For some Case Western Reserve University students, last week’s spring break wasn’t a pause in their studies, but an opportunity to continue their educational pursuits in new settings. Over 120 of them visited seven countries across the globe—from Poland to Taiwan to Dominican Republic—through academic offerings from the Office of Education Abroad.
Though their areas of study were varied, each student had the chance to explore their coursework from new viewpoints and immerse themselves in different cultures. We spoke with four participants to learn more about their experiences—and see some photos from their travels.
Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Shyanne Urban
Shyanne Urban, a second-year student from Painesville in the Master of Social Work program, is pursuing a concentration in substance use disorders and recovery. To augment her studies, she traveled to Poland with the Invisible Groups in a New Poland course offered through the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.
1. Why did you decide to study abroad over spring break?
Increasing my cultural competence and getting a new experience was really appealing to me. I had also never left the country before, so it was a lot of firsts for me! And, I knew I’d be surrounded by my peers with similar interests and could make new connections.
2. What about this program appealed to you?
I’m very interested in improving the care of “invisible groups”—specifically the homeless population, and those with mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs). I also love the faculty members who host this trip.
3. What’s the most interesting thing you learned during your time abroad so far?
I learned way more in this short trip than I ever expected. I was able to give a presentation with another member of my cohort at a Polish university in Poznan, where we discussed with other social workers how access to care and discrimination/stigma looks in Poland. This was after we were able to engage with other social workers and visit a shelter and SUD facility, so we had some personal experiences to apply to our discussions.
4. What was the most memorable moment from the trip?
This question is incredibly hard since I’ve had more core memories than I can count! The most memorable moment, I think, was the opportunity to visit Molnar, a substance use facility. We were able to hear stories from participants of Molnar as well as the counselors/staff, see the uniqueness of the facility, and to learn about SUD care in Poland. I will never forget some of the participants’ stories and how this program changed the trajectory of their lives. It was a privilege to be present for this.
Alvisa Krasniqi
Alvisa Krasniqi is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in computer science and economics. Originally from Kosovo, Krasniqi joined her peers in the Veale Snyder Fellows Program abroad in the Czech Republic.
1. Why did you decide to study abroad over spring break?
As a Veale Snyder Fellow, I had the unique opportunity to travel abroad and gain firsthand insights into entrepreneurship and innovation from a global perspective. Experiencing different cultures and ways of thinking is something I deeply value, so the decision to participate was an easy one. I was excited to immerse myself in a new environment, broaden my worldview, and bring back valuable perspectives to apply in my own work.
2. What about this program appealed to you?
My passion for entrepreneurship and innovation made this program a perfect fit. The Veale Snyder Fellowship’s spring break trip offers an incredible opportunity to explore these fields in an international setting, providing exposure to different business ecosystems.
The cohort itself is diverse, consisting of 12 CWRU students, including five international students, which enriched our discussions and learning experiences. Additionally, we receive mentorship and guidance from the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, as well as professors Michael Goldberg and Michael Hill, making this an invaluable learning experience.
3. What’s the most interesting thing you learned during your time abroad so far?
One of the most fascinating takeaways from this trip was learning how entrepreneurship in Czechia differs from in the U.S. While both countries value innovation, Czechia places a strong emphasis on community-building and fostering close-knit, relationship-driven businesses. Their approach to entrepreneurship is more collaborative and socially driven, which contrasts with the often highly competitive startup culture in the U.S. This perspective has given me a lot to reflect on in terms of how different environments shape business ecosystems.
4. What was the most memorable moment from the trip?
Spending time with my fellow participants and engaging with locals was definitely the highlight of the trip. Whether it was through casual conversations, exploring the city together, or meeting entrepreneurs with unique perspectives, these moments made the experience truly special. The connections I formed, both within our group and with the people we met, are something I’ll always cherish.
Ithabeleng Makhetha
Ithabeleng Makhetha, a second-year undergraduate student from Lesotho majoring in accounting and business information technology, sought insights on sustainability in Iceland. She spent her spring break abroad in the “Managing in a Global Economy – Exploring Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability” program.
