What It's Really Like to Volunteer on Conservation Projects in Brazil

Health & Safety Tips

Travel Tips

Latin America

Spanish Language Immersion Programs for Families

5 Best Spanish Language Immersion Programs for Families

Program Selection Tips

Top Picks

12 Reasons to Study Abroad in Cuba

14 Vital Tips for Studying Abroad in Ecuador

How to

How to Study Abroad in Costa Rica

How to Study Abroad in Chile

silhouette of four people at sunset near water

11 Best High School Study Abroad Programs in Mexico

person holding camera in front of valley and mountains

11 Best Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

person jumping in front of green mountain and ruins

Can I Study Abroad in High School in Peru?

mountains covered in trees and fog with city in the distance

Why Study Abroad in Panama?

Travel Inspiration

Why Study Abroad in Guatemala?

12 Best Study Abroad Programs in Mexico

The Best Advice for Taking a Gap Year in Latin America

Why Study Abroad in America?

Why Study Abroad in Chile?

study in argentina for international students

Why Study Abroad in Argentina?

10 Benefits of Studying in the USA for International Students

How to Study Abroad in Mexico

9 Top Volunteer Projects in Brazil

11 Adventurous Wildlife Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica

12 Cheap Costa Rica Adventure Packages

Where to Find English Teaching Jobs in Colombia

monkey eating fruit sitting on a man’s shoulder

How to Prepare for Your Adventure in Costa Rica

Here’s Where To Find Teaching Jobs in Ecuador

<h4>What inspired you to go abroad?</h4>
<p>My first trip abroad was to Mexico when I was in college, studying Spanish. That experience changed everything for me; it brought the language to life and showed me how much we can learn by stepping outside our comfort zones.</p>
<p>It ultimately led me to become a teacher, and now I’m passionate about giving my own students that same opportunity. I want them to see that learning a language isn’t just about words, it’s about people, culture, and connection.</p>
<p>Seeing their eyes light up as they experienced Mexico for themselves inspires me to keep leading these programs.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1765507851/images2/interviews/xvA1XLaoComXzRebgj24LMKnS7iBBa2aWs9g7SMU.jpg" alt="A man painting a bright green leaf on a blue mural."><div class="caption"><p>Jon Shepherd volunteering with students at Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center</p></div></div>
<h4>Why did you choose <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/bethel-university-global-studies-2 rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=6&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3367&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=63361" data-ga-client="Bethel University Global Studies" data-contentlink=""><ins>Bethel University Global Studies</ins></a>?</h4>
<p>I first connected with Bethel University Global Studies back in 2016, when Director Stacie Freeman was teaching dual-enrollment sociology at Greenfield High School. She was leading a trip to Cuba that semester, and I immediately saw how powerful that experience could be for my own students. Since then, we’ve traveled together every year.</p>
<p>I chose BU Global Studies because I trust the <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/bethel-university-global-studies-2/programs/the-magic-of-mexico-explore-the-yucatan-198678 rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=6&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3367&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=63361" data-ga-client="Bethel University Global Studies" data-contentlink=""><ins>program</ins></a> completely. They design safe, meaningful experiences tailored for my rural, Title I students who are often traveling internationally for the first time.</p>
<p>The opportunity to earn college credit is another huge plus; it helps my students stand out on college and job applications.</p>
<h4>What was your favorite part about Mexico?</h4>
<p>My favorite part of the trip was exploring the Maya ruins with my students. Seeing their curiosity and excitement as history came to life right in front of them was incredible.</p>
<p>We ended the week with a trip to the beach to celebrate all we’d learned; one of our students had never seen the ocean before. Watching him step into the waves for the first time was a moment I’ll never forget. It reminded me exactly why we do this: to give students experiences that change how they see the world and themselves.</p>
<h4>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h4>
<p>What made this experience extraordinary was seeing our students discover the world for the first time. Many had never flown or been surrounded by another language, but they embraced every moment.</p>
<p>BU Global Studies carefully hired just the right local guide, Pablo, who made our time in Mexico truly special. Watching my students interact with him was heartwarming; they formed a genuine connection.</p>
<p>For me, that’s the essence of what I love about Global Studies: the relationships. Those human connections are what make travel so meaningful and unforgettable.</p>
<h4>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h4>
<p>The local staff was incredible; every detail was handled perfectly, from airport pickup to meals, hotels, and tours. I didn’t have to worry about a thing.</p>
<p>What really stood out was how personal it all felt. This wasn’t a “big bus” tour; it was a private experience just for me and my students. We felt cared for, supported, and honestly, a little like royalty. Their professionalism and warmth made it easy for me to focus entirely on my students and their learning experience.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1765507852/images2/interviews/w8GDmiJtGwSRIDE87cbK3FLtNx5k9Sw03m7HcX25.jpg" alt="Five men posing in front of the Chichen Itza pyramid"><div class="caption"><p>Jon Shepherd leading a Bethel University Dual Enrollment student group in Mexico.</p></div></div>
