Philippines or Cambodia. Many of them return, asking questions [such as], what do we really want to do in life? VoxPop: Thank you so much for those descriptions. From a professor’s point of view, why do you think it’s beneficial for students to remove themselves from the classroom and put themselves into these kinds of experiences? Professor Fuertes: One is that learning does not only take place within the four walls of the classroom. New Century College’s motto is “Connecting the World to the Classroom,” which really integrates theories and practice, and students realize that there is so much to learn outside of the academic entity. We also have to take into consideration that the world is becoming a global village, so we really need to take advantage of this while we are able. The beauty here is that we discover new things, meet new people; we establish new relationships, in addition to expanding our horizons, our sense of global understanding and our sense of valuing cultural fluency—all while earning academic credit. Where [else] can you find this kind of arrangement? People travel anyway, so why don’t you make it an educational trip that you enjoy? You have fun, [but] at the same time, you learn and you also earn academic credit toward your degree. VoxPop: Did you notice any specific changes throughout your students from the beginning of the program to the time they finished the program? Professor Fuertes: Well, one example is that several of the students, when they returned, decide to really expand their research projects [with] issues, topics or places that they became familiar with because of the program, either in Cambodia or the Philippines. They can’t stop . . . telling their friends [and] their colleagues about their experience. Another is that many of [the students] decide to return to Cambodia or the Philippines in the following year, and that is one indication of how they were impacted positively and constructively by their experience. If they are not going back to the Philippines or Cambodia, [the program still] creates in them a new passion to be out there, wherever that place may be, where they feel the people need them. It’s very powerful. Also, on a couple of occasions, I’ve received a few e-mails from [students’] parents, telling me that for the first time, their son or daughter is asking them questions about priorities, especially against the backdrop of abundance, for example, [after] their experience of extreme poverty. They realize that there
is more to life than just material possessions; [they realize that] relationships matter a lot.
VoxPop: If you had to pick one, I’m sure every minute of both trips was memorable, but if you had to pick one of your most memorable experiences from one of the programs, what would it be? Professor Fuertes: In the Philippines, one of the things that continues to really inspire me—and this has become one of my favorite moments—is when students do rice planting, manually. Before they do that, they have to plow the fields with water buffalo. [You] see the farmers beaming; never in their lifetime had they thought that they could be teaching these American students how to plant rice. It’s really something. You could just feel how proud they are, thinking, we have never been to high school, but here we are, teaching these American college students how to plant rice. It is amazing.
VoxPop: Thank you so much for your [time and for sharing your stories with VoxPop]; your passion is truly admirable and humbling. To summarize, why would you recommend studying abroad to students, and why would you recommend leading a study abroad program to faculty members? Professor Fuertes: For students, I strongly recommend study abroad programs because it really adds meaning and depth to their academic learning. Also, there’s more out there to learn from. It really prepares [students for] once they are out in the “real” world. Another thing is that it enhances our sense of community. We are becoming a global village, and so it’s [necessary] for us to begin to be more intentional in establishing our social network, especially for students who see themselves working in the international field some day. This is [the time]. I tell all my students, take advantage of this while you are able. For faculty, a few reasons why I strongly encourage faculty members to also create and design study abroad programs is because it also enhances their academic scholarship, particularly the research aspect of the program. And, of course, for adventure. We need that as well. Study abroad entails a lot of responsibility, but it’s fun as well. It brings so much joy. While you are able, do it now.
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