All posts by Gloria Parrott

SPC Antigua: A life-changing experience!

Antigua, Bahamas 2025, Jamaica (Dental), Jamaica 2022 (Dental), Jamaica 2023 (Dental), Travel

My trip to Antigua with the Saint Petersburg College dental hygiene program was a life-changing experience. Prior to this trip, I had never been out of the country, so I was honestly a bit nervous. This experience not only gave me a greater understanding of the cultural aspects of Antigua, but it also opened my eyes to the need for dental care in other countries. We were able to volunteer in a dental clinic for the week, and I left wishing we could have stayed longer.

I loved helping the people of Antigua, they were truly some of the best patients I have ever had. Many patients told me that I had changed their lives, which was an incredible feeling.
We were also lucky enough to explore the beautiful island. We saw the gorgeous pink sand beaches and swam with sea turtles. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have experienced such a wonderful trip. I highly encourage future students to apply for this study abroad program. It was hard work, but I loved every minute!

– Gia, SPC Antigua Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2026

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The mission trip to Antigua brought together by Great Shape was a great experience where I got to be immersed in another culture and utilize my skills developed in school to help people in need. We got to tour the island and see the culture, its local people, and try their foods, giving us a better understanding of their culture and what it means to them. Getting to see some of their culture helped to be able to connect with my patients as they came in.


I gained valuable clinical experience by seeing more advanced cases than what we normally see in the school clinic that will make me a better clinician. More importantly, serving the people of Antigua ignited another spark of passion for my profession and filled my heart with warmth. The people were so nice, social, and always smiling, and beyond thankful and appreciative for the work we came there to do. Even though we were there to serve them, I feel like I received a lot more out of this mission than I gave and I’m so grateful I was given the opportunity to do this.

– Mahmoud, SPC Antigua Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2026

SPC Antigua Dental Hygiene: We’ve gained so much more from this!

Antigua, Bahamas 2025, Jamaica (Dental), Jamaica 2022 (Dental), Jamaica 2023 (Dental), Travel
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It is safe to say that I’ve gained so much more from this trip than I gave. While I did provide the people of Antigua with great dental care and education, they changed my life forever. They welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to be a part of their culture. They opened my eyes and gave me a new outlook on life. There is no doubt that they are the most respectful, appreciative, and grateful people I have ever met. They have so much less than we do, yet they seem to be happier. They truly understand what is important in life.


Going to the local schools to provide dental education and toys will always be something that I will remember for the rest of my life. Every kid was so polite, and I couldn’t help but smile when talking to each one of them. Nothing in my life has ever made my heart feel so full. This trip was an emotional, spiritual, and humbling experience that I will never forget. Every expectation that I had going into this trip was greatly exceeded. I hope to do this every year for as long as I can.

– Chelsea, SPC Antigua Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2026

My time in Antigua was an experience I will never forget as it has left an everlasting impact on my life. Each day there, felt purposeful and had meaning- especially when I got to visit a local school to educate children on oral hygiene. Teaching them how to brush and floss was rewarding and seeing their curiosity ignited something in me. Their eagerness to learn reminded me how powerful education can be and it made me happy knowing that something so small can have a powerful impact on someone else’s life. This was a highlight of this trip for me!
    While on the island, we primarily provided dental treatment to the local community. Many of these patients had never had dental care before, and this was eye opening and humbling. I was nervous, however, their gratitude and smiles made everything feel worth it! Outside of the clinic, I got to experience their culture, everything from their food, music, and warmth of their community. In the end, I feel this trip helped me grow professionally and personally, all while serving people who needed our help.

– Alexis, SPC Antigua Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2026

SPC Antigua: Changed my perspective and strengthened my passion for helping others!

Antigua, Bahamas 2025, Jamaica (Dental), Jamaica 2022 (Dental), Jamaica 2023 (Dental), Travel
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I recently had the opportunity to travel to the beautiful island of Antigua and Barbuda on a dental mission trip as a student dental hygienist. This experience allowed me to combine my passion for oral hygiene with cultural exploration in such a welcoming place. The locals were incredibly kind and taught us so much about Antigua. One of my favorite places we visited was Devil’s Bridge, where we saw powerful waves and learned about the island’s history and natural beauty. Antigua truly has the bluest waters I have ever seen! Exploring the culture helped me feel more connected to the community we were serving.


