<h4>What inspired you to go abroad?</h4>
<p>I was inspired to go abroad to the north of Spain with Instituto Hemingway because I wanted to immerse myself in a new culture while learning Spanish in an authentic environment. The region’s natural beauty, friendly</p>
<p>people, and relaxed lifestyle attracted me instantly. I was also drawn by the opportunity to combine language learning with <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/instituto-hemingway/programs/social-work-environmental-volunteer-program-51871 rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=2&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3365&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=781" data-ga-client="Instituto Hemingway" data-contentlink=""><ins>meaningful volunteer work</ins></a>, connecting with local communities and experiencing daily life in a truly enriching and sustainable way.</p>
<h4>Why did you choose <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/instituto-hemingway rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=2&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3365&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=781" data-ga-client="Instituto Hemingway" data-contentlink=""><ins>Instituto Hemingway</ins></a>?</h4>
<p>I chose Instituto Hemingway for its excellent reputation for teaching Spanish in a friendly, immersive environment. The school offers a perfect balance of structured language courses, cultural activities, and opportunities for meaningful volunteer work.</p>
<p>I was also attracted by the personalized attention from teachers, the chance to practice Spanish daily, and the supportive community atmosphere, which makes learning enjoyable while fully experiencing life in northern Spain.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764062794/images2/interviews/3A173OcKBvNGLieGmbOD05jIYcDdhvV4xaA832NN.jpg" alt="A group of adults posing for a photo, one holding a certificate and wine bottle."><div class="caption"><p>Certificate day</p></div></div>
<h4>What was your favorite part about Bilbao?</h4>
<p>My favorite part about Bilbao, Spain, is its unique blend of modernity and tradition. I love walking along the Nervión River, admiring the Guggenheim Museum and its contemporary architecture, and exploring the charming old town with its narrow streets and lively markets.</p>
<p>The city’s vibrant culture, delicious Basque cuisine, and friendly atmosphere make it feel welcoming and inspiring, offering endless opportunities to learn, explore, and enjoy both art and everyday life</p>
<h4>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h4>
<p>What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the combination of immersive language learning, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. Living in northern Spain allowed me to practice Spanish daily, participate in local traditions, and discover the region’s natural beauty.</p>
<p>Volunteering and interacting with the community made me feel truly part of the culture, while the supportive environment at Instituto Hemingway made every day inspiring, fun, and unforgettable.</p>
<h4>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h4>
<p>The local staff at Instituto Hemingway supported me every step of the way. They provided guidance on language learning, offered personalized feedback, and organized cultural activities that helped me immerse myself in Spanish life.</p>
<p>They were always approachable, answered my questions, and assisted with practical matters like housing and travel. Their encouragement and kindness created a welcoming environment, making my experience abroad smooth, enjoyable, and truly enriching.</p>
<h4>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h4>
<p>One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad is to explore more of the surrounding towns and countryside in northern Spain. While I fully enjoyed my language classes and local experiences, venturing further would have allowed me to discover hidden gems, practice Spanish in diverse settings, and gain an even deeper understanding of the culture and lifestyle.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764062691/images2/interviews/KQyv0MC5xUxt9dq5Ih3P6aq8NoysDLYYHG0O8zyg.jpg" alt="Two people holding a certificate together."><div class="caption"><p>Enjoying my day!</p></div></div>
<h4>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h4>
<p>A typical day abroad started with Spanish classes in the morning, where I improved my language skills through interactive lessons and conversation practice. In the afternoon, I participated in volunteer activities, helping the community and applying sustainable practices. Evenings were for exploring the town, enjoying local cuisine, and practicing Spanish with friends, making every day productive and culturally enriching.</p>
<p>Surfing was one of my favorite pastimes.</p>
<h4>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h4>
<p>During my free time abroad, I enjoyed exploring the city and nearby towns, walking along scenic streets, and visiting cultural landmarks. I also loved trying local cuisine, meeting new people, and practicing Spanish in real-life situations.</p>
<p>Relaxing in cafes, attending cultural events, and spending time outdoors allowed me to experience the local lifestyle and culture fully.</p>
<h4>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h4>
<p>I stayed in apartments right next to the school that had all the modern conveniences I needed.</p>
<p>What I liked best was the cosmopolitan, international atmosphere and living with people my age from different countries. It was easy to make friends, share experiences, and enjoy a lively, supportive community throughout my stay.</p>
<h4>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h4>
<p>One thing every future participant should know is that the program combines intensive Spanish classes with meaningful volunteer work, offering a unique balance of learning and giving back to the community.</p>
<p>Being open-minded, proactive, and ready to engage with both local culture and international peers will make the experience truly rewarding and unforgettable.</p>
<h4>Would you recommend Instituto Hemingway to others? Why?</h4>
<p>I would definitely recommend Instituto Hemingway to others. The program offers a perfect combination of intensive Spanish classes, volunteer work, and cultural activities, allowing participants to immerse themselves in Spanish life fully.</p>
<p>The staff is supportive, the accommodation is comfortable, and the international community makes it easy to make friends. Overall, it’s a well-organized, enriching experience that helps improve language skills while contributing meaningfully to the community.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764062795/images2/interviews/BaGMq6kV0zYOh52ah7eLXFQqXvUBGJ0P4QtXN0y4.jpg" alt="A group of women outdoors, with two of them petting a large dog."><div class="caption"><p>Sharing moments with my classmates</p></div></div>
<h4>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h4>
<p>The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and gain a global perspective. It helps you develop independence, adaptability, and confidence while learning new languages and customs.</p>
<p>Experiencing different ways of life broadens your understanding of the world, fosters empathy, and creates lasting memories and meaningful connections that go beyond the classroom.</p>
<h4>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h4>
<p>Now that I’m home, I realize how much my time abroad has shaped my perspective and personal growth. Living and studying in Spain improved my confidence, adaptability, and communication skills.</p>
<p>I feel more open-minded and inspired to keep learning languages and exploring cultures. The friendships and memories I made continue to influence my outlook, reminding me of the value of curiosity, connection, and lifelong learning.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>To me, meaningful travel means experiencing a place deeply while contributing positively to its community and environment. It’s more than sightseeing; it’s learning the language, understanding local culture, and engaging in activities that make a difference, like volunteering.</p>
<p>Meaningful travel enriches both the traveler and the people they meet, creating connections, fostering empathy, and leaving a lasting impact beyond the journey itself.</p>


