By Lily Rutherford

Delaney Turner, a sophomore agricultural leadership, education, and communications major, traveled to Guatemala this past spring break.

Holding a strong passion for the agriculture industry, the trip presented her with the perfect opportunity to learn more about her field live and in person.

Turner stated, “I am very passionate about the agriculture industry and am always looking for a way to learn more about production agriculture. My favorite stops during our trip were when we got to see production agriculture in action.”

And what better way to apply a passion for your studies than through travel? 

She elaborated, “Whether it was picking coffee cherries off of trees, eating avocados grown on the side of a volcano, or making corn tortillas from scratch, we were able to experience Guatemalan culture and agriculture practices first hand. Being able to learn by doing in Guatemala truly left a lasting impact.”

To reiterate a key phrase Turner used, “learn by doing” is an important aspect of what makes studying abroad so enriching. While, yes, we learn by doing in our everyday lives, studying abroad allows us to learn by doing in a different way. When we’re constantly taking in new information, new languages, and new cultures at the same time as our studies, our brains are forced to learn in a new way.

Turner is proof of this.

“Since this was my first trip outside of the United States, I honestly did not know what to expect regarding a language barrier, cultural customs, and a totally new climate. I most definitely went into the experience with an open mind and it paid off. I was able to learn quickly from others and pick up on mannerisms from locals.”

With the full course name AGNR 491: UTK Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Challenges in Guatemala, the program promised academic coverage of a wide array of topics. Yet, it was still able to teach so much more.

Similar to many other UTIA students who have studied abroad, Turner emphasized this trip being a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn with her peers. She mentioned that, despite never thinking she’d study abroad in college, this experience changed her entire perspective on international travel. “As someone who had always thought that I would not go abroad until I had been to all fifty U.S. States, I never had a study abroad program on my mind in college. After our time in Guatemala, I would love to experience international travel again.”

Keeping an open mind like Turner is a great way to approach new experiences, especially in college. This is a time for new adventures, academic, international, and otherwise. Being curious about travel and education can open up so many new opportunities. Like Turner said, “After hearing and learning about so many positive experiences I decided to step out of my comfort zone and apply for a study abroad program.”

Step out of your comfort zone, try something new. Learn more about how you can grow global through study abroad here!