All posts by Gloria Parrott

SPC Galápagos Islands: Offered truly eye-opening experiences!

Galápagos Islands, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

If I could have told 10-year-old me that one day she would visit the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, she would have lost her mind. After years of obsession with the endemic species of the Galapagos and countless nature documentaries, I grew up on, seeing everything in person changed my life. From the famous giant tortoises to the playful sea lions, all the species seen in the Galapagos did not cease to amaze and ignite overwhelming happiness with every encounter. Words cannot truly describe the incredible experience I had on the islands with my professors and classmates.

The islands of Santa Cruz and Isabella offered incredibly diverse landscapes, ranging from recent hardened lava flow coastlines to rainforest with daisy trees in the highlands within a short 30-minute drive. We had an amazing journey hiking Volcán Chico on  Isabella that gave us astonishing views of how lava shaped the land and coast. All our incredible tour guides taught us everything they knew about the land and its endemic species found nowhere else in the world.

The people of the Galapagos offered truly eye-opening experiences for the love and dedication they have to their islands and nature, offering true lessons of sustainability and conservation. I will carry all the amazing memories of wildlife encounters, vast landscapes, and cultural experiences alive in my memory and my everyday life! What an incredible opportunity!

– Reese, SPC Galápagos Islands Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Costa Rica (ASL): Living PURA VIDA

Costa Rica (ASL) 2026, Scholarships, Travel

Growing up I always watched shows and movies such as Dora the Explorer, Moana, and Adventure time. All of these have one similar overarching storyline and that is to see what lies beyond the comfort of your home and neighborhood and see what adventures await. Ever since I can remember I have loved to see and experience different cultures and languages. There has only been one true thing that held me back from seeing the world and that was fear of the unknown and going alone. The study abroad program gave me the safety and security I needed in order to travel for the first time without my family. Boy was it worth it, in the words of Moana “there is so much more beyond the reef”. I experienced culture, I spoke with locals, I ate the local cuisine, I learned more ASL and LESCO then I thought possible in one week, I made a friendship that I know will follow us through the interpreting program and far into the future, and last but definitely not least I learned the meaning and beauty of living PURA VIDA.

Not only did this program give me the opportunity to immerse myself in ASL and strengthen my signing skills but it also helped to bring my past learned Spanish back into use. Alongside Spanish and ASL I also learned the beautiful language of LESCO which is the sign language of Costa Rica. Unfortunately with all good and beauty there has to be some ugly and that rule applies even in Costa Rica. Speaking with the local Deaf individuals I learned how little opportunities they have in comparison to hearing people. Costa Rica does not have any video services to facilitate communication for Deaf individuals, this includes at home needs and emergencies such as hospital visits. Even if there were relay services in Costa Rica there are only 45 interpreters in the country which is not nearly enough. When asked what a women does in case of and national or person emergency and how she stays in formed she replied with “I cannot live alone”. The idea that an adult that is completely capable of living alone and taking care of herself can not due so because the country does not have the technology or resources to allow and aide in her communication was eye opening.

It was also sad to hear the stories about the lives of the children before they entered the Deaf school and how they were bullied and viewed as less than by not only their peers but also their parents. This fact was largely contradicted by the absolute joy and excitement that could be seen by the students using LESCO to communicate and no one being disabled in the eyes of one another. The students were also elated to see us so open and willing to learn their language and try our hardest to communicate because in that moment they got to be the smartest person in the room teaching their language to the Americans and that is a sight I will never forget. While there were some sad times on this trip they were things that I needed to see to understand what the Deaf community experiences on a daily basis as well as how deafness is viewed outside of America.

– Ashley, SPC Costa Rica (ASL) Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Costa Rica: I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to go!

Costa Rica (ASL) 2026, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Studying abroad in Costa Rica has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. The trip wasn’t just fun, but educational! I got to learn Costa Rican Sign Language (LESCO) and used what I learned to converse with the local Deaf community there. It was a very interesting experience as we were using four different languages to communicate; English, Spanish, ASL, and LESCO. Learning LESCO and being able to talk with the Deaf community there was an eye opener as they shared their experiences of growing up Deaf in Costa Rica with us.

As for the fun adventures, we went on a lot! First, we went to the La Paz Waterfall which was gorgeous! Then we went on a hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, I got to see various species of birds that we do not have in Florida. The most adventurous thing we did was zip lining… I almost let my anxiety keep me from doing it, but I did it anyway; and I don’t regret it! Zip lining was the highlight of the trip for me, as I could see the vast green mountains of Monteverde. Costa Rica is known for their beautiful scenery and I now see why. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to go on this study abroad with the ASL program at SPC and I hope there’s another one in the future!

