Murray State students have the opportunity to mix education and adventure abroad, and from May 28 to June 12, a group of students did just that.
These students from various universities journeyed on an enriching study-abroad program in the Netherlands organized by the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS).
The nonprofit organization based in Bowling Green, Kentucky offers a unique excursion-based learning experience, allowing students to earn academic credit while immersing themselves in local cultures.
During their 16-day journey, with the first and last days dedicated to travel, students explored vibrant cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Hague and Brussels. They visited museums, archaeological sites and local and international businesses, gaining firsthand experience of the region’s rich culture.
Available courses included marketing, political science and honors.
Students in professor Ismail Karabas’s marketing course examined how culture influences marketing practices. They visited Tony Chocolonely, a globally recognized chocolate company committed to fair trade practices. The brand’s chocolate bars are intentionally cut unevenly to symbolize the unequal treatment and compensation of workers in the industry. After an informative walkthrough of the company, students were given the opportunity to design their own chocolate bars, merging creativity with cultural awareness.
Other notable sites included Roku in Amsterdam, Erasmus University and a local brewery, each showcasing the unique blend of historical and contemporary influences that define Dutch culture.
Jordyn Harvey, a Mathematics and Secondary Education junior, participated in the trip while taking the Honors course in global cultural intelligence.
“Myself and only one other student were taking this class, so it was an extremely personalized learning experience,” Harvey said.
As part of her course, Harvey conducted interviews with locals, which highlighted the rich diversity of Rotterdam.
“While some people were hesitant to talk to a stranger, others opened up about very deep topics,” she said. “Because Rotterdam is so diverse, I had the opportunity to talk to many people from various backgrounds and it was truly eye-opening.”
Studying abroad provides students with a unique chance to live life from different perspectives, fostering personal growth and cultural awareness.
“Our encouragement is to live it in a different way,” Karabas said. “Sometimes you’ll see things you’ve done before, but other times, it will be brand new.”
For Harvey, the trip was transformative, offering her newfound insights into herself and the world.
“Studying abroad opened my eyes to the world and led me to passions I probably would have never discovered otherwise,” she said.
Professor Karabas along with his wife, professor Britany Wood, will be leading a KIIS study abroad trip to Turkey this upcoming summer. This 2-week trip is from May 12 to May 29, 2025. For more information visit https://www.kiis.org/programs/turkey/
