During his first semester on campus, Ketryk Wilder '15 walked to class along cobblestone streets, passing ancient statues, the serenade of buskers and the third largest cathedral in the world.
Later, instead of wiling away time at the recreation center or the dining hall, he traveled to the famed Alhambra Palace and the site where Christopher Columbus received funding for his historic voyage.
Ketryk was one of 16 first-year UNH students studying criminal justice in Seville, Spain, under the guidance of professors Fadia Narchet and David Schroeder. In addition to taking classes, the cohort became immersed in Spanish culture and explored Portugal, Gibraltar, Ireland, Sweden and Morocco.
As Ketryk’s example suggests, students can begin their experiential journey right away. UNH, in fact, is among a handful of universities that encourage first-year students to study abroad. The fall 2011 cohort was the sixth such group to spend its initial semester overseas.
"Studying abroad for my first semester in college was the best decision I have ever made," said Stephany Parra ’15.
Dr. Schroeder, assistant professor and chair of the criminal justice department, lauded the students for embracing the experience. “They have risen to every challenge,” he said. “They have all learned about themselves and that is exactly what they came here to do.”