<h4>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h4>
<p>If I could do one thing differently, I’d incorporate even more Spanish into the program.</p>
<p>As a Spanish teacher, I know how easy it is to slip back into speaking English, especially when everyone working in tourism is bilingual or multilingual. Our students learned a lot and gained incredible confidence speaking Spanish throughout the week, but I know we could push it even further.</p>
<p>Next time, I plan to create more intentional moments for full immersion. There’s no better classroom than real-world conversation, and every exchange helps them grow as both travelers and language learners.</p>
<h4>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h4>
<p>A typical day on the Mexico program starts with breakfast together before heading out for a full day of exploration and learning. We might visit a Maya archaeological site, swim in a cenote, or spend time with a local family learning traditional cooking. Lunch is often a cultural experience in itself, fresh, local food shared around the table. Afternoons are for reflection, language practice, or exploring local markets. Evenings bring group dinners, laughter, and conversation about what we’ve learned that day.</p>
<p>Every day is thoughtfully planned by BU Global Studies and our local partners to balance education, culture, and connection; it’s the perfect blend of structure and adventure.</p>
<h4>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h4>
<p>During free time, I loved exploring alongside the students, shopping for souvenirs, listening to live music, and soaking up the atmosphere. We also made it a mission to find the best local coffee spots (which didn’t take long in Mexico!).</p>
<p>Those relaxed moments together were some of my favorites. They gave us time to connect, laugh, and just enjoy being part of the local culture.</p>
<h4>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h4>
<p>We stayed in nice, clean, centrally located hotels in both Mérida and Valladolid. The locations couldn’t have been better; they gave us a comfortable home base and easy access to everything we wanted to see.</p>
<p>I especially liked that we could break into small groups and explore safely on foot without needing taxis or shuttles. It made the experience feel more immersive and convenient, and students loved the independence it gave them to wander, shop, and practice their Spanish in real settings.</p>
<h4>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h4>
<p>One thing every future participant should know is that they’ll have the time of their lives.</p>
<p>BU Global Studies makes everything easy—its programs are safe, affordable, and truly educational. Each itinerary is designed so travelers genuinely get to know the people and places they visit, not just see them from a bus window.</p>
<p>Many have described BU Global Studies trips as “magical” because they’re unique, authentic, and off the beaten path. You’ll laugh a lot, learn even more, and come home changed in the best way possible.</p>
<p>Prepare to be amazed!</p>
<h4>Would you recommend Bethel University Global Studies to others? Why?</h4>
<p>Absolutely, 1000%!</p>
<p>I’ve been traveling with Bethel University Global Studies since 2016, and I wouldn’t work with anyone else. They’ve curated incredible programs for me and my students in Cuba, Peru, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and now Mexico. Each one has been safe, educational, and unforgettable.</p>
<p>What sets BU Global Studies apart is how personal and authentic the experiences are—these aren’t cookie-cutter tours. They design meaningful, hands-on programs that earn college credit and truly expand students’ horizons. I trust them completely to deliver life-changing travel experiences every single time.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1765507853/images2/interviews/IMcrh7kPvrMaTpiXrPj6LtYc66JXxNztaJncBUvR.jpg" alt="A Group of students at a cloudy volcano base."><div class="caption"><p>Jon Shepherd leading a Bethel University Dual Enrollment student group in Guatemala.</p></div></div>
<h4>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h4>
<p>The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is perspective. It opens your eyes to how big and how connected the world really is.</p>
<p>Students start to see beyond their hometowns and realize that people everywhere share the same hopes and challenges. Travel builds empathy, confidence, and curiosity in a way no classroom ever could. It also helps students discover their own independence and see themselves as capable global citizens.</p>
<p>For many of my rural students, it’s the moment they realize the world is within their reach — and that changes everything for them!</p>
<h4>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h4>
<p>Well, I’m already working with BU Global Studies to plan my next adventure, if that tells you anything!</p>
<p>Each trip reminds me why I teach and how powerful travel can be for students. Seeing them grow in confidence, curiosity, and compassion inspires me to keep creating more opportunities for them to experience the world.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>When students travel meaningfully, they return home changed in how they see others and in how they see themselves. That’s what makes travel truly powerful.</p>
<p>They come back with greater confidence, not just in their Spanish-speaking skills, but in who they are. They’ve learned to adapt, to problem-solve, and to navigate unfamiliar situations with patience and courage.</p>
<p>In short, they return home better equipped for life, with a broader worldview and a deeper appreciation for people and places beyond their own.</p>


Jon Shepherd

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Jon Shepherd who participated in Bethel University Global Studies program.

