Passaic Today

Montclair State University students expanded their learning experiences globally this semester through faculty-led study abroad programs. The students visited several countries, including Mexico, Austria, Iceland, and Panama, where they participated in immersive learning activities like hiking volcanic landscapes and recording their observations in Mérida.

Faculty-led study abroad programs are a significant part of Montclair State University’s global educational offerings, providing short-term, semester-long, and year-long opportunities across more than 50 countries. Tim White, the director of International Academic Initiatives, notes the continuing expansion of these programs: “We have more professors, more programs, more students overall studying abroad. The students are stepping up, and they’re really excited to see the world and experience what they’re learning. If they’re studying glaciers or Mexican history, now they’re seeing it firsthand. It’s really quite powerful.”

Montclair students engaged in various educational activities across these locations, acquiring practical experience and intercultural skills valuable for multiple career paths. Highlights include studying tectonic movements in Iceland, business interactions in Panama, and examining sustainability efforts in Austria. White highlighted the impact of these programs: “Intercultural skills and cross-cultural communication are incredibly valuable for just about any career — nursing, medicine, art, business, government, law. These programs build skills that make students more employable.”

In Mérida, Mexico, Damaris Castillo, a senior majoring in Public and Professional Writing, participated in a travel writing program. Castillo shared her thoughts: “These trips push students to take agency over themselves — to ask questions, to speak up when they’re in a foreign place. That kind of confidence stays with you.”

On the home front, Montclair students also tackled critical domestic issues through a reporting trip to San Francisco. Under the guidance of News Producer Steve McCarthy, students from the School of Communication and Media documented key issues in California. Senior Public Relations major Peter Guziejewski reflected on his experiences: “Montclair has been instrumental in shaping my journey as a media professional, giving me opportunities to develop skills in journalism and content production.”

Service is an essential element of Montclair’s educational approach. During spring break, students traveled to Asheville, North Carolina, where they assisted in reconstructing homes affected by Hurricane Helene. Freshman Rhamses Sarmiento participated in this project, collaborating with volunteers from the nonprofit organization All Hands and Hearts. Sarmiento said, “I got to do a great service, though it was back-breaking work — mostly construction. But it was rewarding to know that some houses I helped rebuild will stay with the homeowners.”

The students also had the opportunity to enhance their intercultural understanding and storytelling skills in Mexico. Led by Writing Studies Professors Caroline Dadas and Christine Giancatarino, students explored historical sites like Chichén Itzá and engaged with local students, utilizing writing to capture their experiences. Dadas described the writing course: “Throughout the trip, they recorded their impressions and will refine these writings into polished pieces inspired by their journey.”

In Iceland, students gained firsthand experience of the island's geological activities. Earth and Environmental Studies Professors Greg Pope and Josh Galster led this trip, offering students a chance to study environmental systems and appreciate the forces shaping the island. Galster commented, “When studying the Earth, the timescales involved can be hard to understand since some things happen over thousands or millions of years. In Iceland, time seems sped up — events happen over months or years. Students saw geysers erupt in seconds, measured cracks between tectonic plates, and witnessed months-old lava flows and melting glaciers.”

Montclair students also visited Austria, where they collaborated with the University of Graz students on sustainability challenges. Jason Frasca, Co-Director of the MIX Lab, explained the experience: “Our week in Graz mirrored our mission — meeting with experts, refining our projects, and developing ideas that could have real-world impact.”

In Panama, students explored business ethics and their social impacts, meeting professionals from sectors like banking and manufacturing. This program, led by Professor Young (Gabriel) Jung and Mariella Hernandez Salazar, director of Global Programs and Partnerships, aimed to provide students with insights into Panama's role in the global economy.

Senior Luke Laukaitis shared his experience: “Back in class, students reflected on their visit to the Panama Canal and marveled at Panama City’s skyline — the tallest in Latin America.”

To support students in participating in such programs, Montclair offers SOAR Scholarships to cater to various financial needs. Senior Nikki Garcia, who joined the Panama trip through a scholarship, noted the accessibility of these opportunities for students needing financial assistance.