The trip to Jamaica was an incredible experience. It was one of the most humbling and eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had. There was a lot of preparation that had to be done before going on the trip but it was all worth it. We did a few garage sales, did a few spirit nights at local restaurants, and most importantly, reached out for support from friends, families and local companies. Once all the preparation was done and we finally touched down in Jamaica, it was truly a life changing experience. It was not at all what I was expecting Jamaica to be like. We landed at the airport and still had a few hours on a bus until we got the resort, but it allowed us to really take in the beautiful views of Jamaica. The resort was absolutely amazing. I felt very blessed to be able to stay in such a nice location.
Once we got settled into the resort, we hit the ground running with patient care. It was early mornings and long days treating patients, but it was such a rewarding experience. We would pull up to the clinic and see a hundred patients already waiting outside. These patients were so grateful that we were there to help, and they were some of the kindest people I have ever met. Another part of the trip was being able to go out to the communities and educate the kids in school about oral hygiene. I personally went to a school with 4-year-olds, and they were so excited to see us. Even at 4 years old, you could see how much of an impact we had on their lives. We gave all the kids fluoride treatments and a new toothbrush, and their faces immediately lit up. We also spent a day driving around to the communities to give out a lot of toys and supplies to people in need. This is where I really saw the greatest impact on people. These kids were so excited to see a soccer ball, a Barbie doll, and even get a pair of shoes. This trip has been one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had in my lifetime and I would highly recommend any future students to sign up for it! – Rebecca, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2022
I am eternally grateful to have been selected for this once in a lifetime opportunity. We traveled to Ocho Rios, Jamaica to provide dental cleanings to the underserved communities. We worked for several days in the clinics and visiting local schools to provide oral health education. This trip is the best thing that could happen to a dental hygiene student. As a student, I now feel that I have more experience and I am more confident in my clinical skills. As much as I enjoyed working and gaining more knowledge in the dental hygiene field, I also appreciate the time provided to learn and experience the Jamaican culture. I was able to participate in the sea turtle release, go snorkeling, and enjoy the beach. Our group also traveled into the less fortunate communities to spread our love by handing out toys to the children, diapers, toothbrushes etc. It was truly a humbling experience. I have never met a group of people so appreciative of our efforts.
We visited the local schools to provide oral health education to the children. These children were so excited to hear us speak, even if it was just about teeth. We handed out toothbrushes to each child and I did not expect everyone to get so excited! While I was handing out toothbrushes, I overheard a little girl say, “this is the best day of my life.” This is a memory I will have with me for the rest of my life, my heart is so full knowing that I made this little girl’s day with something so simple as a toothbrush.
While working in the clinic I met so many incredible people. Each and every patient was thankful to be in your chair. Many traveled from far away and waited for hours outside in the heat, however, it did not matter how long they had to wait… they were still grateful to be in your chair. There were many that could not stop smiling after their cleaning. Hearing their stories and struggles was heartbreaking, but I can only admire them for always choosing to be happy. True happiness is to enjoy the present. One Love! – Sheryle, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2022
The Jamaica study abroad program is an invaluable experience. I have gained a love of international travel, confidence in my skills as a clinician, a love for the people of Jamaica, and a new amazing way to volunteer and be of service to others. When I applied for this program, I hoped that I would be chosen. I believed it would feed my soul while advancing my clinical skills, but I truly did not know the extent of the impact it would make on me.
Everything in Jamaica was amazing, the people are happy, grateful, and radiant. The food is robust and flavorful. The mountainous scenery is lush and green, and the connections made were real and affirming. There were so many worthwhile experiences from spending quality time with classmates to watching my clinical speed increase exponentially each day to unearthing baby turtles to holding an anxious patient’s hand before her first ever “cleaning.” After my first day in the staff clinic, I could feel I was already getting stronger clinically and by the end of my second at the Eltham clinic, I was eager for the opportunity to give injections instead of hesitant. It was the best hands-on learning experience I could have ever asked for.
My favorite day in Jamaica was Friday in the clinic, I was a little homesick to be honest so on the drive in I began repeating to myself “Please help me be a blessing to others today” and my very first patient ended up being a blessing to me instead. He was 16. He was the most lit-from-within person I had ever met. He was so grateful and friendly. He reminded me that I was exactly where I needed to be, all with his smile. All the patients and people I met in Jamaica made me feel grateful I had the knowledge and skill of dental hygiene that I could share.
