All posts by Gloria Parrott

Studying abroad in Costa Rica was a life-changing experience

Japan 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Hello, my name is Whitney and I am an SPC student who explored Costa Rica with a study abroad program. Studying abroad in Costa Rica was a transformative experience that left a lasting impact on both my personal and professional growth. The natural beauty of Costa Rica is truly breathtaking, from lush rainforests to amazing indigenous tribes and diverse wildlife. Throughout my time there, I felt deeply connected with nature as I conducted data collection for my studies. Immersing myself in such a biodiverse environment not only enriched my academic research but also allowed me to appreciate the importance of conservation and sustainability, which was important to me as a Sustainability Management Major.

I was truly impressed by the coral reef beauty and biodiversity I encountered while snorkeling along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts as I had never seen so many different kinds of fish, turtles, and corals. Additionally, the indigenous BriBri tribe shared valuable knowledge about their natural medicines and provided an unforgettable experience by guiding us in the art of making chocolate from scratch. Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River was both breathtaking and exhilarating, while our stay at the eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the rainforest allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in nature. The experience of studying bats at the biological center and witnessing the release of the leatherback turtles were truly unforgettable and hold a special place in my memories. Overall, studying abroad in Costa Rica was a life-changing experience that not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my appreciation for the natural world and other cultures. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to connect with nature and gain a new perspective on environmental issues.
– Whitney, SPC Costa Rica (Tropical Ecology) Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Japan: It was truly unforgettable.

Japan 2024, Japan 2025, Japan 2026, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Hello, my name is Sophia and I recently traveled to Japan this past May with SPC. Japan was absolutely breathtaking, and it’s honestly hard to even attempt to describe the entire experience. The culture was so different, the scenery absolutely incredible and just everyone who went on the trip was so amazing. The temples and shrines that we visited (which we visited many) were so amazing, and were so architecturally beautiful. The mountains (yes, we even got to see Mount Fuji) were stunning. Mount Fuji did not even look real in person.

I highly recommend everyone and anyone to study abroad at least once. This was my first time out of the country and let alone traveling on my own. The experience really is life changing. I feel like I’ve seen so much more than I even knew existed. And there was so much I learned about myself, and that entire experience was just genuinely the best time of my life. I learned so much and had a blast. It was truly unforgettable.
– Sophia, SPC Japan Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Study Abroad: I can’t wait to take another one.

Costa Rica 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Hi, my name is Jalen, I am a MIRA student and attended my first study abroad this
past semester to Costa Rica. To start off my teachers, Professor Palomino and Dr. Gaskill, were
very informative both pre-trip and during the trip. Before the trip they gave me a lot of handouts and resources on my courses that had all of the information I needed so I could always consult
them or my papers when I had questions. During the trip, our guides Pedro and Tony, we’re
incredibly knowledgeable on the ecosystem and they really enhanced the experience for me, I
couldn’t have asked for better guides. The itinerary was very fun, every day we experienced a
different side of the country and got deeply immersed in the environment and culture. I honestly
believe one of the best parts was the food, all of the food was delicious and very natural. The
class work was fast paced but everyone worked together pretty well and we were all able to
collaborate and get things done efficiently.
I am forever grateful I got to go on this trip, it was a great break from all the stress of daily life
and it felt incredible to reconnect with nature for a while. I can’t wait to take another one.

– Jalen, SPC Costa Rica (Tropical Ecology) Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Study Abroad, You’ll Remember It Forever!

Ireland 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

After saving up for months, I had the choice between two big spends: a new car, or a trip to Ireland, and I’m so happy to say I chose Ireland. The architecture, the people, the cities, the countryside, and everything in between have changed my outlook on life and schooling. To have gone on this adventure was a privilege to say the least, and I’ve now made great memories and even better friends!

Highlights of the trip included The Long Room and Trinity College in Dublin: a hall where many of the greatest scholars, artists, musicians and more had studied for hundreds of years. The exploration of the Wicklow Mountains, where we traversed hills and lakes, exploring the gorgeous shades of green of which Ireland is so famous for. Northern Ireland, where we delved into the deep and tricky politics of the Irish, and their perseverance through the face of peril. And, my favorite, the gorgeous natural scenery of the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway. This was a trip of a lifetime, and I highly recommend taking the chance to set foot on an adventure!
– January, SPC Ireland Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Ireland: I would definitely encourage you to take the class!

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

Taking this study abroad trip with SPC taught me more than sitting in a classroom ever could. The people we met, places we saw, and experiences we had are things I will never forget and memories that I will have forever. We visited many cities including Dublin, Cork, Belfast, and Kilkenny. The nerves I had before the trip didn’t last long after I met my classmates and professor. We had a very knowledgeable professor that encouraged us to truly reflect on our experiences which I thought were extremely valuable. One of the most eye-opening parts for me to experience was going to Belfast and taking a tour along the peace walls. Seeing the complexities of Northern Ireland’s situation gave me a better understanding of its significance compared to if I read about it in a textbook.

My favorite parts of this trip were the Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and Giants Causeway. Not only was the scenery unforgettable but the history behind these places is captivating. If you’re considering taking a study abroad course through SPC, it is a great opportunity and you will be surrounded with other classmates excited to learn and make memories, and a great professor and tour guide. Experiencing Ireland in person gave me a perspective I would never have been able to gain without traveling there. For anyone contemplating a study abroad program through SPC, I would definitely encourage you to take the class!
– Morgan, SPC Ireland Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Costa Rica: The Incredible Journey

Costa Rica 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

Are you a global traveler? It’s a question SPC study abroad programs love to ask. To me, it means having the superpower to see life through the eyes of people from different cultures. Take Costa Rica, for instance. This amazing country taught me so much about career goals and shaping the world. I’ve traveled to Europe before, but Costa Rica was a game-changer. Our guide, Pedro – the Yoda of Costa Rican wisdom – took us on adventures that made me feel like a kid again, from spotting white-faced monkeys to watching baby sea turtles in the wild. Pedro wasn’t just showing us cool animals; he was teaching us about sustainability and the real impact of our actions on the planet.



Everyone should go on a study abroad trip because it opens your eyes to the world and makes you comfortable with the uncomfortable. Before Costa Rica, I had no idea how luxurious our country was. Now, I’m inspired to pursue a career in environmental policy.
A big shoutout to my teachers who kept my spirits high and even celebrated my birthday in Costa Rica! Thanks to SPC and everyone who helped me embark on this incredible journey. I can’t wait for the next adventure! – Matthew, SPC Costa Rica (Tropical Ecology) Study Abroad Program, May 2024

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, 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