In recent years, experiences have become as meaningful as material gifts. Instead of objects, people increasingly value opportunities that create lasting memories and personal growth. In academic settings, few experiences are as transformative as studying abroad. Maybe studying abroad is the ultimate experience a student can have?
That was the case for Yury Casas, Ferney Mena, and Joshua Murillo, three undergraduate students from Quibdó, Chocó, Colombia, who spent the fall semester at UF through the David Bushnell Scholarship. Yury, Ferney, and Joshua are the inaugural recipients of the scholarship, which exists thanks to the generosity of alum Craig Breese (BA LAS 1973), whose career in international business includes nine years as president of Honeywell Latin America. Mr. Breese established the fund in honor of his former professor David Bushnell, renowned historian of Colombia and professor at UF from 1963 until his retirement in 1991.
Yury, Ferney, and Joshua, who are currently attending the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó (UTCH), came to UF not only to study, but to immerse themselves in a different academic, cultural, and social environment. After completing the program, they returned to Colombia to share what they learned with their university and their community.
For the three visiting students, the experience went beyond academics. Living and studying in Gainesville allowed them to reflect on their identities, their region, and their future paths. Yury described the semester as transformative, emphasizing that it helped her better understand herself and her place within a broader social and political context.
One of the most striking differences they encountered was the educational system itself, with UF offering a wide range of academic resources designed to support students beyond the classroom. Joshua was particularly impressed by the availability of writing centers, advising services, and campus facilities that make daily academic life more accessible and efficient. These resources, he noted, create an environment where students are actively supported in their learning process.
Courses focused on Latin America and global politics were especially meaningful for the group. Through interdisciplinary classes that combined history, politics, art, and culture, the students deepened their understanding of the region while developing critical perspectives that they had not previously explored. For Yury and Ferney, Introduction to Latin American Studies with Professor Luis Felipe Lomelí helped connect academic content to their own lived experiences. Joshua found that political science courses, like International Politics of Latin America with Professor Andrew Janusz, encouraged him to engage in discussions about regional history and international relations with his family back home.