Lee University students participated in two Global Perspectives experiences in the Galapagos Islands this summer, where they studied the region’s unique biodiversity, provided English instruction to local residents, and partnered with the Church of God in the Galapagos on community service projects.

A group of seven students traveled with Dr. Michael Freake, professor of biology, to study the islands’ distinctive plant and animal life and learn about conservation efforts. A second group, led by Dr. Chris Blake, professor of TESOL and linguistics, taught English to local residents and assisted with church projects.

Both groups were hosted by Pastor Wilson Castillo of the Church of God in the Galapagos, who provided lodging for the students at the church during their time on San Cristobal Island. The partnership reflects an ongoing effort by Lee’s Global Perspectives program to connect students with the Church of God community in the Galapagos.

“This was an exceptional experience for our Lee University students and a wonderful example of what Global Perspectives is designed to provide,” said Dr. Jeff Sargent, director of Global Engagement at Lee. “Our students experienced meaningful academic learning, service, and genuine cross-cultural engagement. We are intentional about creating transformative experiences like these and hope to make these opportunities in the Galapagos an annual part of the Global Perspectives program.

The biology group included Calloway Critz, Thomas Eckert, Nicholas Fuller, Colin Henry, Kira McNair, Maia Hurley, and Elise Welch.

The students observed Darwin’s finches, marine iguanas, albatrosses, Galapagos sea lions, and a variety of marine life. They also participated in snorkeling excursions where they encountered sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and hammerhead sharks. The group learned about environmental challenges facing the islands and efforts to protect the Galapagos’ unique biodiversity.

“It was exciting to see our students engage with what they have studied in the classroom in such a direct way,” said Freake. “Being in the Galapagos allowed them to ask questions, make observations, and better understand the relationships between species and their environments. The trip also helped them see that studying biology comes with a responsibility to understand and protect the natural world.”

For Welch, a junior biology major with an emphasis in ecology from Grandview, Missouri, it provided an opportunity to see firsthand the unique ecosystems she has studied in the classroom.

“Visiting the Galapagos this summer was an immense blessing,” said Welch. “The islands and their surrounding waters are absolutely brimming with unique expressions of life, as well as a complex history of human presence. The experience, along with the kindness and intentionality of the Galapagos locals, taught me that it is possible, although often difficult, for humans and nature to mutually thrive. The trip gave me hope for ecosystems that I have seen suffer in the States and inspired me to continue pouring everything I have into working toward redemption for both the people and places that our God has so loved.”

Blake was accompanied by four current Lee students – Corban Caudill, Jack Belcastro, Abigail Rice, and Bailey Smith – for the TESOL Global Perspectives experience. Recent graduates Katie Fuentes and Stephanie Lakatosh, along with Blake’s wife, Jeannie, and daughter, Miriam, also participated.

During the two-week program, the students provided more than 50 hours of English instruction to more than 40 local residents. Approximately 30 adults participated in evening “English for Tourism” classes, while a separate class was offered for children.

The classes addressed a significant need on San Cristobal Island, where tourism is a major part of the local economy. By helping residents strengthen their English skills, the students provided a resource that can support them as they interact with English-speaking visitors and participate in the island’s ecotourism economy.

In preparation for the experience, the students developed a textbook specifically for the “English for Tourism” course and brought printed copies with them to the Galapagos. The resource was designed around the needs and experiences of people working in the island’s tourism industry.

The textbook was soon put to use in the community. During a visit to a local souvenir shop, the Lee students saw one of their students using it to practice English vocabulary with customers.

“This trip reminded me that some of the deepest ministry happens outside formal learning spaces and beyond what we originally came to do,” said Blake. “Our students came to teach English, but they also built relationships, listened to people’s stories, and learned from the community they were serving.”

The students also assisted with maintenance projects at the local church, including removing termite-damaged seats and backs from chairs in the church sanctuary.

“Going to the Galapagos was truly a life-changing experience,” said Caudill, a junior TESOL major. “I have never met people as kind and welcoming as those I met on San Cristobal Island. I hope to return someday and reunite with my friends, my students, and the amazing pastor of the Church of God Galapagos, Wilson Castillo.”

For Lakatosh, a 2025 Lee graduate, this opportunity highlighted the connection between service, faith, and community.

“When I said I was going to Ecuador, several people asked me, ‘What is in Ecuador?’ Well, let me tell you! In Ecuador we found a treasure,” Lakatosh said. “Not only were we on a beautiful island that was filled with God’s marvelous creation, the real light on the island was the fellowship of our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Together, the two Global Perspectives experiences reflect the program’s mission to provide students with opportunities to engage in academic study, cultural learning, and service around the world.

To find out more about Global Perspectives at Lee, follow @LeeUGlobal on Instagram.