettable,” “Exhilarating.”

See More of the 2018 Olympics Trip

Sarah Macias ’19 | Biology Major with a Chemistry Minor

“I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in GCP. My group was on the Rwanda trip and it was life changing. We learned how a completely culture lived and even experienced it for ourselves. It was truly amazing to see a beautiful part of Africa in both the people and the scenery.”

Student Reflections on Abroad Experiences in 2017

Maddie Albornoz | Public Health ’18

“My experience is absolutely incredible. I have made really incredible friends, like friends that I’m closer to than people I’ve known since elementary school. I’m so thankful I came alone from SU it really forced me to branch out and stretch my comfort zone a bit. I’m actually going to Paris this weekend with a group of 13 Americans for my birthday! Class has been interesting. I still haven’t had my first assignment graded, which is so strange. I’m still unclear what the lecturers expectations are, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out eventually. I participate a lot because my professors really value that American perspective. More than anything this experience is showing me a lot about myself and who I am as a person, without the external pressure of expectations that have been set on me ever since I got to university. I’m excited to meet up with some of the girls traveling here next semester and really preparing them for the experience!”

Belize GEL Team | Nursing & Public Health Students

Kenya Clinical Rotations | Physical Therapy

Jamaica Field Service Project | Melodie Madison, Music Therapy

“An enriching experience made both possible by both the students and the staff we worked with. We embraced both responsibilities and opportunities to develop as individuals, with the supervision of the staff. I have made a great number of friends who share an equal passion for serving and caring for others. Also, the experience enhanced my belief of music therapy’s beauty and its impact on people, despite where one comes from. The trip was very rich in digging deeper our understanding of the cultural and philosophical aspects of Jamaica’s roots and music.”

Student Reflections on Abroad Experiences in 2016

Amanda Kicker | Biology & Secondary Education, ’18

“GEL Poland was the best experience of my life! The trip’s focus was on learning about about how special education services are delivered in Poland now that the country has signed on to the U.N.’s Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Dr. Painter made sure that each of the attendees learned something about their specific field whether it be nursing or history related,” Kicker said. I recently changed my major and this trip made me sure of my decision to study education. Not only did we travel to three different schools working towards inclusion, but we traveled to Krakow to Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps. The history in a book or in a movie is nothing compared to walking where those prisoners walked.”

Lora-Maria Koytcheva | Psychology, ’19

“My most memorable part of the GEL trip to Fiji titled “Fiji: The Happiest Place on Earth?” was the moment I learned why the people were so happy. I spoke with various families, and people throughout Fiji, and they all equally expressed their love for their country. Studying their answers, I discovered that it is because these people are content with their lives and what they have. Being there really showed me that these people are happy with what they have, are surrounded by family, and are very close with their religion. They are not so much worried about competing with others. Especially in the villages, families wake up every day smiling and surrounded by love – you can really feel the happiness in the atmosphere wherever you are in Fiji! They go about their daily tasks, but they do it on Fiji time – so it will get done whenever it gets done! No rush, no deadlines to meet… no stress.”

Judith Pascarella | Physician Assistant Studies, ’17

“GEL Switzerland represented a course change for me in my life and career, and I found attending the World Health Assembly (WHA) 69 particularly humbling. I learned a great deal about how global health leaders interact and the processes that govern change. I had so many meaningful experiences in this trip that allowed me to not only network with global health leaders, but also those individuals on the forefront who are making the changes discussed at the highest levels on the international stage. At the conclusion of the trip, the strongest take-away for me was that education, preventative health, secure systems, government support, and funding are the keys to success in global health initiatives. It is essential to be proactive rather than reactive. As the message spreads, the hope is that public health will become a natural part of daily governance rather than an afterthought. It felt like a lot of progress was made this year, and it was an unforgettable honor to be invited to attend history in the making.”

Hannah Carlson | Music Therapy, ’19

“This is my first year working with the program and traveling to Africa, and I’m the youngest volunteer at 18. I love working with children and bringing music into their lives. I was extremely nervous to meet all the kids, especially because the language barrier makes it difficult to learn names and make bonds- but as they arrived we put on music and danced with them, and I could already tell that we would have a good time this week.”

Student Reflections on Abroad Experiences in 2014

Celebrating 10 years of GCP

Michael Mendillo | Music Performance, ‘13 & Performing Arts Leadership & Management, ‘15

“I had the amazing opportunity to travel to South Korea with the Global Citizenship Project. This experience gave me amazing insight to a new culture and a passion for travel and how important it is to developing global citizens.”

Theresa Heim | Education, ‘14

“I am currently student teaching in Belfast, Ireland. I will have completed my Elementary Education degree through Shenandoah in December of this year.  Here in Ireland, I am being hosted by Stranmillis University, who has partnered up with UVA and Shenandoah for their first ever student teaching abroad experience! I am here for seven weeks with one other Shenandoah student, Maegan Elmendorf, and 6 UVA students. I am student teaching Pre-K at a Preparatory School, which is one of the top schools in Belfast. It is much like a private school would be for us back in the States.  All students of Northern Ireland wear uniforms, no matter the school, and they look so dashing and put together! There is a strong focus in my school on learning through play in my classroom, which I am not used to back in America. It’s great! Random fact: It’s so funny to be told that I have a great accent. Haha! I have been blown away by the amount of friendly people here in Ireland.  Everyone is curious as to why we are here and how they can help us during our stay. Even the Irish University students have been incredibly welcoming and invite us often to partake in the University’s various events. Our student teaching program has been set up to allow for my group to travel often. It is fantastic! From the 8th Wonder of the World, to hiking 1,200 feet above sea level, to Irish History and relics, we have been totally immersed in Ireland! We are always on the go, with new, historical, and invigorating sights to see. We really haven’t had a dull moment since our arrival. I think the weather has been the hardest thing to adapt to. It hasn’t rained as much as people might think it would and we have been very lucky to have some gorgeous sunny days.  Northern Ireland has seemed to have skipped our American fall season altogether though and jumped straight into end of November weather. Highs are in the 50’s now, with the weather dropping to a forecast of mid-high 30’s this weekend! Yikes!”

