This summer, students from Utah State University’s Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) expanded their horizons through a series of immersive study abroad programs. Undergraduate and graduate students traveled to Sweden, Fiji, and Ecuador, where they engaged in hands-on learning, community support, and cross-cultural exchange.
According to Shawn Whiteman, interim dean of CEHS, these programs serve as more than just academic opportunities.
“Study abroad experiences broaden perspectives, deepen cultural understanding, and enhance academic and professional growth,” Whiteman said. “They prepare students to become leaders who can compare, reflect, and integrate global perspectives into education and human services.”
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Exploring Healthcare and Social Services in Sweden
A group of 15 undergraduate and graduate students, led by Professor Beth Fauth, spent 10 days in Jönköping, Sweden. Fauth, who directs Utah’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center, has been taking students abroad since 2013 to study healthcare and social policies.
Sweden is recognized worldwide for its progressive aging policies and social care systems. Students attended lectures at Jönköping University’s Institute for Gerontology, visited healthcare facilities, and observed how Sweden supports citizens throughout their lifespan.
Highlights included:
- Touring a hospital’s geriatric ward that bypasses traditional ER visits.
- Visiting a rural nursing home to study elder care practices.
- Exploring child and youth policies alongside elderly services for a lifespan-focused approach.
Fauth emphasized that the goal was not to idealize Sweden but to encourage critical comparison between U.S. and Swedish systems.
“I want students to see both the differences and similarities and ask why these policies have emerged. It’s about finding inspiration that can be adapted back home,” she explained.
For students like Josey Batura, a graduate student in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), the experience was career-shaping.
“This program deepened my commitment to incorporating cross-cultural perspectives in my teaching,” Batura shared. “It also sparked my interest in pursuing postdoctoral research in Sweden.”
The Sweden program is scheduled to run again in May 2027.
Supporting Special Education in Fiji
In June, 16 students from CEHS traveled to the Republic of Fiji for a two-week program focused on special education and rehabilitation counseling. Led by Professor Julia Lyman, the group worked in schools in Suva and Rakiraki, providing professional development to teachers and direct instruction to children with disabilities.
The program gave students a rare opportunity to step into classrooms, collaborate with local educators, and even visit the homes of children they taught. This helped them better understand the realities of families raising children with disabilities in Fiji.
Lyman described the experience as life-changing for her students:
“Working with teachers, engaging with families, and teaching in a new environment had a lasting impact on our students. It was evident they were deeply moved by the experience.”
For Cassie Olschewski, a special education major graduating in 2026, the program reaffirmed her career goals.
“This experience confirmed my passion for working with students with disabilities,” she said. “It inspired me to pursue graduate studies to better support and advocate for them.”
Beyond academic growth, the program nurtured empathy and a global outlook on education. Lyman hopes her students return with a stronger sense of responsibility as global citizens, ready to apply their experiences both at home and abroad.
Conducting Research in the Amazon Region of Ecuador
In Ecuador’s Sucumbíos Province, five graduate students joined professors Lisa Boyce and Spencer Bradshaw, along with researcher Eduardo Ortiz, to conduct research in partnership with local communities.
Over a 10-day period, students gathered longitudinal data from families in the rural towns of Limoncocha and Coca. This was part of a continuing collaboration between USU and Brigham Young University (BYU), now in its third research phase.
- Nutrition and dietary diversity.
- Parent-child interactions and caregiving practices.
- Family violence and social dynamics.
- Early childhood cognitive and neural development.
The project follows children and families over time, collecting data on:
This year, researchers used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to gather brain activation data—a first for the project. Graduate students played a key role, assisting with interviews, collecting samples, and managing neuroimaging equipment.
Boyce acknowledged the challenges of the program:
“It’s emotionally difficult for students to witness economic hardship and family struggles. But these experiences push them outside their comfort zone and give them invaluable research skills.”
PhD student Matthew Cook found the work especially inspiring.
“Being welcomed by the community and collaborating on research that reflects their needs was the highlight,” Cook said. “I want to continue using neuroimaging to understand early development in diverse cultural contexts.”
Why Study Abroad Matters for CEHS Students
The 2025 study abroad programs highlight how global education transforms students. From Sweden’s health policies to Fiji’s inclusive education challenges and Ecuador’s longitudinal research, CEHS students gained:
- Cross-cultural understanding that improves empathy and leadership.
- Hands-on experience in real-world education and human services settings.
- Professional direction by aligning global lessons with personal career goals.
- Research opportunities that expand academic impact and skill development.
Dean Whiteman believes these experiences are crucial for shaping the next generation of educators, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
“When students immerse themselves in global contexts, they not only learn about others—they discover new ways to strengthen systems at home,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the purpose of CEHS study abroad programs?
These programs aim to provide students with hands-on learning experiences, cultural exchange, and professional development in education, healthcare, and human services across different countries.
Which countries did CEHS students visit in 2025?
Students traveled to Sweden, Fiji, and Ecuador, where they engaged in research, teaching, and community support projects.
How do study abroad experiences benefit CEHS students?
They help students gain cross-cultural perspectives, strengthen leadership and communication skills, and prepare them for careers in education, healthcare, and social services.
Who leads the CEHS international programs?
Faculty members from Utah State University’s College of Education and Human Services guide students. For example, professors Beth Fauth, Julia Lyman, Lisa Boyce, and Spencer Bradshaw led the 2025 trips.
What type of work did students do in Sweden?
Students studied healthcare and social care systems, attended lectures, and visited hospitals, nursing homes, and childcare centers to compare Swedish and U.S. practices.
What was the focus of the Fiji program?
In Fiji, students supported special education teachers, taught children with disabilities, and visited families to better understand challenges and solutions in inclusive education.
What research was conducted in Ecuador?
Graduate students helped collect longitudinal data on child development, nutrition, family dynamics, and brain activity using advanced neuroimaging tools.
Conclusion
The international study programs offered by Utah State University’s College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) prove that learning extends far beyond the classroom. By studying healthcare systems in Sweden, supporting inclusive education in Fiji, and conducting groundbreaking research in Ecuador, students gained invaluable skills that prepare them for leadership in an interconnected world. These experiences not only shape their academic and professional paths but also foster empathy, cultural awareness, and a sense of global responsibility.
