Expanding Horizons: The 2024 Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program 

Study abroad programs are more than just academic experiences; they are opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, and the development of global perspectives. For first-generation and low-income students, these programs can be life-changing, offering experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. Recognizing this potential, COE hosted twenty TRIO program participants for the 2024 Keith Sherin Global Leaders Study Abroad Program in The Hague, Netherlands, from June 21 to July 13, 2024. This program provided students with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the world and their place within it. 

The program’s impact on its participants was profound, as evidenced by their reflections. Patrick Lehman-Martin, a Student Support Services participant from Chememeta Community College, expressed how the experience deepened his understanding of Dutch politics and the importance of effective governance. “Academically, I gained enlightenment into how Dutch politics work. Compared to most democracies, they are very liberal people who believe everyone has the right to voice their opinion on situations that affect their people locally or globally,” he shared. Patrick also highlighted how his time in the Netherlands enhanced his networking skills, which he views as essential for his future career as an archivist. 

Jaiden Lee-Jones, a Student Support Services participant from Miami Dade College, reflected on the meaningful relationships he built during the program. “The relationships I made were incredible; I met people from all different backgrounds and ethnicities. Sharing this with my family was priceless,” he said. Jaiden’s experience underscores the value of connecting with others across cultural boundaries and the long-lasting impact these connections can have. 

Bronson Mills, from Oregon State University, emphasized the importance of cultural immersion, noting how the experience broadened his perspective. “For me, the most important part is cultural immersion, comparing the small differences in cultures and deriving meaningful conclusions from those comparisons,” Bronson explained. This sentiment was echoed by Jade Buchanan from Suffolk University, who noted that the experience taught her about the shared humanity that transcends geographical divides. 

For Maria Cubias, a Student Support Services participant from Northern Essex Community College, the time spent in nature during the program evoked a sense of home. “The time we spent at the horse ranch was one of my favorite experiences and one of the best I will always remember. It made me feel like I was back home in El Salvador,” Maria shared. This connection to her roots while abroad highlights the program’s ability to create a sense of belonging, even in a foreign land. 

Abby Hudson, a participant from Glenville State University, reflected on the lessons she learned about inclusion, diversity, and understanding different cultural contexts. “I learned that not everyone will be nice to you, but if you also try to engage in their culture, they’ll be more open to having you,” Abby said. Her experience emphasized the importance of empathy and cultural sensitivity in navigating new environments. 

The 2024 Keith Sherin Global Leaders Study Abroad Program exemplified the power of study abroad for first-generation and low-income students. By immersing themselves in a new culture, engaging with global issues, and building connections across borders, these TRIO students gained invaluable experiences that will shape their academic and professional futures. Programs like this open doors to the world and empower students to become global citizens, ready to make a positive impact on the world.