– Zoe, SPC Costa Rica (ASL) Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Costa Rica: One of the most meaningful experiences of my life!

Costa Rica (ASL) 2026, News, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

Visiting Costa Rica was more than a study abroad experience… it was a reminder to my soul of what is possible. A few years ago, after losing everything I owned, I wrote “La Fortuna Waterfall” in my journal as a place I hoped to visit one day. I had no idea how I would get there, but I trusted that somehow it would happen. A year later, I re-enrolled in school to start my bachelor’s program. When the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica was presented to me, I applied for a scholarship just to see what was possible. I was notified that I wasn’t chosen to receive the scholarship, but to my surprise a day or two later I received a phone call saying that the original candidate was no longer going, and I was awarded one! Without this scholarship, I believe I would have missed out on one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Standing at La Fortuna Waterfall after making the trek down all 550 steps, feeling the mist on my skin, hearing the roar of the water all around me, then plunging into the waters cool embrace; I couldn’t help but think about that journal entry and how life unfolds in ways greater than we can ever imagine.


What I cherish most from this experience were the connections I made. My classmates Ezria, Jillian and Nora quickly became like little sisters to me, and somewhere between throwing up on the winding bus rides, sharing laughs and meals together, and falling asleep with late night chats in our room, we became friends. As someone still in the beginning stages of learning sign language, there were moments when I felt confused and somewhat left out because I could not fully understand the conversations happening around me. Yet those moments gave me a glimpse into the communication barriers that Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals face every day, and it helped me to become more patient, observant, and understanding. Beyond the classroom, I connected with local community members, shared stories with people whose lives looked very different from my own and was reminded that “our way of living” is not the only way. Costa Rica opened my eyes not only to new cultures and perspectives, but also to the ways I hope to serve others as a future Human Services professional. Surrounded by nature, fresh food, clean rushing waterfalls, and genuine human connection, I remembered that community, accessibility, and caring for one another are universal needs. This trip reignited something within me; a sense of wonder, purpose, and possibility. And I know now, more than ever, that when we follow the things that truly set our souls on fire, life has a beautiful way of meeting us halfway, as long as we choose to show up!

– Kayla, SPC Costa Rica (ASL) Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Study Abroad: Changed me and opened my eyes far beyond the small bubble!

Costa Rica (ASL) 2026, News, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

It was life changing in more ways than one, and it is hard to put into words how much this trip meant to me. The Lord I serve used this experience to show me how to feel truly alive, step out of my comfort zone, and see life from a new perspective. Being in Costa Rica let me experience the culture through the food, the language, the people, and the beautiful everyday moments. As a CODA with Deaf parents, this trip connected deeply to who I am and how I see the world. I was able to grow not only as a traveler, but also as someone who has always lived between the Hearing and Deaf communities.


I am super grateful that I was able to experience such an amazing trip, and honestly, I wish I could go back. I see the world much more differently now because this experience helped me understand culture, language, and identity in a deeper way. Learning about LESCO, Costa Rica’s sign language, showed me how many different versions of sign language there are and helped me connect it back to my own life as a CODA. It also deepened my understanding of the Deaf and Hard of hearing community and what Deaf people experience in another country, beyond what I knew from growing up with Deaf parents. This gift of a trip made possible through study abroad and the scholarship, changed me in ways I never expected and opened my eyes far beyond the small bubble I was in before.

– Ezria, SPC Costa Rica (ASL) Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Ireland: The VIP experience!

Ireland 2024, Ireland 2027, Scholarships, Travel

On our first full day we had the opportunity to walk around the Dublin zoo with one of the conservation staff members. She talked to us about the different big cats in the zoo and explained how the habitats are created for them. We visited the zoo’s veterinary hospital and spoke with one of the veterinarians. Afterwards we had free time to walk around the zoo and explore everything it has to offer.

We also had the opportunity to visit Wild Ireland. This sanctuary is home to many native animals that once roamed freely through Ireland. The sanctuary provides every animal with a habitat that is tailored to their specific needs. We had the opportunity to get a VIP experience of seeing where the animal’s food is prepared and then feeding time for the bears. This was an amazing opportunity to learn about the native species to Ireland and their habitats.

– Peyton, SPC Ireland (Vet Tech) Study Abroad Program, March 2026

SPC Ireland: Visiting NWRC in Limavady !

Ireland 2024, Ireland 2027, Scholarships, Travel

Today was an early morning starting at 8. We traveled by bus to the Limavady NWRC campus. The vet tech students there gave us a presentation on how things are done there. After the presentation some Irish dancers did a few different dances which were super cute. After that we went to an Oyster fry which was absolutely delicious. It consisted of potato cakes, soda bread, sausage, fried eggs etc. Potato bread was my favorite. After we ate, we had to give our presentation which we were all nervous for. We did amazing for it!! We visited the classroom where the vet tech students learn at. They had stations set up where they were practicing for their practical portions national exam before certification.

