--- title: Around the World With Adventurous Terps date: 2024-09-04T05:30:00-04:00 author: University of Maryland canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/around-the-world-with-adventurous-terps" section: Articles --- # Around the World With Adventurous Terps *September 4, 2024* — by [Karen Shih ’09](/author/karen-shih) > From the Fjords of Norway to the Peaks of Peru, Students Studied, Researched and Did Good This Summer *Norway reindeer jaw 1920x1080 — Environmental science and policy major Shayna Silverman ’25 (right, blue jacket) examines an Arctic reindeer jaw and teeth held by Danish lecturer Astrid Schmidt during a 15-mile hike on a cool, rainy day in Svalbard, Norway, in late June. “During this hike, we saw little auks, purple saxifrage, Arctic reindeer and—luckily—no polar bears!” Silverman said.* Sandy beaches, barbecues and outdoor concerts aren’t the only signs of a great summer. Cooking mouthwatering pasta dishes in Italy, interviewing the next big NBA stars coming out of Africa or learning how to salsa dance in Cuba were just a few of the fun feats Terps enjoyed over the last few months. More than 300 University of Maryland students studied or volunteered abroad this summer, according to Education Abroad, trading the muggy mid-Atlantic for a jaunt across the globe. They got hands-on research experiences, immersed themselves in local culture and made memories to last a lifetime through a variety of short-term UMD or partner programs. Check out these fun student photos: *three photos of students rolling pasta, rabbit stew and vegetables* Early childhood education major Nick Bentley ’26 (left) and criminology and criminal justice major Riley Roimisher ’26 roll out cavatelli pasta during the “Italy: Food Writing” course in Rome. Led by Principal Lecturer of English Peter Grybauskas, students learned how to prepare traditional dishes like *coniglio all'ischitana*, a rabbit stew originating on the island of Ischia and side dishes like tomatoes and green beans. --- *student shows boys pictures on camera* --- *photos of students dancing and local artwork* Studio art major Edgar J. Urena Lizardo ’25 (center, dancing with the girl in yellow) attends a salsa class in Cuba with fellow UMD students. He visited various historic sites and landmarks as part of the “Law, Public Health, and the Cuban Family” class, seeking to understand the impacts of communism and the U.S. embargo on Cuban lives. He acquired two pieces of art by local artists, “whose works remind me of the importance of hope, both for a better future and for a dream worth fighting for,” he said. --- *student collects water samples on boat* --- *student pushes boat* --- *students collect water samples* Public health major Ayushi Patel ’27 and a Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco medical student collect water samples at community homes in Combapata, Peru. UMD’s Public Health Beyond Borders group visited Cusco, Combapata and Compone in August, collaborating with UNSAAC students to help improve water quality and food safety as well as strengthen maternal child health. --- *students peek out of unique structure* --- *students teach kids about handwashing* --- *student poses near water in Italy* **Sidebar note:** Plan your own adventure for next summer—or anytime throughout the school year—at the [Study Abroad Fair](https://marylandglobal.umd.edu/about/events/event-calendar/study-abroad-fair) from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday at the Stamp Student Union’s Grand Ballroom. Students can explore 300-plus programs in more than 60 countries and speak with Education Abroad advisers to find an opportunity that matches their academic, financial and career goals. **Topics:** [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community) **Tags:** [Student Experience](https://today.umd.edu/topic/student-experience) **Units:** [Division of Student Affairs](https://today.umd.edu/topic/division-student-affairs), [Office of International Affairs](https://today.umd.edu/topic/office-international-affairs)