Returning to the states and clinic after this trip, I feel renewed. I feel so much more competent and confident as a clinician. But mostly I am thankful for how it has opened my heart to learning and sharing as much as I can all over the world. Jamaica may not be wealthy in the conventional sense of the word, but it is extremely rich in culture, unity, and inclusion…ONE LOVE! – Brei, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2022
This trip was an amazing blessing. I am so grateful to have been selected to go and to have this type of opportunity offered through my college. Our stay in Jamaica consisted of days spent working in the clinics that we setup, teaching at local schools about oral health, and “cultural days” where we experienced the local community and resort. I enjoyed learning about the Jamaican culture and meeting some of the wonderful people who populate Ocho Rios. There are so many special moments that made up this trip that I will cherish forever, but a few especially stick out to me.
First, many of the patients who I had the privilege of treating told me they sat waiting for hours to be seen and it was their first cleaning in their life (most of them being older adults). It made me feel so honored to be a part of helping them receive dental care!
Second, going into the local school visiting about ten classes to teach the children about oral health was so fun. The kids were welcoming and were excited to meet us (as we were just as excited to meet all of them!) One little girl I’ll never forget, Samantha, who was in the Special Education unit of the school. After we gave her class our presentation, she came up to me and gave me the longest, sweetest hug while gazing up at me. She hugged me as if we were family and I could have held on to her forever!
Third, I met another little girl in the streets of Ocho Rios on the day we drove around handing out goods and toys to the locals. Her neighborhood was pretty run down and full of children, all who were without shoes. I was able to put a pair of shoes on her feet that we had brought as part of our donations. It was so humbling to just be able to give her some shoes. The stories go on! I will cherish the memories made in Jamaica with my classmates and look forward to possibly doing a trip like this again in the future. I would absolutely recommend this trip to whoever is interested in this type of work. It is a gift you will treasure! – Victoria, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2022
This past summer I was awarded the opportunity to study abroad in Western Europe. For 10 days I studied International Business and Innovation, Change & Agile Projects while touring the historic cities of London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Studying abroad has allowed me to not only experience new places and cultures, but it has also helped me to gain a more global perspective. Another great benefit to studying abroad that I’ve found is that it provides an opportunity to discover yourself while gaining an understanding of those different cultures. One perspective that I’ve gained has been that while traveling in unfamiliar places can become overwhelming, yet liberating for some, the travel experience as a Black-American woman is very much different.
During the trip It became mentally exhausting as I found myself constantly examining every aspect of my behavior from the viewpoint of others, especially while traveling through Western Europe, home to predominantly white countries. While this was not my first study abroad trip- my first being to Costa Rica, this study abroad trip presented its own unique challenges, such as being the only black person in my travel group and even having to navigate instances of overt racism, microaggressions, and stereotypes in the countries we visited. However, learning how not to allow a sour interaction to ruin my trip or perception of the country I’m studying in, really allowed me to turn those negative interactions into moments to be reflective. Therefore, I can say that this study abroad trip was the most eye-opening and rewarding trip of my life. All the different experiences garnered throughout the trip – the good and bad, I’ve found have aided in my personal development by not only testing my ability to adapt to diversely dynamic situations, but also my analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. I’m grateful for the opportunity to study abroad as it offered me access to empowering experiences I would have never gained otherwise. – Fabre, SPC Western Europe Study Abroad Program, July 2022
The study abroad I experienced during the Summer of 2022 was a life changing experience. Dreams do come true and SPC made it possible by offering me the trip of my life. The mix of emotions I felt when I first landed in London were overwhelming, I wanted to cry, I wanted to dance, I wanted to shout how happy I was to be there, and I had the same feelings when I went to Paris and Amsterdam.
I enjoyed riding the two-story buses in London, I loved traveling by train and subways within the city and then traveling by train to Paris and Amsterdam. The transportation system in Europe is so good that most of the people travel by train, subways, buses, and taxis/Ubers. I truly embraced all these forms of transportations.
