Bryant students travel the globe during winter break

Students visit Europe, Latin America, and China as part of the Sophomore International Experience.

During winter break, 132 Bryant students traveled to Europe, Latin America, and China as part of the Sophomore International Experience (SIE). The two-week, three-credit course allows students to explore cultural, environmental, and business sites in a foreign country and potentially lay the foundation for studying abroad.

In Europe, 54 students traveled to London and Paris. They visited the London Houses of Parliament, toured the Jaguar S assembly plant in Castle Bromwich, took part in various lectures and corporate visits, and enjoyed a Seine River Dinner Cruise.

Jenna Poulin ’10 (Methuen, MA) says that while she enjoys learning about different places through books or lectures, the trip to Europe allowed her to experience two countries.

“My favorite part of the trip was visiting the Eiffel Tower,” she says. “It was breathtaking to witness one of the most famous sites in the entire world in person. We climbed to the top at night, and it was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. It is definitely something I will never forget.”

For Rebecca Brown ’10 (West Springfield, MA), the SIE trip marked the first time she traveled far from home. “Being able to overcome my fear and take part in all of the activities will help me be more open to trying new experiences,” she says.

Nicole Breslin ’10 (Albany, NY) says, “This was one of the most positive experiences I have ever had.” Next fall, the marketing concentrator is planning to study at the University of Sydney in Australia.

As part of the Latin America trip, 51 students visited Panama City; Quito, Ecuador; and the Galapagos Islands. Along with nine flights in 12 days, the group took part in corporate visits, visited a site marking the Equator, and enjoyed the tropical weather of the region.

“I want to see as much of the world as possible, and this trip just reinforced that,” says Phillip Bock ’10 (Hardwick, MA), who is planning to study in Shanghai, China, in the fall.

Bryan Wojtowicz ’08 (Palmer, MA) says it was interesting to visit the islands in the Galapagos, which the locals describe as a “living museum.”

“Nature surrounded us everywhere we went,” he says. “Within the first hour we arrived, a group of us went looking for a place to swim. We found a dock next to some sea lions and decided to jump in. That is an experience I will never forget.”

Kenneth Peabody ’10 (Rochester, NH) says, “Throughout the remainder of my college career, this experience will have a lasting impact on my studies. Latin America will no longer be just a location on a map but a place I have experienced.”

The 27 students who took part in the trip to China traveled to Beijing, Yangshuo, and Shanghai. They visited the Lenovo/IBM plant, toured Tiananmen Square, and participated in a bike ride and cave exploration in countryside of Yangshuo.

“I learned that I would like to live and work in another country besides the United States,” says Kevin Naeger ’10 (South Easton, MA).

Michael Ostrander ’10 (Barnstable, MA) says the trip stoked a new interest in global issues and a desire to travel in the future. His favorite part of the trip was visiting the Great Wall of China.

“It was amazing – especially when you think of the history of the wall and how far it extends,” says Ostrander. “It truly is one of the Wonders of the World.”

To learn more, read the students’ blogs.