Norwalk Resident and Ashland University Student Participates in Study Abroad Program

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Larissa Berry

ASHLAND, OH (03/20/2012)(readMedia)-- Ashland University junior Larissa Berry, a resident of Norwalk, Ohio, spent the past semester studying abroad in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Berry, who is majoring in integrated mathematics, is the daughter of Sean and Amy Berry of Norwalk.

Berry participated in a student exchange program, studying at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro in Nova Iguacu, Rio de Janiero in Brazil.

"I chose to study in Brazil because I wanted to go to a place that was different from Europe," said Berry. "While studying abroad anywhere opens your eyes and mind to a bigger horizon, I still wanted to shape mine in a way that was even more unique."

While in Brazil, Berry took education courses, and was able to observe various classroom settings from the elementary level to the adult level. She was also able to observe special needs and tribal schools.

According to Berry, South America – particularly Brazil – is neither recognized nor well-understood by many Americans, and her goal is to change this perspective.

"I want to help people understand different cultures and realize how broadening your understanding of the world around you is so important," said Berry.

Berry has been a member of the Honors Program at Ashland University for three years, since she joined during her freshman year. She became involved in the program because she enjoys the challenges she encounters each day in the classroom.

"I was intrigued by the fact that I could take core courses that were specifically designed for students like me," said Berry, "(students) who want to learn and are willing to expand on ideas and explore them."

Berry's time studying abroad shed new light onto her learning experience. As an Honors student, Berry feels that studying in a culture and a language different from her own has helped her to learn about herself and to grow to understand how she wants the world to view her.

Dr. Carla Abreu-Ellis, associate professor of education, helped Berry to organize the trip, coordinating everything on the Ashland University end of the program from the classes Berry would take to the plane tickets she would need.

Abreu-Ellis worked with the registrar to perfect Berry's schedule, ensuring that her study abroad experience would fit correctly into her four-year plan. She even traveled to Brazil with Berry and another student, staying through the first two weeks to help them feel more settled and comfortable.

"The language barrier was most definitely one of the biggest struggles I encountered," said Berry. "It was hard to force myself outside of my comfort zone to engage with others in a language that I was not yet comfortable speaking. However, the only way to become comfortable is to practice it, and that I did."

According to Berry, the school system and culture in Brazil is very laid back and casual, so it was difficult for her to adjust to the "lack of urgency and promptness" right away.

"I expected that the language barrier would be the biggest hurdle to overcome," said Berry. "I never would have thought that I would be taking classes in another language, let alone Portuguese. It wasn't until I arrived in Sao Paulo that it truly hit me – I was going to have to speak a second language."

According to Berry, the experience of having her eyes opened to a new culture was an exceptional one.

"I would have to say that my experience in Brazil has changed my outlook on life forever," said Berry. "I have come to know where I stand not only as an individual but as an individual in a worldwide scope."

Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) is a mid-sized, private institution conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland, and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.