Jon Shepherd | Bethel University Global Studies Alumni Interview

Bethel University Global Studies Alumni Interview with Jon Shepherd

Cupie (Wilmyree) Pagel

Get to know the people behind Phezulu Pre-Vet! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Cupie (Wilmyree) Pagel.

Cupie (Wilmyree) Pagel | Phezulu Pre-Vet Staff Interview

Phezulu Pre-Vet Staff Interview with Cupie (Wilmyree) Pagel

<h4>What inspired you to work for <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/doctors-in-italy-medical-shadowing-program rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=0&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3357&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=49026" data-ga-client="Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program" data-contentlink=""><ins>Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program</ins></a>?</h4>
<p>Being able to help young people fulfill their dreams and pursue their projects is incredibly rewarding.</p>
<p>Guiding them along the way, offering support and advice, and seeing them grow personally and professionally, while also connecting with people from all over the world, makes this experience truly meaningful and inspiring.</p>
<h4>Describe a typical day at work.</h4>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764052274/images2/interviews/ZtGtKyvddEuPMEKzr4qjnQLAsnvtccAmTHMrCChN.jpg" alt="Group of adults dining and posing by an ornate gold-framed mirror"><div class="caption"><p>My Brazilian students from Summer 2024 — I’m in the center doing a peace sign; we had just finished a group dinner!</p></div></div>
<p>Our days vary depending on the season, but a typical day when students arrive in Italy starts with welcoming them at the airport and guiding them to their housing. We explain their schedule, accompany them to hospitals, ensure a smooth shadowing experience, and organize activities like group dinners, cooking classes, or excursions to make their stay enjoyable and memorable.</p>
<h4>What is your favorite part of your job?</h4>
<p>I love seeing students explore specialties they’re passionate about or discover ones they never considered. Hearing their stories about how hospital shadowing broadens their perspectives and shapes both their professional and personal view of healthcare is truly inspiring.</p>
<p>For example, I had a student from Brazil who dreamed of seeing an open-heart surgery. We managed to accommodate her, and when I saw her leaving the OR, eyes filled with happy tears and a bright smile, I felt so grateful and happy. She is now starting her first cardiology rotation back home, and I’m so proud of her.</p>
<p>That’s just one of the many amazing stories we get to witness and be part of.</p>
<h4>How do you use your education and international background in your current role?</h4>
<p>Having worked as a teacher, I bring that experience to my role, guiding and supporting students as they navigate their shadowing experience.</p>
<p>My background in biology fuels a deep love for science and a curiosity about health research. I enjoy exploring, discussing, and sharing this with students to inspire their learning and broaden their understanding of healthcare.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764052275/images2/interviews/lYAiGhP2AJBYGcWgBweuQvaRGN6mSCweJygErbpU.png" alt="group of young women smiling for a selfie by the street"><div class="caption"><p>An amazing group of female healthcare students from the USA and India, getting ready to start a new shadowing day at the hospital.</p></div></div>
<h4>What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?</h4>
<p>One of the biggest challenges is adapting to the unexpected. Hospitals can be unpredictable, and situations often change at a moment’s notice.</p>
<p>We need to be flexible and ready to adjust schedules and activities quickly, ensuring that students still have a meaningful and safe experience while respecting hospital protocols and patient boundaries.</p>
<h4>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h4>
<p>Don’t worry too much—travel is full of surprises, and it’s exactly that unpredictability that makes it such a life-changing experience.</p>
<p>Along the way, you’ll make friends, so don’t be shy. Ask questions, take advantage of every opportunity, and remember to pause and truly enjoy each moment, because before you know it, you’ll be back home.</p>
<h4>What makes Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program special?</h4>
<p>One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is that students get to experience the Italian healthcare system, a unique public system that prioritizes people.</p>
<p>They also observe cultural differences in the relationship between patients and healthcare workers, helping them become more adaptable, compassionate, and professional. Beyond the hospital, students can explore Italy’s rich culture, cuisine, and art, while connecting with healthcare students from around the world and exchanging experiences.</p>
<p>Another great advantage is that program coordinators handle the practical aspects of the program, allowing students to focus on both their hospital shadowing and cultural immersion fully.</p>
<h4>Why should someone choose Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program over competitors?</h4>
<p>I believe that all of us put our hearts into our work. We truly believe this experience can help future healthcare professionals grow and broaden their perspectives.</p>
<p>We always go the extra mile to ensure that our students will cherish their time with us. For us, it’s also very important to create a global healthcare network of professionals who believe in healthcare without borders, open to all, and grounded in fairness and collaboration.</p>
<h4>What hopes do you have for the future for Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program?</h4>
