How study abroad shaped Bella Orr’s future.

By Ella Flynn

Graduating Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications student, Bella Orr, reflects on her global experiences as an undergraduate student

Graduating senior Bella Orr says international experiences in Guatemala and Cambodia helped shape her perspective on agriculture, education and the future she hopes to build as an educator.

As Bella Orr prepares to graduate from the University of Tennessee later this week with a degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, she is reflecting on the experiences that shaped her college career outside the classroom. From hiking a volcano in Guatemala to visiting schools and agricultural research facilities in Cambodia, studying abroad helped her grow personally while giving her a new perspective on agriculture, education and the world around her.

Orr participated in study abroad programs through the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture and Herbert College of Agriculture in Guatemala during spring break 2023 and Cambodia during the 2024 winter mini-term. She said she wanted the opportunity to learn more about agriculture around the world.

“I was drawn to these locations because I wanted to expand my knowledge of the agricultural industry across the globe,” Orr said. 

While Orr expected to learn more about agriculture, she said the experience also pushed her outside her comfort zone and helped her become more confident.

“The experience taught me how to embrace uncertainty and step into new opportunities with confidence, even when they felt intimidating at first,” Orr said. 

Some of her favorite memories came from experiences she never imagined having. During the Guatemala trip, Orr hiked Pacaya Volcano, where students roasted marshmallows and cooked pizza using the heat from volcanic rocks.

“Reaching the top was an unforgettable experience,” Orr said. “We even got to eat pizza cooked on the side of the volcano and roast marshmallows using the heat from the volcanic rocks.” 

In Cambodia, Orr stepped even farther outside her comfort zone when she held and tried eating a tarantula during a stop along the trip.

“It was definitely a little intimidating at first, but it turned into such a fun and memorable experience,” Orr said. 

While the adventures created unforgettable memories, Orr said one of the most meaningful parts of studying abroad was seeing how agriculture and education connect people across different cultures.

During her trip to Guatemala, she visited a before-school program created after local schools switched to half-day schedules following COVID-19. The program included language instruction and agricultural education to help students better understand where their food comes from.

“Seeing how agriculture was integrated into education in another country reinforced my passion for agricultural education and inspired me to think about new ways to do this at home,” Orr said. 

Her experience in Cambodia also left a strong impression after visiting schools and agricultural research facilities where students presented agricultural research in English.

“Experiences like these helped me realize how agriculture can serve as a universal connection between cultures and education systems around the world,” Orr said. 

As graduation approaches, Orr said her experiences abroad continue to shape the kind of educator she hopes to become. She said studying abroad helped her become more adaptable, culturally aware and confident while giving her a broader understanding of agriculture around the world.

“Studying abroad prepared me for my future career by helping me become a more well-rounded, adaptable and globally aware educator,” Orr said. 

The experience also showed her the importance of hands-on learning, something she hopes to include in her future classroom. Orr said she would love the opportunity to one day lead students on international experiences similar to the ones that impacted her.

“I would love the opportunity to lead high schoolers as they explore agriculture on a global scale and gain perspectives that can truly shape their futures,” Orr said. 

Looking back on her experiences abroad, Orr said gratitude is the feeling that comes to mind first.

“My biggest takeaway from this experience was learning to truly appreciate the opportunities I have been given,” Orr said. 

She also encourages students who may feel nervous about studying abroad to take the opportunity if they can.

“My advice to students who are hesitant about studying abroad is to just do it; it is absolutely worth it,” Orr said. “It may feel intimidating at first, but it is an opportunity that can truly change your life both personally and professionally.” 

As Orr prepares to leave the University of Tennessee, she said the memories and lessons she gained through studying abroad will stay with her long after graduation.

“Gratitude and joy are the first feelings that come to mind when I think about my study abroad experience,” Orr said. “It was truly an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, learning and appreciation for the people and places I encountered along the way.”