Laura Lund

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Laura Lund who participated in Instituto Hemingway program.

Laura Lund | Instituto Hemingway Alumni Interview

Volunteer Programs in Spain

Instituto Hemingway

Instituto Hemingway Alumni Interview with Laura Lund

<h4>What inspired you to go abroad?</h4>
<p>I was inspired to go abroad firstly because I love to travel. Growing up in a diverse and multicultural city, I feel great joy when appreciating other cultures in their truest form. When I travel, I’m able to fully immerse myself in a new culture rather than reading articles about it.</p>
<p>This immersion is a little uncomfortable in the moment, but every single time I look back on a travel experience, I see how it made me the person I am today.</p>
<h4>Why did you choose <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/international-medical-aid rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=4&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3364&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=44980" data-ga-client="International Medical Aid (IMA)" data-contentlink=""><ins>International Medical Aid</ins></a>?</h4>
<p>I chose International Medical Aid because it gave me the opportunity to travel, learn, and help others all at the same time. My university does not offer study abroad programs for my major and requires us to stay on campus to take major-specific courses.</p>
<p>IMA let me study abroad during the summertime without interfering with my coursework. IMA is also more than just a study abroad program. They host community health clinics and make essential donations to the local hospital.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764061607/images2/interviews/uxWQjQFzBLAFPVImLvhvGnIEx1oNvDTgUVBU23p8.jpg" alt="Group photo of a young man and children."><div class="caption"><p>Taken after a health education clinic at an elementary school.</p></div></div>
<h4>What was your favorite part about Mombasa?</h4>
<p>The food I ate in Mombasa, Kenya, was like nothing I have ever eaten before.</p>
<p>Mombasa is uniquely located on the Indian Ocean, south of the Middle East, and in the heart of East Africa. Trade routes connecting these locations made for some mind-blowing culinary experiences.</p>
<p>I ate shawarma served with peri-peri fries, ugali with butter chicken, and, most deliciously, some classic Mombasa Biryani.</p>
<h4>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h4>
<p>My time in Mombasa was extraordinary in so many ways, but the part that rose above the others was the compassion and understanding I gained while there.</p>
<p>I worked at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital alongside local healthcare professionals and witnessed the stark differences between the American and Kenyan healthcare systems.</p>
<p>Despite the lack of equipment, scarcity of medication, and massive patient load, professionals somehow managed to treat every patient with compassion. Every time I talk to a patient now, I am inspired by the CGTRH staff never to settle and give my all every time.</p>
<h4>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h4>
<p>The IMA staff was so amazing throughout my internship. We had a skilled kitchen staff who made three delicious meals every day for us.</p>
<p>I made friends with the pastry chef who cooked in my apartment’s kitchen and often baked with him. The program mentors helped me so much during my time in Mombasa. They made sure we were in the correct hospital department, we got to where we needed to be on time, and they also became our friends.</p>
<p>In addition to beating us in card games, they were there to support us when we saw something rough in the hospital.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764061608/images2/interviews/Txjuc75imokaXy4CPVKPAuBKFpIPBcgSSf6nJmnC.jpg" alt="People playing soccer on a sandy beach."><div class="caption"><p>Playing soccer on the beach nearby the residence.</p></div></div>
<h4>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h4>
<p>I wish I had spent more time exploring the region. Although I explored more than most of my fellow interns, I still left without seeing everything I wanted to.</p>
<p>There were a few local parks I didn’t get to visit, some restaurants I only smelled, and sights I heard about, but didn’t see. What made my longing to explore worse was my weekend safari.</p>
<p>After going across the country, I was dissatisfied with the time I spent in Nairobi, the capital. One rushed afternoon of sightseeing made me wonder what more the city had to offer.</p>
<h4>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h4>
<p>My typical day at IMA started at 7 AM with breakfast at the residence before departing for the hospital.</p>
<p>We would arrive at the hospital around 8 am and go to our respective assigned departments. We would be picked up around 2 PM if we did not sign up for an afternoon shift and go to the residence for lunch.</p>
<p>In the afternoons, we would usually have an activity planned, like going to a local attraction or community health outreach, such as hosting an educational session at an elementary school on basic health practices.</p>
<p>We would return for dinner and relax to prepare for the next day.</p>
<h4>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h4>
<p>My favorite thing to do during my free time in Mombasa was to play soccer with the locals and other interns at Nyali Beach. After a quick Uber to the beach, we were never short of opponents. Other interns would come with us to the beach and go to the beach resorts to hang out by the pool and enjoy the sun.</p>
