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As a part of the Lee University general core requirements, students must fulfill a minimum of two Global Perspectives credit hours in order to graduate:

1). GNST-200: Global Perspectives Seminar (1 credit hour) – GNST-200 is the required 1 credit seminar that serves as the prerequisite and pre-departure orientation for the actual cross-cultural experience. We recommend that you take this course during your sophomore year, but it may be taken during the freshman year year if you want to participate in a Cross-Cultural Experience (GNST-250, 251, 252, or 253) sooner. You must complete this course before you complete your Cross-Cultural Experience, as it is a prerequisite.

2). GNST-250, 251, 252, or 253: Cross-Cultural Experience (1-3 credit hours) – This GNST course is the actual experience of interacting with another culture. This is not a class which meets throughout the semester or summer term but is the credit you receive for the actual cross-cultural experience, where you can earn 1-3 credit hours depending on the length and intensity of cultural interaction.

Take these steps to get started:

1). Complete the Global Perspectives Pre-Departure Seminar

Register for GNST-200 (the Global Perspectives Seminar). We recommend that you take this course before the end of your sophomore year. Regardless, you must complete it a at least one semester before you do your cross-cultural experience. This is a 1-credit course.

2). Explore your options

Learn what a cross-cultural experience is. Check out the Global Perspectives website to explore the many options that we offer, including Faculty-Directed Cross-Cultural Study, Group Cross-Cultural Study, Individual Cross-Cultural Study, the UK Semester Abroad, and Collaborative Programs.

When considering a Global Perspectives trip, it’s important to first explore all the available options to get a full understanding of the variety of experiences. Each trip offers unique opportunities for cultural engagement, learning, and personal growth, and you want to make an informed decision. Ask yourself these questions:

- Where do I want to travel?

- What type of cross-cultural experience do I want?

- Which cross-cultural trips are offered in my major/minor?

- When do I want to travel?

Be sure to attend the annual World’s Fair, held each fall semester, where you can explore detailed information about each Global Perspectives trip. This is a great opportunity to meet the trip directors, ask questions, and learn more about the destinations and experiences offered.

3). Discuss your Global Perspectives plan with your Academic Advisor
When planning a Global Perspectives trip, it’s crucial to ensure that the trip aligns with your academic goals and degree requirements. Discussing your trip plan with your academic advisor is a vital step in making sure the experience contributes positively to your academic journey. Here’s how to approach this discussion and ensure your trip fits within your degree plan:

- Consider course credits offered on the trip.
- Evaluate the timing of the trip and the impact on your academic progress. Your advisors will help you identify any potential conflicts or overlaps with required courses.
- Assess the academic relevance with your major or minor.
- Consider how your financial aid package may apply to your cross-cultural experience.

4.) Financial Considerations
It is important for you begin to plan how to fit the financial requirements of the trip into your overall academic budget, ensuring you’re not overextending yourself financially or neglecting other important academic needs.

If you receive financial aid, it's important to discuss your Global Perspectives plan with the Financial Aid Office. They can offer valuable guidance on how your financial aid package may be applied to the trip you’re considering and help you understand any adjustments or additional funding options that may be available.

The Global Perspectives Office offers the Andy Sinclair Scholarship which is awarded annually. In addition, you can apply for other scholarships here.

5). Complete an application and the clearance requirements

Faculty-Directed Cross-Cultural Study and Group Cross-Cultural Study trips require an application, typically due in the fall semester. Faculty-Directed Cross-Cultural Study trips also require a deposit of $1,000 (which goes toward the total trip cost). For Individual Cross-Cultural Study, you must submit a proposal. All of these applications are available on our website. Please make sure you are fully committed to participating on the particular trip before applying, as this will help ensure a smooth process for both you and the program.

After you have been accepted on a Faculty-Directed Cross-Cultural Study, there are clearance requirements that you must complete before you leave on your trip. These include fully paying for the trip, completing paperwork, and being cleared by the Lee University Health Clinic, which involves having a physical on file, receiving required immunizations, etc.

6). Complete the experience
Now is the perfect time to take action! You’ll be enrolled in GNST-250, GNST-251, GNST-252, or GNST-253 during the semester you complete your cross-cultural experience. Throughout the experience, you’ll engage in assignments such as journals and case studies to reflect on and deepen your learning.

Note: Students who have had significant cross-cultural life experiences prior to coming to Lee (such as international students or students who have lived abroad 6+ months) may qualify for exemption from the cross-cultural requirement. Students must submit a petition for exception. These students must still complete GNST-200.

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Global Perspectives