FAMU Students Enjoy Study Abroad Trip to Trinidad and Tobago

Ten Florida A&M University (FAMU) students are spending four weeks in the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) as part of a study abroad experience.

The group, which includes students from the College of Science and Technology, the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH) and the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC), flew to Trinidad on May 11 and is scheduled to return on June 9.

The host is  the University of West Indies (UWI), Trinidad and Tobago campus.  During their stay, the participating global ambassadors and scholars will be exposed to a variety of life-changing experiences, excursions, and activities, socially, professionally, personally, and academically.

Associate Professor Irma J. Gibson, Ph.D., the Trinidad and Tobago study abroad coordinator, has facilitated this program since 2009 at other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

“My vision is to make history with the first cohort of global ambassadors to represent Rattlers is being realized,” said Gibson, a faculty member in the Department of Social Work. “During these endeavors, all participants are closely connected to the UWI campus and engage in an up close and personal experience with a variety of cultures from all over the world, thereby witnessing the true meaning of diversity among other benefits.”

 

After the trip, students are required to return and share their experiences via presentations at various programs and venues on and off campus. The goal is to create globalized students who are exposed to life beyond the borders of the U.S. and their hometowns, Gibson said.

“This awesome life-changing Trinidad and Tobago study abroad experience will transform the students and change their lives, and resonate with their innate leadership abilities, civic and scholastic intelligence, and inspirational direction as future leaders who will crystallize their thoughts and strive to make a global and community impact in the world and most importantly, their hometowns and the Rattler Nation,” Gibson said. 

Tristin O. Clark, a senior social work scholar, has enjoyed a number of rich, new experiences during the visit so far.  Clark and her fellow students are enrolled in a History & Culture course, where they learn about Trinidad and Tobago’s wildlife, fauna and music, specifically the steel pan.  

Over the past two weeks, they toured a historical cocoa plantation, which is still utilized today in the production of chocolate for international brands, including Cadbury. Clark also tasted several authentic Trinidadian dishes such as Buss Up Shut, roti and curry. One of their most memorable excursions was visiting the world’s largest natural asphalt deposit.

“Our group visited La Brea Pitch Lake, which I found to be the most interesting because not only is it historic, but it is an active site. Most of the world’s asphalt is sourced from and produced by the pitch located beneath the surface of this national landmark,” said Clark, who is also very impressed with the warmth of their hosts. “The people of T&T have been welcoming upon our arrival, which has made this experience all the more enjoyable and I look forward to everything else this Global Ambassadors Study Abroad Program has in store for my peers and me,” Clark said.