Providing dental cleanings was the most meaningful part of the entire experience for me. Families were lined up for dental services as early as 5 in the morning, many with their children. This, to me, in itself was eye-opening, because it showed the need for oral care in the community and the extent that some people have to go to just to receive it. Some patients came in nervous, but they always left happier and more comfortable. Everyone was so grateful to learn more about oral hygiene, and it felt amazing to be able to provide that care. I felt grateful to use the skills I have been learning over the past two years to make a real difference. Even small moments, like helping a child feel comfortable and making their dental visit a positive experience, meant so much to me. The gratitude from patients is something I will never forget, and it reminded me why I chose dental hygiene in the first place.

This trip truly changed my perspective and strengthened my passion for helping others through compassionate, patient-centered care. I was very upset about leaving, but I will definitely be back in the future on more dental mission trips.

– Grisilda, SPC Antigua Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2026

SPC Antigua: Values service, hands-on learning, and global connection!

Antigua, Bahamas 2025, Jamaica (Dental), Jamaica 2022 (Dental), Jamaica 2023 (Dental), Travel

Participating in a study abroad experience through my dental hygiene program at SPC was one of the most meaningful parts of my education so far. Spending ten days in Antigua, providing free dental care to underserved communities, changed me in the best way possible. Leaving the classroom and my textbooks behind, I gained confidence in my clinical skills, improved my communication with patients from different backgrounds, and I learned how to be adaptable and impactful as a future dental hygienist. I was able to see first-hand that I can make a difference in the world with the skills that I have learned. Hundreds of dental cleanings later, this experience truly transformed what I was learning in school into something real, purposeful, and deeply fulfilling.


What made this experience even more special was knowing that my classmates and I were supported by a program that values service, hands-on learning, and global connection. Our school prepared us with the necessary skills, professionalism, ethics, and confidence needed to care for patients in an unfamiliar setting, which made the experience both challenging and rewarding. Opportunities like this show how education can extend far beyond a classroom, and reach into the lives of others. I hope to provide for people who need dental care all around the world moving forward. I would strongly encourage students to consider study abroad if given the chance, as it offers personal growth and purpose that can’t be taught from a textbook in a classroom. It’s an experience that strengthens not only clinical abilities, but also your sense of purpose, love, and passion.

– Molly, SPC Antigua Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2026

SPC Antigua: I gave everything I had and received so much more in return.

Antigua, Bahamas 2025, Jamaica (Dental), Travel

My name is Courtney, and I am a dental hygiene student who participated in the SPC study abroad mission trip to Antigua. This mission trip was truly life-changing and exceeded all my expectations. I had the opportunity to serve alongside nine classmates, an instructor, and a dentist. The Antigua mission trip allowed me to strengthen my clinical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of global health care.

As a dental hygiene student, I was able to provide care to individuals with very limited access to dental services. This experience reinforced the importance of preventive care, patient education, and compassion. Interacting with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds significantly improved my communication, patient interaction skills and strengthened my passion for the dental hygiene field and promoting oral health worldwide.


In addition to the clinical experience, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the culture of Antigua. The island is incredibly beautiful, and the people take great pride of their home and community. During our stay, we worked in a large clinic that was accessible to all residents in need of dental care. The gratitude shown by the people of Antigua was overwhelming, as many would stop to thank us even outside of the clinic. We also had the opportunity to visit local schools to teach children about oral hygiene and provide oral health supplies. The children were respectful and grateful for our presence. This trip reminded me of why I chose dental hygiene and reaffirmed my passion for serving others. I gave everything I had and received so much more in return.

– Courtney, SPC Antigua Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2026

SPC Greece: More than anticipated!

Greece (Business), Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

Our trip started with a challenge when our flight to Charlotte, NC, was delayed, causing us to miss our connecting flight to Athens. After many hours of negotiating with the airport staff, Dr. Rojas got us an all-expense-paid hotel, food, and transportation voucher to accommodate us.

