Limestone To Soon Offer "Global Experience" For Students

There’s no telling where in the world a Limestone College education will soon be taking students from the historic liberal arts institution.

Limestone officials have unveiled plans for a new “Global Experience” that will be sending undergraduate Day Campus students to some of the most iconic locations in the world, starting with the 2019-2020 academic year. Although exact destinations have yet to be finalized, students will likely travel to such cities as Paris, Rome, London, Rio de Janeiro, Beijing, and Jerusalem, just to name a few. Trips are also expected to be taken inside the continental United States.

The costs for one trip during a student’s time at Limestone will be covered through tuition. To qualify, students must have completed English 102 or 103, and must be in good standing academically, financially, and with the Honor Code. Transfer students must also have completed 16 credit hours at Limestone. A second travel opportunity for each student will be available, with the out-of-pocket costs determined by the particular destination.

Each “Global Experience” will be designed with a specific academic focus and will be chaperoned and taught by Limestone professors.

 “These exciting trips will offer Limestone students the opportunity to explore business, commerce, education, and culture in some of the most picturesque locations in the world,” said College President Dr. Darrell Parker. “Study abroad opportunities are integral to students as they prepare to compete in an increasingly globalized workforce. This new program will become a key part of teaching students to be engaged global citizens, to be adept at cultural competency, and to be better prepared for the professional and personal challenges of the 21st century.”

The first two trips are anticipated to occur in the spring of 2020, and from that point forward four trips will be scheduled each academic year. Students wishing to travel will register for a three-credit hour elective class in a particular discipline, and the associated trip will typically last 7-10 days.

Flights, ground transportation, lodging, meals, and travel healthcare insurance will be covered by Limestone. Students will pay for any necessary passport and visa costs, and will be responsible for expenditures outside of the items that are included as a part of the program.

“Global programs like this can help students learn new languages, learn different business and cultural customs, and even help jump start a career in international relations, international business, healthcare, etc.,” said Dr. Michael Scharff, the Chair of Limestone’s Department of Business and Economics who is assisting with the organization of the travel series. “We look forward to announcing more details, as they are finalized, in the coming months. We expect our returning and new students will be very enthusiastic about this wonderful new opportunity that Limestone is providing.”

According to a study by the Institute of International Education, evidence indicates that students who study abroad have better grades, experience less attrition, and graduate from college at higher rates than students who do not study abroad. They also have a competitive edge on the job market. Yet, fewer than 10 percent of American undergraduates study abroad, and only one quarter of those are from underrepresented groups.