Oaken Pool grew up in central Arkansas, but those closest to him have long known that his soul belongs near the ocean.
They called him “Surfer Boy” growing up, but it wasn’t until Pool pursued a study away opportunity as an Arkansas Tech University student that he had a chance to live out his coastal aspirations.
Pool spent the fall 2025 semester at the University of Hawaii at Manoa through ATU’s participation in the National Student Exchange program.
“Since high school, I’ve dreamed of taking a trip to a sunny beach and learning to surf,” said Pool. “Before I came to ATU, I had considered going to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, but I was unable to afford their out-of-state tuition. The NSE program allowed me to chase that dream and visit a place and a school that I had wanted to go to for years. Once the NSE program came onto my radar, I conducted further research into UHM and discovered that it had an excellent business school with international connections and a strong academic reputation. I wanted to take the opportunity to get a new perspective on global business and study at an esteemed institution with experienced international business professionals.”
Salutatorian of the Maumelle Charter High School class of 2023, Pool attended Arkansas Governor’s School at Arkansas Tech in summer 2022. He returned to the ATU campus as a first-time college student in fall 2023 and became a regular on the ATU President’s List and the ATU Dean’s List in recognition of his academic achievement. Pool has also been active in the ATU Honors program.
By expanding his horizons through study away, Pool learned about Hawaiian history, gained experience living in a more densely populated area and acquired new academic skills that will be transferable to his career.
“I grew in my ability to conduct research, analyze market trends, operate and construct a business and present my findings in a variety of scenarios,” said Pool. “On top of this, I experienced and learned much about Asian, Pacific Islander and other North American cultures and business practices by living in the meeting point of these groups. I have learned teamwork, leadership, research, documentation and presentation skills. I have also grown in my cultural competency and ability to communicate with others. All these experiences are beneficial to my success as a business student and to my potential future as a business leader.”
Now that he is back home and continuing his studies at Arkansas Tech, Pool has advice for other students interested in study away or study abroad opportunities. He said that it is important to be respectful of the culture one is visiting, to develop a plan to remain in touch with friends and family to avoid homesickness and to have a realistic budget to meet the financial realities of visiting a place that may have a higher-than-average cost of living.
But Pool’s biggest piece of advice for those considering study away or study abroad is simple: go for it.
“The National Student Exchange offers a beneficial experience for anyone,” said Pool. “My time in Hawaii was fun and a dream come true. My family would never have been able to undertake something so incredible on our own. The NSE program offered me a chance to study where I’ve dreamed of living. I got to be the surfer boy that my friends and family have referred to me as since I was a kid. It really is an opportunity to chase what might have seemed impossible before.
“An exchange trip is even more than that, though,” continued Pool. “It offers students the opportunity to learn real-world, problem-solving skills and experience other people and cultures. It expands your perspective, your world view and your understanding of yourself and those around you. You will come back as a more worldly person.”
Visit www.atu.edu/studyabroad to learn more about study abroad and study away opportunities available to Arkansas Tech students.