The afternoon consisted of off campus activities. We took a bus ride to visit some scenic views which included a temple. After the temple we took a trip to see alpacas and got to take them for a walk. My alpacas name was Terry and he was 2 years old. He wasn’t a fan of going on the walk and stayed in the back. All alpacas were super cute including Jim Bob who did not care to be walked and followed behind everywhere. He is working on his social skills and did take some treats from a few students today which was amazing progress. It was an awesome time.

– Rachel, SPC Ireland (Vet Tech) Study Abroad Program, March 2026

SPC Ireland: I’m still in shock I got to be there!

Ireland, Ireland (Vet Tech) 2026, Ireland 2024, Ireland 2027, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

During our time in Derry, we had the opportunity to visit North Coast Alpacas, a wonderful, family owned and operated alpaca and dairy farm. We were able to meet, feed, handle, and even go on a trail walk with the multiple alpacas! The owner and farmer of the property gave us a lot of useful information about alpacas and their nutrition, environment, and overall well-being. Everyone was incredibly kind to us. He is a fifth generation farmer and it was so neat to see how important farming and these animals are important to Ireland and the people who live there.

We had the pleasure of being able to stop at Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-rede Bridge on our way to Belfast. The pictures of both places don’t even begin to do them justice. It was the most stunning places I have ever seen in my life. The workers at both locations shared a bit of background information about the history and creation of each place and how they’re maintained today. Truly a bucket list, must see place to visit and I’m still in shock I got to be there!

– Rebecca, SPC Ireland (Vet Tech) Study Abroad Program, March 2026

SPC Ireland (Vet Tech): The Great Experience

Ireland, Ireland (Vet Tech) 2026, Ireland 2024, Ireland 2027, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

Trinity college was a great experience as we were immersed in beautiful architecture filled with an interesting history. Trinity college is an open structed campus allowing tourist like us to tour the beautiful place that these students study in relentlessly to secure a solid future. While we were allowed to enter, back then Catholics were not allowed into trinity college until 1970s, thus another college close by was made so everyone can get an education prior to acceptance.

A statue of Provost George Salmon stands to the left of the Campanile (big bell tower) inside the campus which is a famous spot women take a picture next to. The reasoning behind the fame of this statue is due to his most remember words that he proclaimed over his dead body will no women enter the college. Rapidly after his death in 1904 the first female students entered and attended the college. Women now enter and walk over his burial site and by his statue daily which shows how much has changed over the years at this college. Today the college welcomes everyone giving wonderful opportunities to flourish, despite its restrictive past.

The campus holds the Book of Kells and the Brian Boru Harp, which are historic pieces that bring lots of attention from locals and tourists. The Brian Boru Harp is seen as the national emblem of Ireland and can be seen on the passports and coins. The harp is also modified and appears everywhere as the symbol for the famous Guinness brand. The Book of Kells is displayed in a special room for preservation for people to look with the eye but not to photograph or video record. The Book of Kells is a Celtic Gospel book containing pictures filled with breathtaking colors and Latin text. Both items were truly a sight to behold and getting to listen to the history of the items and the college itself made me appreciate the campus even more. The campus is filled with rich history that parallels to the beauty of the architecture that remains.

– Kandice, SPC Ireland (Vet Tech) Study Abroad Program, March 2026

SPC Ireland: An eye-opening experience!

Ireland, Ireland (Vet Tech) 2026, Ireland 2024, Ireland 2027, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

My visit to Northwest Regional College (NWRC) in Ireland was an eye-opening experience that showed me how similar veterinary nursing education can be across countries. While touring the campus and speaking with students, I noticed that their program closely mirrors the veterinary technology program at St. Petersburg College (SPC) in Florida. Both programs emphasize a strong balance between classroom instruction and hands-on clinical skills. Students at NWRC are trained in essential areas such as anesthesia monitoring, surgical assisting, and animal handling, which are also core components at SPC. Seeing these similarities firsthand reinforced how consistent veterinary education standards are, even internationally.



In addition to technical skills, both programs focus heavily on communication, critical thinking, and professionalism within the veterinary field. Students are encouraged to advocate for their patients while effectively working with clients and veterinary teams. This shared approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for the fast-paced and demanding environment of veterinary practice. My experience at NWRC gave me a deeper appreciation for the global standards of veterinary nursing education. Overall, it was inspiring to see that both NWRC and SPC share the same goal of developing skilled, compassionate veterinary professionals.

– Deja, SPC Ireland (Vet Tech) Study Abroad Program, March 2026