The business classes we received were excellent, my favorite classes were the class I received with Dean Mo at Hult International Business School and the class I received with Pavegen’s CEO Laurance Kemball-Cook in London. Mr. Kemball-Cook taught us about his incredible journey as an entrepreneur, his story is so inspiring. These two classes were my favorite. I fell in love with all the cities I visited and everything I did during our trip. Everything we did was amazing; I enjoyed every bit of it. Being able to learn in depth about the culture and history of the cities I stayed allowed me to have a better understanding about the international business world. The architecture in London is beautiful, I really love the fact I was able to see buildings so old like the oldest bank in the world, the castles, churches, the parliament, the bridges, and many more. At moments I felt like if I was reading a history book and I was in it. I was astonished by the stunning art at the Louvre Museum, I fell in love with France when I visited Montmartre and I saw the city from uphill, and of course I fell in love of the Eiffel Tower, it was fantastic. About Amsterdam, well, after my trip I just want to move to Amsterdam and live in a farm next to the river so then I can I ride a bike and go to the city. Even though I only spent one day in Amsterdam, I think the city is so captivating. I cry of happiness every time I remember everything I experienced during this incredible trip. I thank Saint Petersburg College from the bottom of my heart for this amazing opportunity. – Karla, SPC Western Europe Study Abroad Program, July 2022
One picture cannot summarize my study abroad experience this summer. When I signed up to be apart of the SA program, I did not imagine the impact it would have on me. When I first signed up, I figured what better way to end my college career taking a course abroad. I love to travel, and Europe had been one of the locations on my list. Leading up to the trip I didn’t feel any anxiety or excitement partially because I was more concern with flight delays. Once I was on the plane it all became real and the anticipation of all we were going to see, do and experience set it. We arrived in London and welcomed by our amazing tour guide and now friend Laura. Laura made sure she was transparent and gave us loads of information and educated us on how to navigate in the city on your own time. I must admit traveling in London on my own was easy many of us tried it and loved that aspect. Paris, France was an architect lover’s dream, like London a lot of the city maintains is old buildings structures.
It was nice having nuggets of the old world amid new or modern times architecture. Laura arranged for a night boat ride thru the canal the day before we left, so we could see the amazing famous structures lit up. If you think they are amazing during the day at night they are breathless, a must do when in Paris. Our train ride into our last destination Holland/ Amsterdam was beautiful we were able to see all the picturesque countryside that we often see on TV or social platforms. Once there it was like taking a small trip back in time, seeing the ageless and preserved structures. It was amazing seeing people boat living along on canal, riding bikes everywhere by everyone of all ages. Visiting the Anne Frank house was a speechless experience, visiting the cheese farm was super cool, and not to mention the cheese is delicious. What I enjoyed the most where the many places we visited that have so much history but that ate not spotlighted in the media, those fewer common places. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to partake in this study abroad program and would recommend to anyone of any age to do it.
– Salome, SPC Western Europe Study Abroad Program, July 2022
I’d never been so excited to head to the airport, even with crowd and delay nightmares looming. I must admit, the day of travel is always difficult, but meeting the rest of the group made things a lot more bearable. Although we arrived in London a little later than expected, all our worries disappeared when we touched down in Heathrow airport. Driving down the streets of London reminded me a lot of New York City, where I was born. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to start off the trip then with a traditional fish and chips dinner. To top it off, we finished with views of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and finally, shopping in Covent Garden!
Boarding the EuroStar to Paris was an event in itself! We hit the ground running with a trip to Louvre Museum. No matter how many times you see the works of art reproduced, it doesn’t compare to the real thing! Nothing can prepare you for your first view of the Eifel Tower. Paris is a beautiful mixture of a beautiful countryside village and a posh city!
Arriving to the airport was bittersweet, but the long plane ride home offered a lot of time to reflect. Traveling can be stressful, especially when you are going with people you just met! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up for this trip. I couldn’t have been more blown away and grateful for each experience and each person in the group. It was truly life changing and has lit the fire in me to continue traveling the world!
Another early morning train ride, we arrived in the ‘city of canals,’ Amsterdam! I was blown away by how quaint it was: the architecture, the number of bikes, the houseboats, and of course, the Red-Light District. The Anna Frank House was an emotional and awe-inspiring experience, the cheese and wooden shoe factory was delicious, and spending Sunday morning at a local market made me feel just a little bit more like a local! Of all the cities we visited, Amsterdam is where I could see myself living. I suppose I’ll have to start saving now, since a houseboat can go for almost a million dollars! Although our trip was almost over, ending it in Amsterdam made it just a little bit sweeter; the Stroopwafels helped too! – Erica, SPC Western Europe Study Abroad Program, July 2022
Any study abroad experience will open doors and mindfulness for students at SPC. Through my experience, I was able to gain immense knowledge and insight into the lifestyle and cultural differences in various countries around Europe. Although there are many similarities to our way of life in America, there are also immense differences. For example, public transportation is far more accessible, making the ability to travel not only to other cities but also to other countries at the reach of your fingertips. This gives the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities and parts of history in a timely fashion and affordable rate. The culture of European people is also far different from that in America. It is easy to find people to be leisurely and enjoy their time rather than being in a rush to go nowhere. This gave me insight into slowing down to smell the roses along the way and never taking a second of what I have for granted. In our fast-paced lifestyles, it can easily be forgotten to take a step back and appreciate what we have in our lives.
