All posts by Gloria Parrott

SPC Costa Rica: An Experience you won’t Forget!

Costa Rica 2024, Galápagos Islands, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Located in central America Costa Rica is a country covered by rainforest and full of wildlife. This is a must-see destination for anyone who loves the outdoors with stunning views, racing rapids and animals galore. This experience was one I won’t soon forget and I am so happy that SPC was able to provide this opportunity for us. As someone who is looking to get into any crazy adventure I can the itinerary was always full of fun and interesting things to do. The rafting was incredible with fast rapids and surrounded by forest. The Eco lodges that let us get unbelievably close with nature were both cool and comfortable, bug haters be warned (there are lots of them). The hikes we took while very humid were completely worth it to see all the animals and plants. Every five steps you would take you would see or hear a brand-new animal. Since SPC had advertised this trip, I was able to meet like-minded people who I was comfortable with talking to. Many friendships formed and after the trip we all had one large group chat where we talked to each other.

The beaches and reefs are incredible to see and a remarkable sight, which is something I would say if they were alive. This trip really helped open my eyes to the damage we are doing to the planet and how we are losing our reefs. The beaches of course were pretty, especially the black sand beaches. Unfortunately, under the waves there is mass decay, with coral reefs being bleached and covered in algae to nonexistent coral reefs that died because water was a few degrees to warm. Being someone who watched documentaries about coral reef bleaching they did not show the severity of it. Thankfully, the diversity of life is still there. The variety of colorful fish was still there but they didn’t have the structure they should be able to hide and reproduce. It’s a very eye-opening thing to see and it is something everyone should experience. Overall, this trip was fantastic, and I cannot believe I was able to go on this trip. It’s something I think everyone who can, should see. Not just for the beaches and forest but also for the people and the culture, being able to see the way others live and interact broadened my understanding of the world and made it just that little bit smaller.
– Emilio, SPC Costa Rica (Tropical Ecology) Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Ireland: I promise it’s worth it!

Ireland (Vet Tech) 2026, Ireland 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

I had the privilege of participating in SPC’s Ireland study abroad trip this summer. During which, I explored the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland- two halves of a courageous and spirited nation. Visiting the country my grandmother grew up in was as enlightening as it was mesmerizing. We traveled, be it by bus, train, or cab, to Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork, Cobh, Belfast, and more. Each more enchanting than the last.


Abroad, I not only learned about the fascinating literary and political culture of Ireland, but I learned a lot about myself as well. I had never traveled internationally before; in fact, I had only flown on a plane once before. However, traveling alongside my peers has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I had never felt more confident and excited for the road ahead of me than I did stepping onto the streets of Dublin. I am so grateful to SPC for providing me with this scholarship. I highly suggest that all who are even slightly interested in studying abroad to do so. I promise it’s worth it.
– Savannah, SPC Ireland Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Ireland: The Unforgotten Path

Global Perspectives on Health and Social Care, Ireland (Vet Tech) 2026, Ireland 2024, Ireland 2027, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Beginning any new journey comes with nerves and an eagerness that feels all consuming. From the moment I discovered the opportunity for the Ireland study abroad trip with SPC, through an email on my student account, I was counting down the days to exploring the world outside of the United States for the first time. An adventure of a lifetime that would go beyond any vacation or journey planned for my own leisure; this study abroad trip was going to fill my mind and my heart. And it did.

If any trip reflected the beautiful, yet sometimes frustrating truths of life, it was this one. We started our journey with challenges like flight delays (24 hours!) and lugging suitcases through cobbled streets, which is truly no easy feat, but with a little time, peer bonding, patience, and humility, our adventure started to take the whimsical and magical shape that Ireland’s rich history and landscapes has to offer.

Over the course of two weeks, we were immersed in the literature, history, and culture of the many cities in the Republic of Ireland, as well as Northern Ireland. As we were on the trip for a literary class, we had an itinerary full of activities that gave us a deep understanding of numerous writers who came from Ireland such as James Joyce, W.B. Weaver, and C.S. Lewis. Our James Joyce walking tour guide took us around the city of Dublin and a museum dedicated to Weaver at the National Library gave us an intimate look into the poet’s life. Within Dublin we also toured Trinity College and were able to view the Book of Kells and visit the largest library in Ireland that was located at the college!

As I sit here reflecting on all of our adventures on this trip, I struggle to narrow down favorite moments and memories, because it was a trip full of so much life, learning, and laughter. We were taught Irish dancing at North West Regional College, enjoyed a theater production of Radium Girls at the Lyric Theatre, learned about Irish folklore at Ulster university, and experienced Cobh’s Queenstown Exhibit. Outside of purely academic enrichment, we explored the natural beauty and landscapes of Ireland at the Wicklow mountains, as well as the Cliffs of Moher, and the Giant’s Causeway. All powerful and looming ancient manifestations formed by forces that go beyond what even academics and humans can ever truly understand beyond just explanations.

