Nine University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) students recently had the chance to explore the European capitals of London and Paris and gain a global perspective, according to Dr. Pamela Moore, associate dean for global engagement for UAPB. The weeklong program included visits to culturally important sites such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and the Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower in Paris. The experience also gave insights into the Black experience in Europe, as the American students were able to interact with Black residents of England and France.
Annette Fields, interim director for UAPB’s Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program, organized the program in coordination with the UAPB Office of International Programs and Studies and EF College Study Tours. Fields was joined by Dr. Georgeanna N. Wright, director of the honors program at Arkansas Tech University (ATU). Student participants from UAPB included seniors J’Keile Hadley, Janiya Fellows, Jada Sharp, Shyia Ellenburg and Breyonne Freeman; junior Wisdom Ariagbofo; and sophomores Keira Harbert, Dennis Joshua Samuel and Gabrielle Hightower. They were accompanied by Mason Moore, a sophomore at ATU.
Fields said that in London students enjoyed seeing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, visiting Windsor Castle, walking around Piccadilly Circus and visiting St. George’s Chapel, the final resting place of many monarchs. After taking a Eurostar train to France, they immersed themselves in the culture of Paris, taking walks along the Seine River, exploring the Latin Quarter and Montmartre district, which is known as a haven for local artists. On their last day in Paris, they browsed the immense collection of art at the Louvre Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world.
“This study abroad experience could not have worked out any better,” Dr. Wright said. “The group of student participants was simply ideal. Mason, the only student from Arkansas Tech University, was immediately accepted as if he were a UAPB student. All of the students supported each other and leaned on each other as they dealt with the new, unexpected challenges of being abroad.”
Dr. Wright credits Fields with the success of the study abroad program.
“Annette Fields has already planned several study abroad programs in the past, and her experience is evident,” she said. “Thanks to her vision, this program was a truly uplifting growth experience for everyone involved. I firmly believe that this program has given the students a unique global perspective that will serve them well for years to come. Being abroad not only gave them an image of life in Europe, it also gave them a fresh perspective on the U.S. and perhaps some things we take for granted.”
Harbert, a social work major, said she most enjoyed walking tours with tour guides and having the opportunity to explore different parts of London and Paris.
“My biggest takeaway from the program was I got to experience a heightened sense of cultural awareness and adaptability,” she said. “I also experienced navigating new social norms, languages and customs, which fostered greater empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.”
Harbert said the program gave her a different perspective on the Black experience because it made her realize how race and identity are perceived differently across cultures while also highlighting some of the shared struggles and unique aspects of being Black in different societies.
Samuel, a nursing major, said he found it enlightening to see the Black diaspora thriving in both London and Paris, though in different ways.
“I encountered communities that have built their own spaces while navigating unique cultural dynamics,” he said. “It expanded my perspective on what it means to be Black in a global context.”
Samuel said the program gave him a profound understanding of how interconnected history and culture are across different countries.
“I learned that immersing yourself in new environments, like London and Paris, broadens not just your knowledge but also your worldview,” he said. “The blend of modern life with deep-rooted traditions in both cities was eye-opening. The art museums in both cities, especially the Louvre, were unforgettable. Visiting Buckingham Palace was a dream, but nothing beat seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night – it was surreal. I also loved meeting local students in Paris and learning about their perspectives on global issues.”
Fellows, a social work major, said the study abroad program enhanced her academic career and point of view on social issues.
“Making relationships with other students and being involved in the community around me helped me grow as a person and become more adaptive,” she said. “In the end, this gave me the intercultural competency and global awareness that will be crucial for my future in social work. My awareness of the continuous fights for justice and equality was also heightened by interacting with local activists and organizations, which increased my sense of solidarity with people around the world. This experience deepened my appreciation for the variety of Black stories found throughout the world and the significance of promoting fairness and inclusivity in a range of settings.”
Fellows said she experienced moments of culture shock, particularly when transitioning between London and Paris.
“In London, I noticed the fast-paced lifestyle and the diversity of the city, where people from various backgrounds interacted seamlessly,” she said. “The public transportation system was efficient, but the hustle and bustle could be overwhelming at times. I experienced a different pace of life in Paris, where social interactions were more formal and leisure activities, such as sitting in cafes, were valued more highly than in busy London. I had to handle conversations in French, which increased my awareness of cultural quirks. Language restrictions also presented difficulties.”
Moore, a political science major, said the trip changed the way he thinks about Europe as a whole.
“I have learned that there are many great and beautiful countries out there that I enjoy and would love to explore and learn more about,” he said. “I would recommend this program, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity made affordable to college students.”
Samuel said he recommends studying abroad to all college students.
“When participating in a study abroad trip, not only do you get to experience different cultures firsthand, but you also gain personal growth,” he said. “You learn to navigate new environments, challenge your assumptions and build connections that last a lifetime. It is an investment in yourself and your future.”
Hadley, a criminal justice major, said studying abroad is a unique experience that simultaneously makes people appreciate the new culture they are experiencing as well as their own culture.
“I would recommend a program like this to anyone,” he said. “Remember not to be afraid to go outside your comfort zone so you can explore all the world has to offer.”
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
