Hands-on learning opportunities are a key component of the student experience at The Ohio State University, and it doesn’t get more hands-on than the study abroad opportunities found in the Department of Animal Sciences within the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences.
Over the winter recess, twenty-six students embarked to Ireland for the Human and Animal Interactions study abroad opportunity. Undergraduate student Emma Salle shared many of their overseas adventures on Instagram through photos and vlogs, giving other students, faculty, and alumni an inside look at the program and the unique opportunities the students experienced during their time abroad.
“Each day there were generally two programs focused on the animals of Ireland and Irish culture. In Ireland we visited Dublin, Galway, and Cork while stopping at smaller towns along the way,” shared Emma Salle.
Students learned from expert guides during their trip with many tours and hands-on opportunities which allowed a deeper dive into the human-animal ecosystem in Ireland.
“My favorite activity was visiting the Fota Wildlife Park. Fota is different from most U.S. zoos due to the lack of barriers between people and animals. The only barrier between us and animals living on the island was a shallow stream.”
Outside of their adventures learning abroad, students also visited some iconic Irish locations including Blarney Castle, Emma’s favorite cultural stop. “The group climbed to the top of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone and then explored the grounds and gardens.”
Emma noted that the variety of study abroad opportunities was a key factor in her decision to attend The Ohio State University. “I always wanted to travel to different places abroad and learn about animals in different parts of the world. I attended an information session and applied to the Human and Animal Interactions trip to Ireland through the global education website.”
Animal Science Department faculty Dr. Brooklyn Wagner also accompanied the students in Ireland. “Not only did the students have the opportunity to consider new perspectives on a variety of species, but they also engaged with our hosts and each other so authentically that they came away a new confidence about their role as a global citizen. It was truly special seeing them enjoy and be fully present, taking in and growing with every moment,” Dr. Wagner shared.
Please join us in welcoming our students back to campus following their winter recess.