Student Reflections on Abroad Experiences in 2013

Sarah Wohld | Nursing, ‘15

“I traveled to Rwanda through the GCP program. In Rwanda we visited a school that I worked with in high school, so I finally got to meet all of the kids that I had been working with from 6,000 miles away for my entire high school experience. Both experiences were extremely humbling and have shaped me into the person I am today.”

“This past summer I was able to spend two months in Korea. I can say that my time in Korea has been the best experience I have had. Being in a foreign country I had to be open-minded and be able to try new things. Korea’s unique history can be seen through temples, palaces, and elaborate museums. Technology and the modern fashion is something I could not avoid. Korea is very much up-to-date when it comes to technology and the latest fashion and trends. Of course I cannot end this without talking about the delicious food. There are many types of restaurants, so I never ran out of something to eat. I could go on for days talking about my time in Korea. I hope that everyone will think about going to Korea or any country abroad because it will open your mind to a totally new world. 감사합니다 (Kamsahamnida-Thank You).”

Allison Echard | Music Therapy, ‘14

“This past June, I spent 10 days in Portland Jamaica through the Jamaica Field Service Project. This program focuses on bringing the services of university students (music education, music therapy, or tutoring) to Jamaican schools, infirmaries, and homeless shelters. As a music therapy student, I had the opportunity to work all three settings with other music therapy students from across the world.  Not only did I get to implement real music therapy sessions with real clients for an entire week, but I got to do it outside under almond, ackee, and coconut trees near a beach with the most appreciative people I have ever worked with.  In addition to the specific field of work, I got to hike to a waterfall led by local Rastafarians, swim in the ocean (everyday!), learn to surf, have nightly Afro-Caribbean drum lessons, and eat jerk chicken where it originated in Boston Bay.  This trip taught me so much about myself, music therapy, Jamaica, and the world that I can’t wait to go back, as well as explore what the rest of the world has to offer.”

Rusty Baron | Biology Pre-PA, ‘14

“After my previous study abroad experience in Argentina last summer I have finally found my true passion for my major; to become fluent in Spanish with regards to the medical field.  For now I am content in pursuing the career of physician’s assistant or any related health profession in the medical field. This spring semester I plan to study medicine and Spanish at the UPAEP [Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla]. I look forward to learning not only the language but also the culture that will surround me for the five months that I will be there. I have decided to live with a host family instead of on campus because I believe it will be a better Spanish influence for me. I believe this experience will change me not only as a student but also as a person. Besides having the excitement of arriving in Mexico, I also have anxiety for leaving the country.  I have come into realization that I will not have my family, friends, school, or my regular surroundings for the next five months. Though this may the case, I look forward to a new adventure everyday in Puebla, Mexico.”

Alisa Daum | Performing Arts Leadership & Management, ‘14

“What an amazing opportunity to break cultural stereotypes. We literally did not want to leave the students. In such a short amount of time we made friends and thanks to e-mail and social media, we’ll be able to keep in touch even after we get home. Who knows, maybe we’ll see them again – next time in the states! Food for thought: “I never thought that life across the street could be so different and yet so similar across the world.” GCP Nepal

Student Reflections on Abroad Experiences in 2012

Julia Hoffman | Acting, ‘15

“Throwing myself into a completely new culture with no knowledge of the language or customs was the best thing I have ever done for my education.   The acting program was demanding in itself…class six days a week, eight hours a day, performances in the evening and late night ensemble meetings.  However, the opportunity to study at the Moscow Art Theater School is one I wouldn’t trade for anything.  At the same time, adjusting to Russian life was thrilling every step of the way.  Little pieces of Russian history are stuck throughout Moscow and unveiling them became one of my favorite aspects of the experience.”

Valerie Bergeron | Spanish & Education, ‘13

“Studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain was the best experience of my life! Sevilla is a beautiful, magical city! As a Spanish major there was no other place I wanted to be. By living there for the Spring semester I had the unique opportunity to participate in Sevilla’s world renowned Holy Week and April Fair. While there, I was able to focus on perfecting my language skills by living with a host family and integrating into the vibrant culture. The friends I made at my church became part of my family, and I look forward to returning for more adventures!”

Steinway Initiative Travel Hamburg, Germany

Representatives from Shenandoah University traveled to Hamburg, Germany as part of the Steinway Initiative. Shenandoah Conservatory Artist in Residence John O’Conor selected a new Hamburg Concert Grand Piano D for the Armstrong Concert Hall.

Student Reflections on Abroad Experiences in 2011

GCP Team Paraguay

GCP Team Sweden

GCP Team Bahamas

GCP Team Australia

Student Reflections on Abroad Experiences in 2005

Looking Back at the first-ever GCP trip!