February 04, 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’s crew, sailing the English Channel.

“I’m from here in Columbia, so I’m not near the ocean and never really have been,” Holland said. “It’s always been something that sounded like it would be really cool – sailing – but I would never otherwise have had the opportunity to try it.”

Holland is studying computer science at Mizzou, so antique ships don’t 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’s 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.

“With the Stamps Scholarship, one of the things that is provided is an enrichment fund,” said Holland, who is pursuing the Honors Certificate at Mizzou. “You have some leeway in using it, but study abroad is definitely the most common use for it because it’s meant to open up opportunities for you to do something that’s an enriching experience that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise.”

Holland said that immersing himself in another culture for nearly three months broadened his perspective and helped him improve his Spanish-speaking.

“I think everybody that I’ve ever talked to has been like, ‘study abroad is fantastic,’” Holland said. “Even if money is an obstacle, Mizzou has tons of scholarship opportunities you can apply for.”

This story was originally published by the Mizzou Honors College here.