Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in a cross-cultural experience?

All qualified students in good academic standing and have completed a minimum of one full semester, equal to 12-15 hours, and the prerequisite GNST 200 seminar, may apply for participation in a cross-cultural experience.

May prospective students or students from other institutions participate in a Global Perspectives trip?

No.  Any student participating in a Lee-sponsored Global Perspectives trip must have first successfully completed a minimum of one full semester, equal to 12-15 hours, of studies in residence on the Lee University campus, with one of those being the prerequisite GNST 200 Global Perspectives Seminar.

May friends or family members of students participate in a trip as well?

No, unless there is a medical need for a parent or guardian 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.

How do students get credit for fulfilling their cross-cultural experience requirements?

GNST 250-3 is the actual experience of interacting with another culture, either through one of Lee's many Global Perspectives trips or through an Individually Arranged Cross-Cultural Study.  Although students will be registered, GSNT 250-3 is not a class which meets throughout the semester or summer term but the credit you receive for the actual cross-cultural experience.

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 trip directors.

How do students register for classes offered on Global Perspectives trips?

The trip directory will submit a listing of accepted student participants along with their registration information to the Record's Office.

When should students begin planning their cross-cultural experiences?

Early planning is the key to successful experiences.  Students will have more options and better success at integrating the requirements 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.

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.  Programs taught in a foreign language may require at least two years of college-level study prior to departure.

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 Services policy for Global Perspectives trip participants?

Every student/faculty/staff/chaperone/sponsor traveling out of the U.S. will have a current physical exam on file with LUHS.  Now "waivers" will be allowed.  Refusal to obtain a physical will negate travel.  Physicals will be provided by LUHS for $35.00 each.  The trip director is responsible for arranging health services for his/her trip participants.

What is the Lee University Financial Aid policy for Global Perspectives trip participants?

All trip participants need to 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).

Institutional scholarships (i.e. academic scholarships, employee tuition discounts) can not be applied to more than two study abroad programs during a student's enrollment at Lee.

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.