Students take summer education across the globe
Carolina’s study abroad courses allow students to taste a new culture over the summer.
Many Carolina students used the summer as an opportunity to take their studies out of the country.
Carolina ranks No. 9 among U.S. institutions for study abroad participation. Tar Heels often spend the summer months experiencing what Carolina offers overseas.
Read about three summer study abroad courses at Carolina.
Students in the MEJO 437: Media and Culture class learned about advertising, journalism and entertainment in South Korea. (Submitted photo)
Class: MEJO 437: Media and Culture
Location: South Korea
Professor: Lightning Czabovsky, UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
About the course: Students were immersed in Korean culture by taking a detailed look at the country’s media industry in areas such as advertising, journalism and entertainment. It was the perfect backdrop for discussions about artificial intelligence in the media, as the country has been on the forefront of technological innovations.
Quotable: “South Korea was also in the middle of a general election after an impeachment process,” Czabovsky said. “Students were able to witness democracy firsthand, and they had a great time talking to Korean students in Busan, the country’s second largest city. … We threw in some Korean dance classes. And the students got to learn all about a new K-pop group before it launches.”
Students in the HBEH 690: Italian Food and Culture class learned all about the culinary industry, including how to make pasta. (Submitted photo)
Class: HBEH 690: Italian Food and Culture
Location: Italy
Professor: Kurt Ribisl, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
About the course: Students were led through a health behavior course that delved into the intricate relationship between Italian food, culture and health. The experience took students across the country to cities like Parma, where they saw how Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese was produced, and Chianti, where they learned how olive oil is processed. In between their culinary education, the days were filled with scenic views, bike rides and great meals.
Quotable: “We looked at the impact of climate change on food production […] and students also attended a few classes at a culinary school, where they learned to make fresh pasta, pizza and gelato,” Ribisl said. “I think the experience had them foster a deep appreciation for high-quality ingredients and for traditional cooking methods that Italians have preserved over time.”
Students in the EXSS 290H: Smart and Connected Teams class had the opportunity to visit the home of Girona Futbol Club, a professional team in Spain. (Submitted photo)
Class: EXSS 290H: Smart and Connected Teams
Location: Spain
Professor: Adam Kiefer, exercise and sport science department, UNC College of Arts and Sciences
About the course: The athletics-focused class is built around sport science, technology and analytics to examine high-performance team environments within soccer organizations. Much of the students’ time was devoted to site visits, where they got the opportunity to step inside iconic sporting venues and speak with professionals who work on innovative techniques to support team performance.
Quotable: “One of the most unforgettable moments for me was surprising the students with a city tour of Barcelona onboard the official FC Barcelona team bus. The windows were tinted and since people around the city couldn’t see inside, they were convinced the players were onboard,” Kiefer said. “Whether it’s during travel days, group meals or walking between site visits, I get to know the students on a more personal level. The summer format not only strengthens the academic experience but also opens doors to long-term mentorship and collaboration.”