Even our free time outside of the itinerary took a path of curiosity and play as this group of female students took on Ireland with a full cup. In the evenings we belted Karaoke and took over open mics in local pubs. I wrote poetry in the gardens of our bed and breakfast and taught my new friends how to swing dance in this foreign country so that we could swing out in Dublin.

Countless things were built on this trip. Things such as: knowledge, sisterhood, resilience, memories. It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve been back home, and most of those days have been in a state of longing for the air, rolling hills, and people of Ireland. I made friends with locals and travelers who, like us, also found the magic of Ireland and one day I hope to return, but for now, it is a path that will not be forgotten.
– Cierra, SPC Ireland Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Ireland: An honor to take this journey of a lifetime!

Ireland (Vet Tech) 2026, Ireland 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Every journey begins with wonder. One wonders if the right path will be chosen. Maybe there’s a little apprehension in whom will be met along the way. Thoughts jump back and forth between excitement about what’s ahead and concerns over what was packed. What will the weather be like? Will I fit in with my classmates? What will be expected of me? Will being in another country even feel different than here? Wait, did I pack the right things? When you think you’ve figured it out, the plan B’s and C’s may creep in. Be good to yourself. You’ve got this!

When you meet your people, be ready to live in the moment. Sure, there will be challenges along the way. But just like at home, it is up to me how I respond to life. The fabulous humans I had the honor to take this journey of a lifetime with were fearless and ready to savor everything Ireland had to give! The opportunity to spend almost two weeks in Ireland was worth every step I took to get there. I am thankful for all the help the extraordinary Faculty of the St. Petersburg College Foundation gave me to prepare for this trip!

Choosing only one photo to share with all of you was tough. So, call me a trickster, if you will, as I sneak in more than one! The castles are just as magical as the grounds they are all on. The lakes and cliffs bring more incredible views than one person can almost take in. The Irish people embrace you as their own and are ready to share a tale. The moments between the moments are as branding in my memory as the music.

Go experience the Cliffs of Moher. Climb among the hexagon rocks formed at the Giant’s Causeway. Be inspired by the Kilkenny and Blarney Castles. Find peace and dream by Ireland’s coastline. Forge new friendships as you explore possibilities. Learn another culture and add to how you see the world by experiencing life for yourself!
– Joy, SPC Ireland Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Ireland: I can’t wait for the next one!

Ireland 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Thanks to the study abroad program through SPC, I was given the opportunity to explore Ireland and Northern Ireland. I’ve never left the country and craved a new experience where I could also educate myself. I had no idea what to expect. I was warned about culture shock and the possibility of intense homesickness, but the pre-departure meeting put most of my fears at ease. Once we started our adventure, I was so wrapped up in all the new sights and experiences that I didn’t have a care in the world. We were blessed to have a wonderful teacher and tour guide steering us in the safest and most stunning directions. Traveling is scary, especially out of the country, but when you have two trusted people handling all the logistics, all you have to do is show up and enjoy the journey.
     We got to see Giant’s Causeway, Blarney Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher. There were many towns to visit, including Galway, Cork, Cobh, Dublin, Derry, and Kilkenny. Everything was so breathlessly beautiful; there weren’t many words that could do justice to the sights we bore witness to. While all the scenery was amazing, I was stunned not only by the landscapes but by how the people in Ireland live. Belfast was eye-opening, to say the least; the culture shock from walking through a town so different than anything I’ve experienced in the United States will stay with me forever. I truly learned something new about myself and/or the world around me every single day. This was the best experience of my entire life, and I count the days I will return to Ireland. When I looked into studying abroad, I wasn’t sure I would actually go through it; now, I can’t imagine not being on that trip. All I can say to any student considering studying abroad with SPC is do it. Give yourself every opportunity, take a risk, and go find some adventure in a way that makes you feel safe and gives you a team. I cannot thank St. Petersburg College enough for giving their students these options and experiences. I can’t wait for the next one! – Ashley, SPC Ireland Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Greece: Take the leap and discover all the world!

Greece (Business), Greece 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Over the last two weeks I have been incredibly blessed to explore Greece from the mainland to small islands I had never heard of before. This was my first time leaving the country, and I can’t lie I was incredibly nervous, especially on the plane there. The second I walked into the airport in Athens this started to melt away slowly. The kindness I experienced from locals, amplified by the openness of my fellow Titans I was traveling with, made this one of the most comfortable experiences in my life and empowered me to want to travel and explore on my own. I went in with no expectations and was constantly engaged in once in a lifetime experiences. So much so that picking ‘a favorite memory’ is one of the more difficult things I have had to do.

