About Global Perspectives

The primary responsibility of the Office of Global Perspectives is to serve all Lee University students by providing accurate information related to and options available for fulfilling the cross-cultural experience requirements.

Lee University’s Global Perspectives program ranks in the top five to ten schools nationwide. We offer a wider variety of experiences and send a greater percentage of our students abroad than most other universities in the United States. (See the Institute of International Education Open Doors annual report )

Lee University's cross-cultural experience requirement for all students includes a minimum of two Global Perspectives credit hours. For more information, visit our Requirement section of What is a "Cross-Cultural Experience"?.

Most students expect their education to equip them with the skills and experience necessary to give them a competitive edge professionally. Dr. Richard Jones, Professor of Anthropology, asserts that, “All other things being equal, people who are bilingual and/or who have some sort of experience in cross-cultural settings have the edge in today’s market in nearly every sector. Few large corporations can ignore the world markets for their products, and people who command knowledge of other languages and cultures have opportunities available to them that people without that knowledge do not have.”

We hope that students will see the Lee University Cross-Cultural experience as an exciting opportunity, not just a requirement. We encourage them to fully immerse themselves in a different culture, and as they expand their understanding of the world, they may be surprised by the transformative shift in their perspectives.

Watch this Student Testimonials Video to see a glimpse of the impact that this program has on students' lives!

Mission Statement of the Global Perspectives Program

The goals of the cross-cultural portion of the core curriculum are to help raise students’ awareness of increasing interdependence of our world and to emphasize that every human being has a potential for making a significant contribution to the kingdom of God. Furthermore, it is a goal of the cross-cultural requirements to foster in students a respect for the diversity of perspectives represented in the world community, to help students articulate an understanding of their own Christian values and to show how these relate to another cultural perspective. Cross-cultural programs should give students exposure to a cultural perspective other than their own, provide opportunities for dialogue about their relationship to that culture, and guide them through their own personal cross-cultural encounter.

Why Study Abroad?

Academic Credit - The primary reason students study abroad is to earn academic credit, but an added benefit is the opportunity to travel with Lee University faculty. Faculty-Directed Cross-Cultural Study trips are emphasized for the powerful impact they have on students, allowing them to engage in immersive learning alongside their professors in a dynamic setting. These trips are led by our credentialed faculty who teach between four and nine credit hours relative to the location of study. These courses include everything from general course requirements to senior level courses. Plan ahead and you will be able to fulfill your cross-cultural experience requirement while also completing core courses required for your major.

Students also have the option to participate in an Individual Cross-Cultural Study in a foreign college/institution of their choice. The Individual Cross-Cultural Study gives students the opportunity to research and design a cross-cultural experience that is more specific to their preferences and academic needs. Group Cross-Cultural Study is another option; these trips are for one credit hour only and do not include other courses. Trips with Lee University athletic teams or music ensembles fall under this category.

The Resume Factor - Most students expect their education to equip them with the skills and experience necessary to give them a competitive edge professionally. The world market place is shrinking rapidly, and many companies are requiring cross-cultural experiences and even proficiency in second languages. Experiences abroad broadcast that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded, and diverse. 

Practical Experience -  Our Global Perspectives program may be the key to gaining the in-depth expertise you seek in your education. Why not study Art History in Italy, where the history comes to life? Or explore Wildlife Biology in the Galapagos, one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet? For more information on these and other Faculty-Directed Cross-Cultural Study trips, visit the Faculty-Directed Cross-Cultural Study page. For more information on these and other global perspectives trips, visit Faculty-Directed Cross-Cultural Study .

Learn In Context - Studying abroad will give you experiences outside of the classroom. Get hands-on  experience working directly with children in Ecuador while earning credits toward your degree. Study in Germany alongside classmates from diverse European countries, enriching your experience with a wide range of perspectives. Gain hands-on experience in a developing country by applying your skills to meaningful projects, such as building a water system or supporting a church initiative. Immersion into a cultural setting will provide you the opportunity to discover your strengths and abilities, manage challenges, and adapt to unfamiliar situations. 

Challenge Yourself - Go out into the world and engage your senses – taste, hear, smell, feel the various cultures around you. Lee’s Global Perspectives requirement can be life-changing, expanding your compassion for others and broadening your understanding of the world in which we live.