During spring break, 88 Lee University students traveled abroad to Albania, the Bahamas, Ireland, and Italy for faculty-led Global Perspectives trips, combining cultural immersion with service and experiential learning. 
  
“It is a privilege to offer our students high-quality, faculty-led cross-cultural engagement experiences,” said Dr. Jeff Sargent, director of Global Engagement. “This spring, our students explored and learned in Albania, the Bahamas, Ireland, and Italy. I am sincerely thankful for our faculty who sacrificed their spring breaks to invest in these meaningful experiences.” 
  
Eighteen students, led by assistant professor of elementary education Dr. Debbie Rosenow, traveled to Tirana, Albania, where they served at GDQ International Christian School and explored northern and southern regions, attending church, touring a castle, and shopping in local markets. 
  
“Our knowledge of the world and Albania’s rich history was expanded,” said Rosenow. “Our eyes were opened to the ministries supporting the impoverished and ‘least of these’; and our hearts were challenged and encouraged to share our faith as boldly as the many first-generation Christians seeking to follow Christ on a daily basis.” 
  
Dr. Lynda Bowers, assistant professor of sports management, led 16 students on an eight-day trip to South Eleuthera and Nassau, Bahamas, where they partnered with the One Eleuthera Foundation at a sustainable farm and volunteered at Tarpon Bay Primary School. Students also snorkeled and explored the island’s blue holes. 
  
“The Bahamian people in Eleuthera are wonderful,” said Bowers. “They treated our students with so much kindness and respect. For me, this trip was unforgettable for many reasons: great students, fulfilling service projects, much fun, and so many memories!” 
  
Led by Dr. Randy Wood, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Kendra Gray, assistant director of communications, 32 students traveled to Ireland, where they explored the country’s rich history, culture, and landscapes. Participants visited historical sites, interacted with local communities, and reflected on Ireland’s complex social and cultural narratives. Over 10 days, students immersed themselves in Irish culture while gaining a deeper appreciation for the country’s traditions and way of life. 
  
“Ireland offers a rich context for thinking about history, identity, and culture,” said Wood. “Students were able to experience those realities in person which deepens their understanding in ways that enhance teaching in the traditional classroom.” 
  
“This trip was honestly life-changing,” said Lydia Forkum, a senior music major at Lee. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to a bigger world, helping me see people, culture, and even my own perspective in a completely new way.” 
   
Twenty-two students participated in the Italy business trip, led by Dr. Shane Griffith, dean of the School of Business. The group spent time in Florence, Sorrento, and Rome, and also visited Pompeii and the Blue Grotto of Capri, experiencing the intersection of history, culture, and global business. 
  
“It’s hard to put into words the experience of visiting Italy and coming face to face with history,” said Griffith. “This trip was a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful learning happens when students step outside their routines and engage the world firsthand.” 
  
“The Italy trip was an incredible experience,” said Ella Hepp, a junior accounting major. “It really opened my eyes to different cultures around the world, even among the cities we visited. We got to explore amazing places and meet people we never would have known otherwise.” 
  
The Global Perspectives program gives students immersive cross-cultural experiences that foster awareness of the world’s interdependence, respect for diverse perspectives, and reflection on their own Christian values in relation to other cultures. Through these trips, students gain meaningful exposure to communities beyond their own, engage in dialogue with local cultures, and grow through their personal cross-cultural encounters. 
  
For more information, contact the Office of Global Engagement at (423) 614-8357 or visit globalperspectives.leeuniversity.edu.