Once fully rested, we ventured off to Athens, where we met with Sophia. Later the next day we went and met with our client mirza and discussed what he wanted out of a business and what business he wanted to create. After a few days of discussing, planning, designing… and discussing, planning and designing some more, we end up creating a business plan that painted a picture of what mirza would expect from his business. I ended up learning and experiencing much more than anticipated, and was very pleasant with our final result, the team and SPC and Kambia for setting this project up.

– Ryan, SPC Greece Business Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Paris: New friendships, experiences and degrees!

Paris 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

Bonjour!

This trip had truly been amazing!! The experience I have gained from this class and group are amazing. This was my third study abroad trip. Every time I go abroad with SPC I always come back with new friendships and experiences! We stayed in Paris, France for seven days and got to visit many museums.

I also received my bachelor’s in science in Elementary education during this adventure! I got to celebrate abroad which made it even more special! We got to celebrate the Christmas season and learn about the history of art. Being able to see the artwork we did assignments on was truly eye opening. Just so many amazing things!

– Abigail, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025

SPC Paris: I will never forget it!

Paris 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

Paris! The city of love, and oh did I love it. This trip felt so magical, it felt like I was living in a Christmas Hallmark movie. Every single day I was just in awe by how beautiful not only by the country itself, but the art within it. My favorite places that we visited were the Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower. I felt like a princess walking around the halls and gardens of the palace, it was truly an amazing day of learning and the weather was perfect. The Eiffel Tower was breathtaking, getting to see it sparkle was a surreal moment for me because I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be where I was in that moment.

I have made so many great memories as well as formed great friendships with a couple of the girls from the class. We were inseparable; Angelica, Neamiah and I, grateful to have shared precious moments with them. Even the locals in our area were all so nice, our tour guide Pierre was super cool and helpful as well; he was one of us by the end of the trip. In conclusion, my trip to France was absolutely amazing. If I had the chance to do it all over again I would, this trip to Paris is very special to me and I will never forget it.

– Amil, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025

SPC Paris: I have dreamed about traveling!

Paris 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

My trip to Paris was an experience I will never forget. My whole life I have dreamed about traveling, I have always wanted to see the world and experience new cultures and this trip was the start of it all. I had never been out of the country before so when I read about this trip I knew it was something I needed to be a part of. After a long day of travel we had finally landed in Paris. Boarding the boat tour and seeing the Eiffel tower sparkle was surreal, I really enjoyed just walking around and observing everyone. Everything is different, even down to the way they dress. On this trip we saw so much! Noter dame, Saint Chappelle, the Eiffel tower, Musee Dorsee, the palace of Versailles, christmas markets and so much more.

The weather was perfect, it was cold and we had several beautiful sunny days. The best was when we went to the top of the Eiffel tower, it was so clear you had a perfect view of the whole city. The very top was definitely cold and windy but the stunning view made it all worth it. The Christmas markets were fun to walk around, seeing all the different food and shops. Montmartre had to be one of my favorite places, its the art district and everything was so pretty to look at. The buildings are all a little different and each having a story behind it. Overall this trip is something i will never forget,
if anything it has only fueled my love for travel and experiencing new cultures.

– Sydnee, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025

SPC Paris: I’m so grateful for the experience.

Paris 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

I cannot properly explain how impactful the SPC study abroad trip to Paris was to me and my education. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend a full week in France alongside a group of wonderful girls and a professor who was so passionate about our education and was excited to see us engage with the subject matter. We were also given opportunities to explore the city on our own time, and I was able to see Arc de Triomphe, which I’ve wanted to see since I was a kid. As a history major, I was so excited to see some iconic paintings and famous architecture and was not disappointed.

Across the seven days, we visited Notre Dame, Musee D’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and so many other gorgeous places. We took a few walking tours around the city led by really cool guides who told us wild stories about the history of Paris. Visiting a foreign country can feel so daunting. Especially when you don’t speak the predominant language, but SPC Study Abroad provided us with everything we needed to have a safe, enjoyable time. This trip was maybe the most fun I’ve ever had in my life and I’m so grateful for the experience.

– Natalie, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025