This being said, if I had to choose a moment to go back to it would have to be the Feast Day of St. Constantine held in Kalymnos. We spent the morning exploring museums, beaches and the hillsides of the island but nothing could prepare us for the level of joy and hospitable energy we would be a part of that night. As the sun set people gathered to simply enjoy each other’s company, dance, eat good food, and express their values in a way that mattered to them. We spent the night dancing and watching fireworks with a perfect view of the harbor on one side and gorgeous mountains on the other. The energy was palpable and truly something money can not buy. I am smiling even recounting the details.
I am incredibly thankful to St. Petersburg College and its benefactors who made this trip possible and I further encourage other students to take the leap and discover all the world has waiting for them. – Danielle, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

While studying abroad, I was in awe…

Ireland 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Ireland is all you may envision from the pictures, tales of travelers, and videos. However, the luscious green landscape, rich history, and folklore tales truly immerse you in Irish culture that words on paper simply cannot describe. While studying abroad, I was in awe of the many historic castles, monuments, and rolling green mountains that we were fortunate to be able to explore. Our tour guide, Brenden, was charismatic and had an extensive knowledge of the history of all the places he took us to.


Historically, I was surprised to learn that there are still political and religious conflicts in Northern Ireland. The locals in Derry (Londonderry) informed us that society has improved and there is much less violence than there was in the 1960s/1970s, but tensions between certain communities still does exist. As we toured around Belfast and Derry, it was emotionally and intellectually moving to see all the artistic murals on the sides of buildings that illustrated the troubles. During the black taxi tour, the tour guides would stop at these famous murals and explain the historical correspondence for each one. Overall, there are many pictures and information to share, but these few experiences stood out to me the most to share with you.

– Nicole, SPC Ireland Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Study Abroad: These experiences will stay with me for life!

Greece 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

When asked to sit and write about my study abroad experience I must say it was extremely difficult to choose just one thing to write about. From the food we enjoyed, to the people we met and the hospitality we were shown, to the sites we saw, the experiences were simply overwhelming.

On the island of Kalymnos, we were able to meet with several local political and cultural leaders. This island in general was my favorite of the islands we visited. Upon arrival we were taken to a resort owned and operated by the family of the Director of Tourism who made sure we were able to experience all the islands had to offer. The view from the hotel was something straight out of a travel magazine.

After being given a private tour the Museum of Folklore and The Museum of Natalis, we were invited to hike up to watch the sunset over the island from inside a castle erected in the 1400’s. From this vantage point our guide was able to point out all of the historical landmarks of the island. It is one thing to explore a city from within it is another to see it from above.

Within the Chrysocheria castle walls there still stands a small chapel with the religious relic which depicts Mary with golden hands, that people still travel far and wide to view. There also still stands a bell that was used to alert the town which we were able to ring. To be in the presence of such monumental history is something hard to explain. I am extremely grateful to have been able to attend the Summer 2024 Study Abroad Program in Greece as these experiences will stay with me for life.
– Lytichia, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Costa Rica: An experience never easily forgotten

Costa Rica 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Studying Abroad in Costa Rica was filled with so many eye opening and diverse learning opportunities. We met people from differing backgrounds eager to share their beautiful lives with us. When meeting a kind man from the BriBri indigenous community we shared humor and laughs, sympathy and compassion that transcended our language barrier into life long bonds. 

Not only did I gain perspective for our differences between us, I also gained enlightening appreciation for all our similarities. The excitement cultural food can bring after a day’s hike through rich mountains, smiles exchanged over the joy of shared knowledge of one’s home- all led me to love what I had learned and care more for what I had. Such moments shared though newly found family abroad will be an experience never easily forgotten.
– Brianna, SPC Costa Rica (Tropical Ecology) Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Costa Rica: Such a life changing experience!

Costa Rica 2024, Galápagos Islands, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Studying biology abroad in Costa Rica was an opportunity which completely changed my educational career, along with my overall view of biology and culture. I am so unbelievably lucky to have been able to participate in such an incredible program and experience. Everyone involved, including teachers, trip organizers, and students, were all incredible to work with and significantly enhancing the smoothness and enjoyment of the trip. The trip was non stop packed with a multitude of activities to teach the students every aspect of Costa Rica’s biodiversity and culture. Every day I got the opportunity to learn something new, see something breathtaking, and experience something unforgettable. I would love to get the opportunity to study abroad again, and hope that all students get to experience such a life changing trip during their education.
      While it is hard to compete with white water rafting along the Pacuare river and bat mist netting to learn about various native bat species, my personal favorite part of the trip has to be the walk through the Tenorio Volcano National Park. During this beautiful three hour hike, students got to see all a large array of wildlife, along with many important landmarks of Costa Rica. Seeing the Rio Celeste in person was incredible, along with the joining of the Buena Vista and Quebrada Agria Rivers, and various hot springs. Not only were these beautiful to experience in person, but also provided a feeling you cannot get from a textbook. On top of this, the various wildlife seen on this walk as well as in the entirety of the trip was eye opening. We saw sloths, toucans, basilisks, and my favorite, the eyelash pit vipers we saw in Tenorio.
      
      Thank you for such a life changing experience, this was the trip of a lifetime and I will never forget it. – Sophie, SPC Costa Rica (Tropical Ecology) Study Abroad Program, May 2024