Last summer, Georgia Highlands College students travelled by canoe deep into the rainforest of Panama to spend the day visiting with and learning about the Embera tribe. It’s moments like these that students like Derrick Whitaker know will last a lifetime.

“I always wanted to travel and experience new cultures,” GHC psychology major Whitaker said. “I’m also excited to use all the Spanish I picked up while overseas.”

Whitaker and a group of fellow students and GHC faculty went on a study abroad trip to Panama, highlights including a visit to the Embera tribe, an excursion to the port town of Portobello and a visit to the famed Panama Canal.

During their travels, students learned Spanish and worked toward earning college credit in a variety of health, business and culture courses.

GHC Professor of History Bronson Long, director of global initiatives and study abroad, agrees that study abroad programs are a great way for students to learn about other countries and people.

“It is a unique learning experience that brings students into contact with different places and cultures,” he said. “Students who participate in study abroad trips frequently report that it was the most valuable thing they did as a college student. As we live in an increasingly globalized society, studying abroad is also a good way to prepare for the workplace after college.”

In May 2020, GHC faculty will be leading a trip to the United Kingdom. The group will tour London, Windsor, Oxford and Stratford-Upon-Avon. Through the trip and additional coursework, students can earn credits in communication, business, health sciences and history.

GHC also partners with other University System of Georgia (USG) institutions to offer expanded study abroad opportunities. Students can travel with Kennesaw State University students to Montepulciano, Italy or participate in USG Goes Global programs across Europe and Asia.

Information sessions about upcoming study abroad opportunities are scheduled throughout October and November at several different GHC instructional sites. Students can attend these sessions to meet faculty, learn about costs and how to afford studying abroad, and find out more details about the various destinations available.

Members of the community are also invited to attend GHC’s study abroad trips.

For a schedule of information sessions and full details on study abroad opportunities at GHC, visit studyabroad.highlands.edu