By Jhadé Norris Courtesy of Blue & White Flash
A captive audience at Jackson State University recently screened a 45-minute Passport to the World documentary that details the experiences of 73 students and faculty who traveled to six different countries this summer to study abroad.
The film emphasizes the need for critical-thinking global leaders who can address societal problems through technological and other means.
The four-week faculty-led excursions led students to Shanghai, China; Madrid, Spain; Paris; Salvador da Bahia, Brazil; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and Rio de Janeiro.
President Carolyn W. Meyers, a staunch supporter of the JSU Global program, attended the screening in the Student Center theater on the main campus.
“There are new worlds to explore and new people to meet. I think the end of it (documentary) was very significant because it changes your perspective,” Meyers said.
Meanwhile, Priscilla Slade, special assistant to the provost for International Studies and Community Colleges, said, “JSU Passport to the World was designed to provide an academic experience that immerses students in cultural experiences that are discipline-specific and thought-provoking.”
The JSU Passport to the World program conquers three major obstacles that prevent students from studying abroad: cost, curriculum and culture.
In the documentary, students detailed the traveling process from beginning to end. Some said that upon their arrival on foreign soil they did not know what to expect. Other said it was the first time they traveled in flight.
Shantwanza Hill, a junior forensic chemistry major from Glendora, Miss., studied in Rio de Janeiro.
“Traveling abroad has impacted my life with amazing information, and now I know my life will never be the same. Overall, my trip was awesome, and I plan to study abroad next year,” said Hill, minoring in sociology.
Cory Davis, a senior mass communication major from Vicksburg, studied in Shanghai, China, at East Normal China University.
“Studying abroad really allowed me to be more open to meeting new people,” Davis said. “This experience has allowed me to view the world from a totally new perspective. I’m honored that I embarked on such an amazing opportunity.”
For more information on studying abroad and the JSU Passport to the World program, visit JSU Global.