PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Sept. 13, 2023) – Since 2017, nearly 500 PVAMU students have traveled internationally, excluding 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most recently, 47 first-year study abroad students embarked on uncharted waters in a place that’s lovingly called the “Rock,” a.k.a. Jamaica, to become exposed to a new area, gain knowledge, develop socially and have fun. It’s the first time PVAMU students have studied abroad before officially beginning their college careers.
“Generally, students have to wait until their sophomore or junior year to study abroad. But when students are able to participate in study abroad at earlier ages, it only accelerates their learning,” said Marcus King, program coordinator for the Office of International Programs at PVAMU. “It was significant for these incoming freshmen students to have this opportunity to not only experience the benefits of international study but also form bonds and community with their peers in a way that helps them feel connected to the University and motivated to succeed in this new campus environment.”
Freshman Alexandria Mcqueen remembers driving through major cities like Montego Bay, admiring the hills on top of hills adorned with beautiful houses resembling castles. Thinking of Jamaica often elicits thoughts of stunning cerulean waters, palm trees, culture, and delicious cuisine, but for Mcqueen, it was a rite of passage.
This opportunity was also the first of its kind for her – being able to travel to Port Antonio before starting her first semester as a full-time college student. Port Antonio is the capital of the Portland parish, located on the northeastern coast of Jamaica, 60 miles from Kingston.
Houston native Jasmin Barrientos found out about this unique chance to travel for free at one of PVAMU’s New Student Orientation sessions. She was very interested in it being exclusive for first-year students and thought it would be a good exposure.
“It was very surreal because I’ve never gotten out of Houston, so it was a little disorienting at first,” Barrientos said. “The moment we got to our resort, I was more intrigued by the difference between Jamaica and Texas. Overall, I had a lot of fun, especially with the people I lived with.”
With jungles, waterfalls and mountains as their backdrop, the group of students tried different foods, such as Jerk pork and beef patties. They also took classes in humanities and agriculture and gained insight from PVAMU and Jamaican professors.
“I took the agriculture class they offered,” student Jaylen Bell said. “We focused on food insecurity and food instability. It related to my major in nursing because of the nutrition aspect.”
At first, Bell admitted to being nervous about a trip far from his home in Cypress, Texas, but he realized that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he didn’t want to let it pass him by.
“It was scary because I was starting my college experience in a different place. I was adapting to two things at once; it ultimately ended up being a great choice to go.”
Even though there was some initial trepidation about being in a new environment, the students connected on a deep level and supported one another through the experience.
“We went to the beach and bonded as a whole group,” Bell said. “That was our biggest moment. We became a family and even had a reunion when we returned. We still text and keep in contact.”
Mcqueen, an agriculture pre-veterinary science major, also reflected on her first time in Jamaica and expressed how she evolved and changed the way she saw differences in people.
“After coming back from Jamaica, I’m more open-minded to what people are saying and more responsive,” Mcqueen said. “As a vet, I’ll have to deal with a lot of people. My experience with PV has equipped me to do that.”
PVAMU students are going global on a large scale. During the 2022-2023 school year, 182 PVAMU study abroad students packed their bags and traveled across the world, a 219% increase from the previous year and the largest yearly participation in study abroad in the history of PVAMU.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Mcqueen said. “Make connections with your professors and peers because they’re going to be able to help you in the long run.”
Looking ahead, Executive Director of International Programs Dr. Godlove Fonjweng hopes to increase the number of faculty-led programs to travel with students. Fonjweng wants to grow participation in study abroad, incorporate unique travel destinations, recruit students into the new Peace Corps Preparatory Program, encourage applications to various fellowships, such as Boren and Fulbright, and initiate PVAMU’s first student exchange program.
“This experience humbled me,” Mcqueen said. “I learned to be grateful for what my parents have given me. This trip taught me a lot more than just the academic side.”
PVAMU students interested in studying abroad can visit the PVAMU Study Abroad webpage.
There will also be a Fall 2023 Study Abroad Fair on Thursday, Sept. 14, on the 1st floor of the Memorial Student Center. The event begins at 10 a.m.
By Alex Byrd
-PVAMU-