Nine students in various majors at Mississippi State University recently joined Assistant Professor of Building Construction Science Mohsen Garshasby and Instructor Briar Jones for a two-week trip to the Netherlands to learn about global construction.
The first study abroad program for the Department of Building Construction Science, the group explored how history and design shape daily life and had meaningful discussions on cultural identity and urban resilience. They toured neighborhoods and museums throughout Amsterdam and made day trips to Rotterdam, Arnhem and Brussels.
Students on the trip noted that the immersive experience—being able to fully engage with some of the places they had learned about in the classroom—helped them to have a better understanding and appreciation for them.
Garshasby said the students are what inspired him most on the trip.
“From early morning walks to evening debriefs, their thoughtful engagement elevated every experience,” he said. “All nine students contributed insightful reflections that connected art, design and identity across borders”
Students who participated in the study abroad course include:
- Gavin Baker, a building construction science major
- Sydnee Graeber, a biomedical engineering major
- Jesus Morales, an architecture major
- Emma Grace Page, a building construction science major
- Virginia Prim, a building construction science major
- Sofia Schuyler, a civil engineering major
- Marin Sherwin, a mechanical engineering major
- Yuvraj (Yuvi) Singh, a building construction science major
- William (Brody) Smith, a marketing major