There are moments that live in our memories forever.
Arkansas Tech University student Rylee Milligan counts snorkeling with sea lions during a summer 2026 study abroad trip to the Galápagos Islands among those moments.
“Getting to see them up close in their natural habitat was so different from anything I’ve ever experienced,” said Milligan, an ATU junior business management major from Russellville. “They were surprisingly playful, and it was amazing to watch them swim around with us. Seeing animals like sea lions, giant tortoises and marine iguanas living so casually around people was something I’d never experienced before, and it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Milligan was joined by fellow ATU students Georgia Brothers of Ola, Jacob Causey of Russellville, Aliza Hady of Dardanelle, Haleigh Knights of Van Buren, Paula Lerma of Paragould and Pete Zambrzycki of Morrilton on a nine-day journey to the Galápagos Islands, which are located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean.
The ATU students were led on the trip by Dr. Jay Post, ATU associate professor of tourism, and accompanied by Tracy Cole, dean of the ATU College of Business and Economic Development.
“I’ve always loved to travel and experience new places, so when I heard about the opportunity to study abroad in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, I knew I wanted to go,” said Milligan. “Being able to explore a different country, learn about a new culture and earn college credit all at the same time made it an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.”
Causey, an ATU senior majoring in political science and communication, also found something in Ecuador he couldn’t turn down: the coffee. He enjoyed it so much he brought three bags home with him.
“People are generally just going about their day…just trying to do work,” said Causey when asked about the similarities he discovered between the residents of Ecuador and the people he knows at home in Arkansas. “People are friendly if you sit down and have a conservation with them. People are people. I believe that my study abroad experience changed my point of view by reminding that the world is still beautiful…even though the sights and sound that I see every day may be commonplace, it doesn’t take away from its beauty overall.”
Milligan was surprised by how quickly Ecuador felt familiar. She said it was a feeling created by the welcoming and kind nature of the people she encountered.
“One of the biggest things I realized was that no matter where you’re from, people really aren’t that different,” said Milligan. “Everyone wants to feel welcomed, spend time with the people they care about and make meaningful connections. Even though there were language and cultural differences, everyone we met was so kind and genuine. It reminded me that just a smile and a simple conversation can go a long way, no matter where you are in the world. It was really interesting getting to know people from a completely different part of the world and realizing that, despite our differences, we actually had so much in common.
“This experience reminded me that there’s such a big world outside the place where I grew up, and there’s so much to see and learn if you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone,” continued Milligan. “It showed me how important it is to be brave enough to try new things, even if they feel a little intimidating at first. Some of my favorite memories came from experiences I never would have had if I had stayed where I was comfortable. It pushed me to keep exploring, meeting new people and saying yes to opportunities that help me grow as a person.”
During the portion of the trip that was spent on mainland Ecuador, the ATU delegation engaged in cultural exploration in Quito’s historic Independence Plaza, the equatorial Intiñan Museum and the markets of Otavalo.
Milligan said she would encourage other ATU students to participate in study abroad opportunities and to look into assistance that can make study abroad accessible, including the scholarships provided by the ATU Miller Center for Global Engagement.
“If you have the opportunity to study abroad, I truly think you should take it,” said Milligan. “It can feel a little scary at first, but that’s what makes it so exciting and rewarding. You’ll experience places you’ve only seen in pictures, meet people from different backgrounds and create memories that will stay with you long after the trip is over. It’s more than just a trip…it’s a chance to grow within yourself, gain a new perspective and come home with stories you’ll share for the rest of your life.”
