Estonia trip teaches students about science, collaboration and culture: IU Columbus : Indiana University

The program combined classroom instruction, laboratory work, field research, industry visits and cultural immersion. Students also earned credit for CHEM-C 252, a three-credit chemistry course focused on biopolymers and their real-world applications.

Because students traveled May 11-22, the spring semester was still in session at the Tallinn University of Technology, allowing IU students to work with Estonian faculty and researchers (undergraduate through doctoral), as well as a visiting scholar from the Czech Republic.

Abbagael Cramer (IUI), Tallin high school teacher and chemistry game developer Anette Kipso, Shaylee Seng (IUC) and James Lee (IUI) work together in Tallin, Estonia.“The relationships students build are just as important as what they learn in the classroom,” Mendez said. “By interacting with students, faculty, and researchers from other countries, they gain a greater appreciation for the collaborative nature of science and the value of different perspectives.”

During the trip, students traveled to local forests to collect plants and other natural materials that could be used to extract biopolymers such as cellulose and chitin. Students also had the flexibility to pursue areas of personal interest, connecting the experience to fields such as biology, chemistry, and forensic science. They also toured biotechnology startups and manufacturing facilities, and took a weekend trip to Helsinki, Finland, where they met another IU study abroad group.

Students had the opportunity to enjoy a traditional meal, visit local historic sites and took a weekend trip to Finland.IU Columbus student Shaylee Seng recommended the trip, especially to those who want a study abroad experience but can’t be gone for an entire semester. She enjoyed both the unique culture and the academic experience. “The education system is amazing! I learned so much from the professors we worked with,” Seng said.

IU Columbus student Etta Greathouse added, “I was amazed at how safe I felt the whole trip, I was comfortable walking or taking the bus anywhere.”

Participants represented multiple IU campuses, including IU Bloomington, IU Indianapolis, IU Fort Wayne, and IU Columbus. Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs Joan Poulsen noted that it was a great combination of students from different campuses, with different majors, who took the opportunity to learn and experience a new culture together.

Students visited local forests where they collected natural materials to extract biopolymers.Mendez’s longstanding connections in Estonia, developed through previous visits and a Fulbright Award appointment, helped provide this opportunity to work with local researchers and industry professionals. His familiarity with the country also helped the group navigate daily life and explore the region.

Mendez plans to continue leading this Estonia study abroad program every two years. He noted that it’s one of the few study abroad opportunities that allows students to earn science credit, combining STEM coursework with research, industry engagement and cultural immersion.

To learn more about studying abroad at IU, visit abroad.iu.edu.