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In some cases, studying at Carroll does not require you to physically be on campus or even in Helena.
Autumn Baily, a freshman nursing student from Seattle, and her classmates from PSY 289: Health and Wellness were able to study in Costa Rica through Carroll’s study abroad program.
Bailey had many reasons to embark on this experience.
“I wanted to immerse myself in a new culture and practice my Spanish,” Bailey said. “My mom also studied abroad in college, and I knew I wanted to experience that too.”
Coming from Seattle, the Costa Rican culture was both similar and different.
While studying abroad, Bailey quickly learned that everyone was very social and friendly in their outdoorsy home.
“Even though the people in Costa Rica do not have as much technology as the United States, they were all so grateful and considerate about what they did have,” Bailey said. “I feel like many people can learn to be grateful for what they have. I definitely have become grateful for things that I thought were very little, like hot shower water, clean tap water, etc.”
Bailey’s favorite health and wellness subject, gratitude, was able to help her learn when the class covered gratefulness and appreciating the beauty and true happiness felt in nature.
Being surrounded by nature, the many rainforests, and seeing so much wildlife helped add a clear perspective to Bailey’s eyes by improving her mental health.
At Carroll, Bailey is working hard in her nursing major.
“You can definitely study abroad as a nursing student, but only during the winter or summer because of the rigorous load,” Bailey said. “I highly recommend it. Especially if it is with Dr. Nolen.”
Bailey strongly recommends partaking in Carroll’s study abroad program because of the countless possibilities of learning and experiencing new cultures in a different country.
