Each summer, students embark on journeys that will change their lives in ways both big and small, and build their skills outside the classroom. This summer, two groups of University Honors students capitalized on the opportunity to study abroad through one of two distinct programs focused on combining personal growth with professional development.
Many honors students plan to pursue careers in law or medicine, and the University Honors program has worked to build study abroad opportunities tailored to these interests. Honors faculty piloted a program in Czechia, formerly known as the Czech Republic, as this year’s destination for those interested in law and justice. The Costa Rica program, entering its fourth consecutive year, continues to be the destination for students focused on healthcare. Each of these programs offer unique insights into either pre-law or pre-health professional pathways. Czechia’s legal system differs in notable ways from the U.S. approach. Meanwhile, Costa Rica is well-known for its high quality and affordable universal healthcare, offering students insight into a system with key differences from what they can learn about in the U.S.
The pre-law program was a partnership between Nebraska Honors, Nebraska Law, and Palacky University in Olomouc, Czechia. This partnership enabled students to visit legal institutions, meet government officials, and explore cultural sites. One highlight included visiting the capital city of Prague and taking a guided tour of the parliament.
Elise Katafiasz, a rising second year honors student with a double major in biochemistry and forensic biology, said the experience was eye-opening in more ways than one.
“I learned so much about Czech history and the Czech government, but it doesn’t come close to how much I learned about myself. For example, this experience really sparked my motivation to learn another language and my sense of independence,” she said.
The Costa Rica program gave students insider experience with the healthcare system in another country. They toured local hospitals and clinics, and engaged in meaningful conversations with healthcare professionals.
“This program changed my perspective on what can be done to reform healthcare in the U.S. and make it more affordable,” said Emma Heacock, a rising second year honors student with a double major in nutrition and biological sciences, demonstrating how this program inspired students to think creatively and globally about issues in healthcare.
“Studying abroad helps us realize that there are so many ways to think, live, and approach challenges. We don’t know what we don’t know until we put ourselves into a new environment and come face-to-face with differences,” said Rebecca Baskerville, associate director of Honors and Czechia program co-leader. "These global experiences help shape our students into thoughtful, creative professionals in the fields of law, healthcare, and beyond."
In their free time, students took advantage of the opportunity to engage in the local cultures and connect with fellow students. Both countries offered opportunities to experience new foods and discover new sights while building lasting friendships.
