Frequently Asked Questions

When should students begin planning their cross-cultural experience?
Early planning is the key to successful experiences. Students will have more options and better success at integrating the requirement into their field of study if they start researching early. Consider personal and academic objectives, long-term career goals, and preferred culture before planning a course of action.

Who can participate in a cross-cultural experience?
All qualified students in good academic standing that have completed a minimum of one full semester, equal to 12-15 hours in residence on the Lee University campus, and the prerequisite ANTH 200 seminar may apply for participation in a cross-cultural experience. Prospective students or students from other institutions are not eligible to participate in global perspectives trips.

May friends or family members of students participate in a trip as well?
Friends and/or family members may not join a student on a trip unless there is a medical need for a parent/guardian or spouse to accompany a student, or if the person is providing a needed service for the trip (i.e. a parent who is a doctor and accompanies a medical missions team).

May a student participate in a trip and take less than the number of credit hours offered?
No. One of the most attractive aspects of the cross-cultural experience requirement is the opportunity for intellectual exchange between professors and students in an international environment. Otherwise, a cohesive study group can become merely a fragmented tour group. In addition, it creates extra work for numerous administrative offices to track any exceptions made for program participants.

What is the application process for Global Perspectives trips?
The application process for each Global Perspectives trip is determined by the trip director. Some require references and conduct interviews while others simply request a one-page application.

What are the costs of the trips?
Costs vary from year to year dependent upon location, exchange rate of currency, fuel costs, etc., and are determined by the respective trip directors.

How do students register for classes offered on Global Perspectives trips?
The trip director will submit a listing of accepted student participants along with their registration information to the Record’s Office.

Does studying abroad prevent students from graduating on time?
With careful planning, cross-cultural experiences can fit right into degree programs so that graduation will not be delayed. If students do end up taking an extra semester to graduate, the benefits of the experience far outweigh any disadvantages of staying in school longer.

Can students study abroad in a non-English speaking country if they do not speak the language?
All of Lee’s programs offer courses taught in English with the exception of those where foreign language proficiency is the focus.

Are transfer students required to participate in a cross-cultural experience?
Yes. The Global Perspectives credits are requirements of the university’s core curriculum and must be completed by every student in order to graduate.

What is the Lee University Health Clinic policy for Global Perspectives trip participants?
Every student/faculty/staff/chaperone/sponsor traveling out of the U.S. must have a current physical exam on file with LUHC. No “waivers” will be allowed. Refusal to obtain a physical will negate travel. Physicals will be provided by LUHS for a small fee not included in the trip price. Trip Directors are responsible for arranging health services for their trip participants.

Is financial aid available for Global Perspectives trip participants?
Each participant is considered on an individual basis. All potential trip participants should file for financial aid as soon as they are accepted into a program in order to receive federal money, private loans, and academic scholarships. Money can not be applied to the student’s business office account until all necessary documents have been turned in (i.e. the Financial Aid Application for Global Perspectives Trips and/or Summer School, FAFSA for the current year), the student has been awarded for summer, and the student has completed registration and made a down payment with the Business Office (this is not the same as making the trip down payment).

How does one apply for a passport?
In Cleveland students may visit the Cleveland Post Office at 1981 Keith Street or call 423/ 473-9272. The latest information may be accessed at www.travel.state.gov.