University of Cincinnati
07/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/08/2026 12:31
Beyond the classroom: UC Blue Ash students discover the impact of study abroad
Beyond the classroom: UC Blue Ash students discover the impact of study abroad
5 minute read July 7, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print Story Like
From exploring the historic streets of Granada to examining the cultural landmarks of England, UC Blue Ash students spent their summer gaining firsthand experiences that extended learning far beyond the classroom.
Students traveled to Spain and the United Kingdom through the UC Blue Ash faculty-led study abroad programs, immersing themselves in new cultures while connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences. For many of the students, it was their first time traveling outside the U.S. Whether practicing Spanish in Granada or exploring historic landmarks and archives across Great Britain, students returned with a deeper understanding of the world and themselves.
UC Blue Ash students and faculty pose for a photo after visiting the National Maritime Museum in London, England.
The British Summer Study Abroad program combined classroom learning with immersive travel throughout England. Students explored topics including British literature, film and the cultural relationship between England and India before connecting those lessons to visits at museums, universities, and historical sites.
"I've grown a lot as a person and as a student over this trip," said Kenzie Sexton, who participated in the British Summer Study Abroad program. "I've learned how to handle situations I wasn't previously exposed to and had a safe environment in learning to understand and navigate to a different country for the first time."
That personal growth is something Media Communications Professor and co-lead of British Summer Study Abroad, Matt Bennett, said he sees throughout each program. "A pretty consistent thread I hear in their stories about the experience is their movement from the discomfort and fear of not knowing what to expect before the trip to an openness and excitement for the unexpected by the end of it."
Students in the UC Blue Ash British Study Abroad program began their time at Harlaxton Manor with a guided tour of the historic estate, learning about the architecture and original use of the Great Hall.
The Granada, Spain Study Abroad program gave students the opportunity to strengthen their Spanish language skills with interactions from the local community and their host families while exploring the country's history, traditions, and culture. They also learned about the Arabic-Hispanic imprint on Spanish language and culture throughout the Andalusia region.
UC Blue Ash student Crysteannah Carpenter captured a selfie overlooking the historic city of Granada, Spain, during her study abroad experience.
For Crysteannah Carpenter, a neuroscience major, the Spain study abroad experience provided a new perspective that she plans to carry into her future career in healthcare. Communicating with people who spoke little or no English strengthened her confidence, patience, and empathy, helping her better understand the importance of meeting people where they are.
"UC Blue Ash cares about other cultures, and students understanding the importance of adapting to a new environment," said Carpenter. "This program has taught me to be understanding and have empathy towards patients, wanting to bring a more personable aspect to my job."
Angel Añorga, Professor of Spanish, helped lead the Granada, Spain program and was pleased with the way his students embraced the culture as they learned. "Students attended Spanish language classes at the Centro de Lenguas Modernas of the University of Granada, but it was their full immersion in the language and culture, together with the relationships they developed with their host families and the local community, that created transformative learning experiences."
English Professor and Director of the UC Blue Ash Honors Program Rita Kumar commented on about the value of these programs for faculty as well as students. "Teaching the course was rewarding and leading the British Study Abroad program was both gratifying and inspiring. It was amazing to see and experience places and the curriculum through students' perspective."
Whether studying British history, film and literature or immersing themselves in Spanish language and culture, students returned home with greater confidence, cultural awareness and experiences that will continue to shape their academic, professional, and personal journeys for years to come. The faculty-led study abroad programs are open to all UC Blue Ash students and offer opportunities to earn academic credit while exploring the world beyond campus. There are study abroad grants and scholarships available through the college that students can apply for to help reduce the cost.
Featured photo: Students in the Spain Study Abroad Program gather for a group photo with the program banner at a scenic overlook during their immersive study abroad experience.
About UC Blue Ash College
UC Blue Ash College is a regional college of the University of Cincinnati. It combines the resources and academic excellence of UC with low tuition, personal attention and a welcoming campus community that is nationally recognized for advancing student success. The college is located on a scenic 135-acre wooded campus in the heart of Blue Ash, Ohio. To learn more, visit us online, call 513-558-9495, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X and Instagram.
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