<p>We continuously strive to grow and build new partnerships with hospitals in Italy and across Europe, aiming to provide our students with richer, more diverse experiences. Expanding these connections ensures that each student has access to a wider variety of specialties, perspectives, and opportunities during their program.</p>
<h4>Are there any developments with Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program that you would like to share with us?</h4>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764052276/images2/interviews/LEXViIlfV7PuXeSy8WSkeIDEz4TZZwmOiXTimZIm.png" alt="Smiling young women pose for a photo at a high window"><div class="caption"><p>This was the first group I managed as a Program Coordinator in Summer 2023! This is when we were doing one of our cultural activities – a city tour around Bologna.</p></div></div>
<p>We are excited to announce the launch of our Italian classes for healthcare students. These courses are designed to help students learn Italian from a healthcare perspective, enriching their professional skills while also enhancing their overall experience in Italy.</p>
<p>By combining language learning with a practical medical context, students can navigate hospitals, interact more confidently with staff and patients, and fully immerse themselves in both the culture and the healthcare environment.</p>
<h4>What is Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program’s mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?</h4>
<p>Our main goal is to build a global network of healthcare professionals who are adaptable, capable of working across borders, and committed to a vision of health that goes beyond mere numbers.</p>
<p>We aim to connect like-minded individuals who value compassion, collaboration, and innovation, fostering a community that can make a meaningful impact on healthcare worldwide.</p>
<h4>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h4>
<p>I hope fellows take away a deeper understanding of healthcare in an international context, gaining real clinical exposure while observing Italian hospitals and specialists. Beyond medicine, I want them to develop cultural awareness, adaptability, and a broader perspective on patient care, teamwork, and professionalism.</p>
<p>I also hope they build lasting connections with peers from around the world, feel inspired by new experiences, and return home with both professional insights and personal growth that will shape their future careers and approach to healthcare.</p>
<h4>How do you help support participants?</h4>
<p>Program Coordinators serve as the main point of reference for students, handling all practical aspects of the experience so students can fully focus on learning and enjoying their time.</p>
<p>From housing and transportation to navigating hospitals, coordinators ensure everything runs smoothly, allowing students to immerse themselves in shadowing, cultural activities, and exploring Italy without worries.</p>
<h4>If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?</h4>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764052276/images2/interviews/PdodDR4H9NurDOz02AEIoqNMgzZrQqXsklHpwiTU.jpg" alt="A group of adults poses for a photo on an escalator"><div class="caption"><p>Me, up front, guiding the group through the metro in Milan, with my Winter 2024 students.</p></div></div>
<p>As a biologist, I would love to participate in the Animal Care program in Rome or Florence. I love animals, and I’m sure I would truly enjoy the program—working with rescue animals who have a second chance and learning how to care for them would be a dream.</p>
<p>Regarding the Human Health program, I would love to join our Trieste placement, since it’s a pediatric hospital. I find it fascinating how resilient little kids are, and I love working with them because they are so curious and creative.</p>
<h4>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h4>
<p>Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is essential because it broadens perspectives, fosters empathy, and develops adaptability—qualities that are crucial in healthcare.</p>
<p>By seeing how medicine is practiced in different contexts, interacting with diverse patients and professionals, and immersing themselves in local traditions, students gain both professional insights and personal growth that will enrich their careers and their understanding of the world.</p>
<h4>What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?</h4>
<p>My advice for anyone thinking about going abroad is to embrace the experience fully and stay open to new challenges. Travel is unpredictable, and the best moments often come from the unexpected.</p>
<p>Ask questions, meet new people, immerse yourself in the culture, and take every opportunity to learn—both professionally and personally. Don’t worry about small details; focus on growth, curiosity, and enjoying the journey, because these experiences can be truly life-changing.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>Meaningful travel, to me, is more than visiting new places—it’s about learning, growing, and connecting. It means immersing yourself in a different culture, understanding how people live and work, and gaining new perspectives.</p>
<p>For healthcare students, it’s about seeing medicine in another context, building empathy, and developing both personally and professionally. Meaningful travel leaves a lasting impact, shaping how you view the world and your place in it.</p>


Alessandra Vargas Rossi

Get to know the people behind Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Alessandra Vargas Rossi.

Alessandra Vargas Rossi | Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program

Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program Staff Interview with Alessandra Vargas Rossi

Home

Articles

Read GoAbroad Latin America articles. Find travel tips and advice to help you pick a program, choose a location, and get your adventure abroad started now!

Latin America Articles

Read Articles by Travel Type

Recent Interviews