When Liliana Sessions Oberg walked into a school near the Russian border in Narva, Estonia, she did not expect to leave with a new understanding of what it means to be an educator.
A senior studying elementary education at Utah Valley University, Oberg was part of a faculty-led study abroad trip organized by UVU’s Office of Education Abroad. While there, she observed how local teachers worked to preserve the Estonian language, which had been suppressed during Soviet occupation. She also witnessed the powerful role trust plays between students, families and educators.
“It was beautiful to see how trust between parents, teachers and students creates an environment where kids feel safe to fail,” Oberg said. “I realized it’s not just my job to instruct. It’s my job to foster trust so students can take charge of their own learning.”
Oberg’s experience is one of many. Since January, UVU students have traveled to more than a dozen countries through faculty-led study abroad programs. These trips offer academic credit, immersive learning and opportunities to gain global perspective in fields ranging from health sciences to literature and geology.
Exploring the world through education
In spring and summer 2025, UVU groups traveled to Samoa, Japan, Brazil, France, Italy, Germany, Finland, Estonia and the Faroe Islands, among other destinations.
Nursing students in Samoa conducted medical screenings for more than 6,000 individuals, including children and adults. Biology students in Italy explored volcanic terrain near Mount Etna. Art students in Paris created original work while touring museums, cathedrals and historic districts. Other groups focused on public lands, policy, civic leadership and emergency services.
The Office of Education Abroad manages these for-credit international learning experiences, providing student advising and support to faculty for program marketing and logistical coordination.
“The experience of studying the education systems and culture of Estonia and Finland was so eye-opening,” Oberg said. “It helped me understand what autonomy in children can look like.”
Beyond the classroom
For many students, the lessons they bring home are not ones they could have learned on campus.
Bailey Chamberlain, a senior majoring in art and design with a photography emphasis, traveled to both Paris and London. As a transfer student from Utah Tech, she said the trip pushed her creatively and helped her grow as an artist.
“I found myself trying new things, testing new angles and being patient to learn more,” Chamberlain said. “Being in the places the people we learned about were, seeing what inspired them, helped me test my limits as an artist.”
In Italy, geology student Keaton Terry stood at the summit of Mount Etna.
“I’ve had a lifelong passion for volcanoes,” Terry posted on his social media account. “This very young career has already taken me to some amazing places.”
For nursing student Kate Matern, the experience in Samoa was deeply personal.
“I can’t begin to describe the love and service shown to me by the people of Samoa,” she said. “This program was such an amazing opportunity, and I hope it continues and grows.”
Study abroad opportunities continue to grow
The programs are coordinated through UVU’s Office of Education Abroad, which provides advising and logistical support for international, for-credit experiences.
“Studying abroad is a great way to enhance your university experience,” said Brent Spencer, director of the Office of Education Abroad. “International educational travel helps students develop confidence, intercultural understanding, and understanding of the world. It enhances networks, strengthens language skills, and expands one’s world view.”
New faculty-led programs for summer 2026 will be announced at UVU’s Study Abroad Fall Expo, scheduled for Sept. 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the LA Main Concourse.
Students interested in participating are encouraged to meet with a study abroad advisor to learn more about application steps, financial options and program timelines.
