Study Abroad Program

Costa Rica – Tentative Travel Dates Tuesday, May 20 – Saturday, May 31, 2025

Work and study in a pristine tropical rainforest while earning college credits

Learning Activities

• Diverse Ecosystems: Explore dynamic ecosystems from cloud forests to the Pacific lowland rainforest, from mangrove forests to coral reefs
• Field Studies: Learn techniques in biological field studies to gather and analyze data
• Teamwork: Develop your teamwork skills by working with other students in planning and implementing field investigations P
• Personal Challenges: Increase your confidence by participating in challenging activities in a very different environment and climate
• Cultural Awareness: Develop your cultural awareness of a unique and friendly country
• Biodiversity: Experience the incredible diversity of the flora and fauna of Costa Rica
• Sustainability: Learn about conservation efforts in Costa Rica to sustain their valuable natural resources
• Community Service: Visit a remote elementary school and participate in a community service project for the school
• History: Learn about the unique history of Costa Rica and its relationship to the United States 

What You Will Experience

• You will apply the basic principles of ecology in conducting field research in a tropical rainforest.
• You will observe and compare the factors that determine the various ecosystems found in Costa Rica.
• You will document the diversity of flora and fauna that you will observe in Costa Rica.
• You will observe the conservation and sustainability efforts undertaken by Costa Rica.
• You will interact with the people of Costa Rica and experience their culture

Course: Tropical Field Studies ENV-120 (May be used to satisfy your General Education "Scientific Reasoning" requirement) Eligibility Requirements: Completion of a minimum of 6 credit hours of college level course work by the end of the Fall 2024 semester with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. No previous science courses required. Open to students in all programs.

Faculty: Professor Robert Steeper and Professor Scott Benjamin - Department of Biology and Chemistry (rsteeper@bhcc.edu - sbenjamin@bhcc.edu)

Ghana – Tentative travel dates Saturday, June 20 – Sunday, July 1, 2025

Immerse yourself in Ghana’s rich history and vibrant culture!

This 12-day transformative journey blends management education with cultural immersion.

Highlights Include

• Lectures & Classes: Daily lessons covering key management topics such as decision-making, organizational culture, and leadership styles.
• Accra's Business Landscape: Visit Kwame Nkrumah Park, W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, and open markets for practical negotiation experiences.
• Experience the warmth of its people and the vibrant traditions that make Ghana the "Gateway to Africa”.
• Discover Ghana’s legacy as the first African country to gain independence.
• Industry Visits: Learn from leaders at the AVIS Rent a Car, American Chamber of Commerce Ghana, Ghana Stock Exchange, and more.
• Cape Coast & Kakum Rainforest: Explore the history of the transatlantic slave trade and engage in discussions on ethical dilemmas and their lasting impacts.

What you will gain

• Management Insights: Develop decision-making and leadership skills through real-world applications
• Cultural Competence: Enhance your understanding of Ghanaian culture and global management strategies
• Professional Growth: Build your resume with an international experience and broaden your perspective on global business practices   

Course: Principles of Management MAN-111 (3 Credits) Eligibility Requirements Prerequisite: Must meet MAN 111 prerequisites

Valid passport and visa (if required) enrollment includes travel insurance via BHCC International Center Office.

Faculty: Professor Justice Kumahia (jkumahia@bhcc.edu)

Japan – Tentative Travel Dates Thursday, June 12 – Wednesday, June 23

All participating students are required to attend orientation and introductory lessons for the two courses from June 2 to June 11. Following the trip, classes will resume from June 24 to July 10.

Unleash your academic potential through an extraordinary 12-day immersive journey in Japan, where cultural exploration, hands-on research, and transformative learning collide.

