February 03, 2025
Jasper Holland participated in study abroad experiences in Uzbekistan, France and Spain this past spring and summer.
Story by Sophia Anderson
Senior Jasper Holland left the United States for the first time thanks to funding from the University of Missouri.
His first experience was last spring, for a research conference to Uzbekistan. This past summer, he went to France, where he worked on the reconstruction of a 17th century ship. Holland spent five days as part of the ship鈥檚 crew, sailing the English Channel.
鈥淚鈥檓 from here in Columbia, so I鈥檓 not near the ocean and never really have been,鈥 Holland said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always been something that sounded like it would be really cool 鈥 sailing 鈥 but I would never otherwise have had the opportunity to try it.鈥
Holland is studying computer science at Mizzou, so antique ships don鈥檛 directly relate to his degree, but he said that he met other computer programmers on his journey and was able to do some impromptu networking.
After his nautical adventure, Holland traveled to Barcelona, Spain, to volunteer with an organization called International Volunteer Headquarters. He did graphic design, photography, videography and social media for a local non-profit. Holland stayed in a hostel and practiced his Spanish, which he鈥檚 getting a minor in.
His experiences to France and Barcelona were funded by his Stamps Scholarship, and he embarked on an official study abroad experience to Oviedo, Spain, later in the summer. Holland studied in the Spanish language, literature and culture program. He split his time between taking classes at the University of Oviedo and traveling to other cities, like Madrid, to learn about Spanish history.
鈥淲ith the Stamps Scholarship, one of the things that is provided is an enrichment fund,鈥 said Holland, who is pursuing the Honors Certificate at Mizzou. 鈥淵ou have some leeway in using it, but study abroad is definitely the most common use for it because it鈥檚 meant to open up opportunities for you to do something that鈥檚 an enriching experience that you wouldn鈥檛 have access to otherwise.鈥
Holland said that immersing himself in another culture for nearly three months broadened his perspective and helped him improve his Spanish-speaking.
鈥淚 think everybody that I鈥檝e ever talked to has been like, 鈥榮tudy abroad is fantastic,鈥欌 Holland said. 鈥淓ven if money is an obstacle, Mizzou has tons of scholarship opportunities you can apply for.鈥
This story was originally published by the Mizzou Honors College .