Summer owls fly across the pond

By Emily Nguyen     3/25/25 10:10pm

This summer, Rice students are trading textbooks for passports as they prepare to study abroad.

Beata Loch, director of the Study Abroad Office, said the summer is a popular time to study abroad. 

“Summer is a time for exploration, a time outside of each student’s four-year plan,” Loch said. “In short, summer provides flexibility to pursue experiences beyond the demands of the regular semesters.”

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Rice in Spain

Rice in Spain is a program within the Rice in Country initiative by the Center for Languages & Intercultural Communications. This program provides medical opportunities through SPAN 324: Spanish for Medical Professionals, including a series of workshops at the University of Navarra’s Patient Simulation Center. 

Aymara Boggiano, a senior lecturer in French and Spanish, said the program was notable for providing opportunities to pre-medical students. 

“It offers our Rice pre-med students enrolled in medical Spanish the opportunity to learn through hands-on experience different medical procedures normally available to students in a medical or nursing school,” Boggiano wrote in an email to the Thresher. 

Liam Peterson, a Will Rice College freshman, is heading to Pamplona this summer to gain medical experience with the University of Navarra. 

“My time at the University of Navarra, visits to the clinic and service work will give me a global perspective of healthcare systems,” Peterson wrote in an email to the Thresher. “My goal is to come back to Rice with a unique outlook on problem solving and patient care.”

While healthcare is his passion, Peterson is equally excited about the cultural immersion.

“If you know me, you know how much I like to eat,” Peterson wrote. “I can’t wait to try as many new meals as possible — especially the renowned Navarra cuisine.”

Rice in Taiwan

Taiwan is another destination for the CLIC Rice in Country program.

Liang Fu, a senior lecturer in Chinese and program leader, said cultural immersion is a focus of the program.

“[We’ll] engage them in activities and projects that require them to explore the linguistic landscape of cities, to engage in conversations with local people and language partners, to participate in community events, to visit historical sites and government functions, explore the food culture such as the night market, the boba tea economy and study various forms of local art, etc.,” Fu wrote in an email to the Thresher. 

Cory Voskanian, a Martel College freshman, is studying in Taiwan to immerse himself in the culture.

“I’m also pursuing the Chinese certificate here at Rice, and studying abroad through Rice in Taiwan was a great way to fulfill all of the requirements for it,” Voskanian said.

While he’s excited about the opportunity, Voskanian said he might face challenges ahead.

“I think going to Taiwan will really push me outside of my comfort zone and challenge my language-learning abilities,” Voskanian said. “I know there are going to be moments where the language barrier will be difficult to overcome, but I’m excited for that challenge.”

iSEED in Tokyo

The International Summer Experience in Engineering Design program, through the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen, gives students  hands-on project experience.

Caroline Graham is traveling to Tokyo with iSEED this summer to study Japan’s fusion of tradition and innovation in engineering, she said.

“I first learned about iSEED when I came to Rice for Owl Days,” Graham, a Will Rice freshman, said. “I wasn’t yet sure if I was going to attend Rice, and one factor I was considering was if study abroad options were available for engineers.

“I love that while I also get to explore my passion for travel, I also get to take classes that go towards my engineering design minor,” Graham said.

Graham said she was looking forward to experiencing Japanese culture beyond academics.

“I am especially looking forward to the food, the natural beauty of the city and seeing the lifestyle,” Graham said.

The iSEED program also fosters a unique community experience for students.

“12 Rice students and three Rice professors will all go to Tokyo together,” Graham said. “It’s such a cool opportunity to get to experience an entirely new culture while also bringing with you some comforts of your community from home.”

Rice Global Paris Summer Program

For those looking to take less credit hours, but are still interested in an international summer experience, look no further than the Rice Global Paris Center.

Founded in 2022, the Rice Global Paris Center is the university’s first international campus, located in the historic Marais district, offering subjects  including psychology, medical humanities, art history and biology this summer. 

Naisha Shah is a premed student heading to Paris to pursue a multi-disciplinary course in ​​Biology, Literature, Art and Medicine.

“As a premed student, I’m eager to take a course I wouldn’t typically have access to,” Shah, a Will Rice freshman, wrote in an email to the Thresher. “I’m excited to participate in cultural events like Bastille Day, try authentic French cuisine and simply walk through the city’s historic streets.

“I want to compare how scientific education and research are approached in France versus the U.S.,” Shah wrote. “This will help me gain a global perspective on healthcare, which is crucial for my future medical career.”

Though she anticipates challenges, like language barriers and adjusting to a new academic structure, Shah said she is prepared.

“I’m learning basic French and researching cultural norms,” Shah wrote. “I plan to stay proactive in seeking help and embrace any discomfort as part of the learning process.”

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