Leaning Activities

• Understand cultural concepts and their relevance to lived experiences
• Learn and apply anthropological research methods such as collecting first hand data, conducting guided observations, etc. on the different sites
• Explore Japanese cultural practices such as popular culture, food, rituals, and Japanese history in relation to Korea and the U.S.
• Write auto/ethnographic research papers, emphasizing cultural sensitivity.
• Develop and execute research projects, including secondary research (library research)
• Reflect on their positionalities in relation to different cultural experiences in Japan throughout the program 

Highlights

• Osaka: Food and popular culture exploration and conversation with college students.
• Experience Korean Diaspora
• Kyoto and Nara: Tours exploring cultural heritage (e.g. Kyoto Imperial Palace, Zen temples).
• Observations on the interplay between tradition and modernization
• Hiroshima: Visit to the Peace Memorial Park to study war and conflict

Course: Cultural Anthropology SOC- 109 and College Writing II ENG 112 (6 credits cluster) Prerequisite: Successfully complete ESL-098 or ELL-103 or RDG-095 and Successfully complete ENG-111; minimum grade C

Faculty: Dr. Aurora Bautista (ABautis@bhcc.edu) and Dr. Naoko Akai-Dennis (nakaiden@bhcc.edu) 

Kenya – Tentative Dates Monday, June 23 - Friday, July 4, 2025

What you will experience:

• The Kenya study abroad program offers an immersive experience, combining academic exploration with cultural immersion, landscape views with breathtaking wildlife, and opportunities for community engagement.
• Cultural Immersion: Visit Maasai markets, learn about local traditions, and experience Kenyan hospitality.
• Wildlife Conservation: Learn about wildlife conservation efforts and visit national parks.
• What you will experience Community Engagement: Interact with local communities, participate in service learning, and gain cross-cultural understanding.
• Academic Exploration: Attend lectures and workshops on topics like wildlife conservation, sustainable development, and climate change. 

What you will learn:

• Climate Change Initiatives: Enhance your capacity to analyze issues with appreciation for disparate viewpoints and participate in reforestation efforts.
• Cultural Perspectives and Conservation Strategies: Broaden your cultural  perspective in regard to another country and acquire an understanding of wildlife conservation strategies in Kenya.
• Environmental Conservation and Wildlife Monitoring: Gain a comprehensive understanding of savannah conservation techniques and apply monitoring techniques for species management.
• Service Learning: Acquire knowledge and understanding of another culture and their environment while enhancing your respect and tolerance of personal and cultural viewpoints and differences 

Course: Tropical Field Studies ENV-120 (4 Credits) Prerequisite: The minimum cumulative GPA of 2.

Faculty and Staff Program Leaders:

• Paul Kasili, Ph.D., Professor, Biology & Genetics (pkasili@bhcc.edu)
• Sasha Johnson, Assistant Director, HOPE Initiative (sm229737@bhcc.edu)

Panama – Tentative Dates Saturday, June 21 – Sunday, June 29, 2025

In the heart of Panama, embark on a transformative and immersive adventure, spending 8 incredible days.

Learning Activities

• Dive into Panama's Pulse: Explore demographic and cultural data of Panama, immersing yourself in the investigation techniques used by sociologists. Discover the tapestry of similarities and differences between your own culture and the vibrant Panamanian way of life
• Education Beyond Walls: Embark on field experiences at educational hubs and cultural gems like museums, art venues, and music/dance spaces. Uncover the historical sites that bread life into Panama City.
• Local Dialogues: Engage in lively dialogues, informal conversations, and meaningful discussions with local Panamanians, gaining insights into the distinctive facets of their cultural experiences.
• Chronicles of Panama: Assemble your notes and synthesize observations, using a cultural lens to analyze insight gained from your unique experiences. Reflect on your experiences by crafting a personal narrative that adds depth to your journey and share your new-found knowledge and learning through a narrative upon your return

What You Will Experience

• You will engage directly with educational institutions and actively participate in educational excursions.
• Your every experience will be deeply cultural, allowing you to leverage your preferred learning styles: visual, tactile, and engaged.
• You will apply sociological theory lenses and utilize data gathering tools for a reflective and comprehensive note-takin practice.
• Throughout this study abroad experience, you will progress seamlessly from context to clarity, to categories, and ultimately to engaging with various communities

Course: Principles of Sociology SOC-101 (3 Credits) Prerequisite: Academic Reading III (ESL-098) or Integrated ELL Level Ill (ELL-103) or Reading Skills I| (RDG-095) or exemption by placing into a higher-level course

Faculty: Professor Carlos L. Maynard - Department of Behavioral Science/BSS & Global Learning (clmaynar@bhcc.edu)