Europe has such a wide range of history to offer, and I’m not saying that the United States does not, it’s just more diverse than what we have. The infrastructure is far more stunning than anything I have ever seen before. And to think most of it has been there for hundreds of years. Being able to see it in real life and take appreciation for its sustainability is something I never thought I would actually get to experience. After this abroad trip, and I hope for many others, will remind them to take a leap of faith and strive to achieve their biggest dreams. Nothing is too far out of reach if you are dedicated enough to get there. You as an individual are your biggest hurdle to overcome in life, and everything is about perspective. If there is one major takeaway from this experience for me, and I hope for many others, is to reflect upon your perspective. When you catch yourself in a negative spiral, take a step back and look at the big picture of life, appreciate all you have, and know there will always be opportunities out there for you to spread your wings, all you have to do is alter the perspective. A trip like this may be all you need to assist you in doing so. – Cheyanne, SPC Western Europe Study Abroad Program, July 2022
I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to study abroad during the summer of 2022 in London, Paris, and Amsterdam. The experience has given me a renewed love for traveling and living. The opportunity introduced three new and very different cultures than here in the U.S. Moreover, the study abroad opportunity had us living like a local! It was amazing to experience the mass transit systems in each city, which are vastly different from what we have in St. Petersburg. One of my favorite days was in London, and I visited Hult University. Our discussions on cultural diversity reinforced the cultural diversity class I had taken the previous semester. We also met with a couple of CEOs and understood the successful business models implemented to grow their organizations. One rule – Sometimes you have to break the rules! – Thanks, Mr. Kemball-Cook.
Of every location, Paris was my absolute favorite city. The people and their engagement in politics, to stand up for their rights and preserve history, was so conflicting yet totally French. A fond memory that will always stay with me is walking down the Latin Quarter and listening to a violinist; as a classical music enthusiast, this was experiencing a dream in reality. I never wanted to leave and shed a tear when boarding the Eurostar. Amsterdam was so profoundly different from London or Paris. This was the one city where I truly felt the culture shock. When arriving in Amsterdam, we walked off the Eurostar and hiked 5 miles (most likely exaggerating the distance) to the coach (bus); though challenging, it was also an experience I will never forget. There are many memories that I will always have and new friendships that I will forever treasure. If you are considering taking the plunge to study abroad, do it! Financial aid is available, and you will not regret. – Leeza, SPC Western Europe Study Abroad Program, July 2022
Traveling the world and experiencing different cultures has always been something I want to do. So when I learned about the trip to Salamanca, I knew I had to do it. My first time out of the country truly exceeded all my expectations. Salamanca is a magical place. From the people, to the food, to the views, it really is a place everyone should visit. I felt so safe and comfortable there even though my Spanish was at a beginner level. Being surrounded by the culture everyday made me eager to learn more about the language.
I am so grateful to Professor Roxana, the professors at Estudio Sampere and my group for making this trip everything it was. From the moment we all met, our group became a little family. I learned so much from each one of them and made friends for a lifetime. Estudio Sampere had an incredible way of making us feel welcomed, and at home. I genuinely enjoyed going to school everyday to learn and simply just be in the presence of the teachers and students. Now when it comes to Professor Roxana, I can’t thank her enough. From the wonderful excursions planned for us everyday, to the tutoring, the laughs, the tours, the stories, she allowed us the chance to fully immerse ourselves in the culture of Salamanca and helped each of us fall in love with the city.
My favorite part about the trip was our trip to San Sebastian and Biarritz, France. This short weekend was filled with the most beautiful views, delicious food, and amazing memories. It was so cool to experience completely different cultures and languages in just two days. Whenever I come back to Europe, I will definitely be coming back to these places. Everyday in Salamanca was a dream come true. The walks to school, the conversations with our host family, all of the amazing friends I made, the food and so much more are all things that changed my perspective on life. I learned more than I ever could have imagined and now all I can think about is returning back some day. I absolutely recommend studying abroad to everyone. The friends and memories you make and everything you learn is something everyone should experience. Me encanta Salamanca. – Samantha, SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, July 2022
