By Lily Rutherford
Studying abroad provides students with the opportunity for intellectual and professional growth by exposing them to knowledge, concepts, and experiences that reflect different cultural contexts, specifically within their field of study. These experiences increase students’ global awareness and challenge existing stereotypes. Through study abroad programs, students gain a better understanding of themselves, engage in leadership development, and develop the skills to engage in further experiential learning.
To see how one student’s life has been positively affected by study abroad, take a look at the impact of Sky’s experience on her academic and career development.
Skylynn Pastorello, a sophomore wildlife and fisheries science student, recently took part in the Tropical Biobased Systems Program at Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz
International School (ESALQ) in Brazil.
Exposing UT students to Tropical Biobased Systems abroad, this program offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about their fields of study on an international level.
This international school connected agriculture students from around the world, cultivating interpersonal collaboration between them. It also educated participants on the intricacies of
Brazilian agriculture through its hands-on curriculum.
Pastorello explained how she found this opportunity, as well as her “why” behind joining the program.
“Before 2025 I had never studied abroad. Coming into my freshman year in 2024, it was on my radar, but I didn’t think I’d end up going abroad so quickly into college. Expanding my
understanding and perspective of the world is something extremely important to me – I find so much value in learning about different cultures, scientific practices, and ecosystems. I believe traveling to other countries and learning the realities that exist there can heavily impact your worldview and goals.”
“The program was unlike any other opportunity I’ve seen. Even though each participant had their individual majors, we all had outside interests which created balance. Especially since I want to conduct research abroad for my future career, studying abroad was something I always hoped to do.”
She then provided insight into what her time abroad entailed.
“During my time in Brazil, I learned from so many amazing students and professors. For the program, we were in groups of three to four and were given time to develop a project that suggested a solution to pressing food insecurity issues. Shortly after, we got to go and present it.”
These aspects of her time abroad helped shape her experience. Being a part of this program offered her and other students opportunities to connect with future colleagues and
academic professionals in their fields. In addition, it also gave students a chance to learn from each other.
“My favorite part of the program was learning from these students. Learning about the research they were doing, their interests, and their culture was such an amazing experience. The Brazilian students showed us, as visitors, the best places to eat and important sites to see. Eating at their favorite restaurants, visiting their favorite places, seeing movies with them – it was like we were tourists while also seeing the locals’ favorite places.”
By the end of her time in Brazil, the program had left a significant impact.
“Every moment I was there, I did not want it to end. By the conclusion of the two weeks, it felt like we all grew into a family. One of the other students perfectly phrased why parting ways was such a surreal experience – ‘Because we are all from different countries, maybe one or two of us may meet again, but it isn’t likely that we will ever be able to have this exact group of people meet again all at once.’”
“It’s bittersweet really. Maybe knowing that made us value our time together even more.”
Connections like these are impossible to form in the classroom. They are also what make studying abroad so impactful to students – Pastorello commented as much.
“I think back to my first time abroad in Costa Rica, an experience part of the First-Year program. During these travels, we had faculty with us for every part of the trip, making sure nothing went wrong and guiding us through the process. This eased a lot of my anxieties, and I think was good preparation for my participation in the program in Brazil.”
“Going abroad for the first time in Costa Rica made me realize how necessary it was for me to learn in the context of another country. And being a student in Brazil helped me further understand this concept.”
The opportunity to travel and study internationally enhances student passions, focuses goals, and broadens horizons. In partnership with the Herbert College of Agriculture, the Smith Center is working to create more opportunities for students just like Sky by making study abroad more accessible.
A variety of factors influence student decisions to participate in study abroad, but one of the most-commonly identified barriers is cost. Big Orange Give, the University of Tennessee’s 24-hour day of giving, is November 5th, and by donating to the Smith Center Study Abroad Support Fund you can help reduce financial barriers for students who aspire to study abroad. Contributions from donors and alumni have provided life-changing opportunities for students by offering them a broader, more global education.
You can donate to the Smith International Center here, or come back on November 5 to be a part of Big Orange Give. Visit our study abroad website here to learn how students can #GrowGlobal at UT.