Crossing Cultures

By Sadie Lee Pierce

There are more opportunities today than ever before for students to merge their career goals with their passions to explore. The International Business program and Study Abroad opportunities at Mississippi State give them the opportunity to gain new perspectives on the world while diving into exciting new cultures. Students are able to develop communication and problem-solving skills that reinforce independence and confidence. Learning to live in different countries strengthens their abilities to overcome challenges encountered in new cultures.

With assistance from their advisors and MSU’s Office of Study Abroad, many students are able to develop their own international experiences. Check out a few of the many exciting and educational trips they have taken this past year!

Madison MacLaughlin and Tori Lightner visit the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as “Big Buddha,” located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island in Hong Kong. The large bronze statue symbolizes the harmonious relationship between man and nature.

Students Jonathan Williams (left) and Sam Fields stop for a photo while visiting Repulse Bay, Hong Kong.

COB students traveled to Hong Kong to study advertising, tourism and branding in China. The group included (rear, from left) Russ Dykes, Jonathan Williams, Caleb Vrzak, Sam Fields, Sammie Coleman, Tori Lightner, Madison MacLaughlin, Kendravis Alexander and (front) Bryce Porter.

Students (from left) Chris Evans, Ben Prijatel and Justin Breland enjoy a classic car tour of Havana, Cuba.

(above and below) COB students, along with marketing professors Dr. Mike Breazeale and Dr. Kevin Shanahan, got the chance to explore several caves outside Havana while on their study abroad trip.

Emily Green (left) and Erin Groth strike a pose in front of The Louvre, the world’s largest art museum and an historic monument.

COB students (from left) Kate Hamlin, Beth Easterling, Justin Breland, Cristina Rojas, Ben Prijatel, Madison Hudnall and Lanier Dasher pose in front of the Mural of Prehistory in Viñales, Cuba. The 393’ high mural was painted in 1959 by Leovigildo González Morillo, depicting the biological evolution of the mountain range.

COB student Madison MacLaughlin poses in front of some of the colorful mosaic statues at one end of the Kwun Yam Shrine’s Longevity Bridge in Hong Kong. Located at the southeastern end of Repulse Bay, the bright red bridge is said to add three days of life to anyone who crosses it.

Sierra de los Órganos Students Emily Green (left) and Erin Groth make a wish at the Fontana di Trevi – the Trevi Fountain – in Rome. The legend holds that a person who throws a coin into the fountain will one day return to Rome. It is also said one should throw in a second coin if seeking love or a third for wedding bells.