1. Why did you decide to study abroad over spring break?
I love exploring new places and learning about new cultures. I always take opportunities where I can be challenged and appreciate diverse viewpoints, which are often culturally influenced. This in turn helps me understand the world better and relate to other people with minimal conflicts.
2. What about this program appealed to you?
I was curious to learn how the small island of Iceland was tackling pressing climate issues, with a population of just 400,000. I assumed they contributed the least, being a small country, so I wanted to find out more and learn how the Icelandic people’s viewpoints were different to my opinions on the matter.
3. What’s the most interesting thing you learned during your time abroad so far?
Iceland, despite being small, is heavily climate conscious; they have a very well-developed circular economy, which is so exemplary and awesome. Beyond that, it was an experience seeing the Northern Lights and geysers and geothermal pools and lagoons that locals get to enjoy on a regular basis in the cold weather.
4. What was the most memorable moment from the trip?
I’d say visiting the Blue Lagoon and seeing the lava from a volcanic eruption; we learned that the site was being monitored constantly and that we could have had a chance to see an eruption at any time we were there. The idea that the group and I could have experienced that was both nerve-racking and exciting at the same time; it kept me and everyone on our toes being very mindful of what was happening around us. At the same time, it was rather sad to hear about all the displacements of people who had to evacuate their town because it was a risky area.
Max Houghteling
Max Houghteling, a second-year undergraduate student from Indiana, explored his accounting and environmental studies majors in a new way while abroad in Iceland for the “Managing in a Global Economy – Exploring Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability” program.
1. Why did you decide to study abroad over spring break?
I had never been abroad before, so I thought this was a great opportunity for me to travel and learn from other cultures, while also sightseeing and gaining knowledge to apply to my majors!
2. What about this program appealed to you?
As someone with majors relevant to both aspects of this trip—and Iceland being one of the world leaders in sustainable energy/technology—I was super excited to get an inside perspective from businesses we were planning on touring.
Also, I had always wanted to travel to Iceland because of the Northern Lights and beautiful landscapes.
3. What’s the most interesting thing you learned during your time abroad so far?
We toured ON Power’s Hellisheiði Geothermal Powerplant, where they explained how they use extremely hot geothermal water to generate energy while also delivering water to Reykjavik to heat the majority of homes and buildings there. They are partnered with CarbFix—a carbon capture and storage company—so they pump carbonated water they use back into the basalt formations underground where it hardens into the porous rock, thus reducing emissions.
4. What was the most memorable moment from the trip?
The most memorable day of the trip was the first Sunday we arrived, where we explored the Golden Circle route and toured many of the famous natural landscapes of Iceland. Specifically, the views from the peaks of the Þingvellir National Park and the Gullfoss Waterfall were absolutely breathtaking.
Ari Litt
Ari Litt, a second-year undergraduate student majoring in finance from New York City, spent spring break 2024 abroad in Ireland. This year, he went to Iceland for the “Managing in a Global Economy – Exploring Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability” program.
1. Why did you decide to study abroad over spring break?
I decided to study abroad over spring break because I love to travel and wanted to immerse myself in a new culture while learning about a topic that was new to me. The opportunity to explore a different country while studying a unique topic in a hands-on setting was especially appealing to me, as it combined both personal and academic growth.
2. What about this program appealed to you?
The topic of the program, sustainability in Iceland, stood out to me because of my interest in international business and environmental responsibility. I was particularly excited to explore how different countries integrate sustainability into their economic development, and Iceland’s commitment to renewable energy and eco-friendly business practices made it an ideal place to study these topics.
3. What’s the most interesting thing you learned during your time abroad?
The most interesting thing I learned during my time abroad was how Iceland efficiently uses its natural resources to generate renewable energy, providing its citizens with nearly free access to water and electricity. The country’s reliance on geothermal and hydroelectric power not only ensures energy independence but also serves as a model for sustainable resource management worldwide.
4. What was the most memorable moment from the trip?
The most memorable moment from the trip was making new friends while exploring the vibrant city of Reykjavik and experiencing the breathtaking natural landscapes within and beyond its limits. From walking through historic streets and visiting cultural landmarks to witnessing Iceland’s stunning geothermal wonders, every moment felt both educational and personally enriching.