There are many incredible opportunities for students to make a difference in the world, and here are just a few examples. In Dr. Ali Gordon’s course students spend ten days travelling throughout Brazil learning about aircraft manufacturing. A summer research experience with Dr. Tim Hawthorne in Belize creates geographical information maps for local coastal communities. Dr. Richard Plate is taking students to Guatemala to assist with reforestation efforts. Another rewarding opportunity is spending a semester abroad taking courses with one of UCF’s partner institutions. For every type of study abroad, the BHC is there to provide scholarship support. BHC study abroad scholarships follow the interests of the students as we encourage them to learn, travel, and experience the world.

To our donors and partners, we anticipate that with increased options and greater flexibility, more BHC Scholars will experience firsthand what it means to be a member of a global community. There is no substitute for living in the moment and place. BHC’s commitment to “Cultivating Talent, Inspiring Excellence” extends to fostering global awareness and an understanding that there is so much more in the world than our sunny corner of Florida.

On a personal note, study abroad is near and dear to my heart. I met my husband (of 30 years) on a study abroad exchange program in Barranquilla, Colombia. To parents who might be worried, we sent our youngest to Australia for a semester during his sophomore year. I’m happy to report he returned a much more independent and mature young man. We hope you enjoy reading about the experiences of our BHC Scholars as they share stories of their adventures as they experience what the world has to offer.

• Biology major Larissa Gehringer created geographical information maps with the aid of drones and explored an ancient Mayan cave in Belize.
• Finance major Robert Vatian met with top Fortune 500 executives in Hong Kong and Singapore, visited a Buddhist monastery and sampled the local cuisine.
• Mechanical Engineering major Amy Lebanoff toured Brazil's aerospace industry, visited an authentic Brazilian steakhouse, and bonded with local children in a game of frisbee.
• Political Science and Philosophy major Abigail Reynolds led a clothing drive effort, took part in sustainability and animal conservation efforts, and learned a Zulu dance in South Africa.