<p>Another thing my friends and I loved to do was explore the local cuisine by trying as many nearby restaurants as possible.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764061609/images2/interviews/MnNqi1TLpN1cXZpEQdzrS17NjOQjxwVjJVxL9Yms.jpg" alt="Two men in blue scrubs shaking hands and sharing a certificate."><div class="caption"><p>The medical director of IMA giving me my certificate during my final day at the hospital.</p></div></div>
<h4>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h4>
<p>The IMA residence was a hotel that had been converted to host us interns. There was a communal dining area and a common room with a TV and couches. The men’s apartment was above this area, and the girls’ dorms were in a separate building next door. We also had a nice garden on the property.</p>
<p>The best part about the residence was the pool. I spent countless hours messing around in the pool with other interns, relaxing after a hospital rotation.</p>
<h4>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h4>
<p>Be prepared to see incredibly distressing things in the hospital and around the city.</p>
<p>Although my experience was largely positive, I was presented with things I had never seen before, like extreme poverty, malnutrition, illness, and violence. The patients who came to the emergency department at the hospital often had gory wounds or frightening conditions.</p>
<p>Before I came, I made sure to mentally prepare myself for anything I might see while at the hospital.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764061610/images2/interviews/qlY6DLwWfmXFmdTLTugb9eSQxOp6ABLvzx1YcXAR.jpg" alt="Kenyan flag flying high under a cloudy sky."><div class="caption"><p>The Kenyan flag flying over Fort Jesus.</p></div></div>
<h4>Would you recommend International Medical Aid to others? Why?</h4>
<p>I would definitely recommend IMA to others. I learned so much with IMA, ranging from the best spices for a stew to how to suture open wounds.</p>
<p>As far as healthcare programs go, this one does it all. Not only did I gain invaluable clinical experience, but I also deepened my understanding of culturally sensitive care.</p>
<p>I gained all of these things that add to my skills as a clinician, and I also explored a new culture and made friends I intend to keep forever.</p>
<h4>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h4>
<p>Healthcare programs abroad offer the unique benefit of exploring global health as a phenomenon.</p>
<p>In our American education, we mostly learn about American problems, but IMA opened the door to a new patient population faced with different problems.</p>
<p>In my future practice, I want to give the highest quality care to every single patient I see, and IMA helped me do this by showing how different cultures receive healthcare.</p>
<h4>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h4>
<p>I think about my time abroad nearly every day.</p>
<p>When I’m hungry, I daydream about flavorful meals, and when I’m lonely, I reminisce about the friends I made. Most importantly, when I’m in my clinical rotations or at my job at an assisted living facility, I think of the patients I saw in Mombasa. I think about how lucky I am that my patients have clean private rooms and that the pharmacy can deliver medications within an hour.</p>
<p>I’m able to see a piece of every patient in every new face I see, reminding me that people are complicated and multifaceted, and that the care they receive must reflect that.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>Meaningful travel doesn’t mean going to an all-inclusive resort to lounge around or going to fancy clubs to party the night away.</p>
<p>It means going somewhere with an identifiable purpose and with the intention to leave the place better than you found it. Meaningful travel is also meant to instill changes in the traveler. It should bring a deep connection to the destination and build genuine relationships with the people there.</p>


Isaac Simon

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Isaac Simon who participated in International Medical Aid (IMA) program.

Isaac Simon | International Medical Aid (IMA) Alumni Interview

Nursing/Pre-Nursing Internships Abroad for Aspiring Nurses

International Medical Aid (IMA)

International Medical Aid (IMA) Alumni Interview with Isaac Simon

<h4>What inspired you to go abroad?</h4>
<p>I was inspired to go abroad by my desire to experience new cultures, improve my Spanish, and contribute through football.</p>
<p>I wanted to grow personally, meet people from different backgrounds, and make a positive impact in the community. Living abroad also allows me to learn, adapt, and see the world from a new perspective.</p>
<h4>Why did you choose <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/instituto-hemingway/programs/social-work-environmental-volunteer-program-51871 rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=2&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3363&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=781" data-ga-client="Instituto Hemingway" data-contentlink=""><ins>Volunteer Programs in Spain</ins></a>?</h4>
<p>I chose this program because it combines my passion for football with community service and cultural exchange. It offers the chance to help integrate immigrants through sport while learning Spanish and exploring Bilbao’s unique culture. The mix of volunteering, language learning, and teamwork makes it a perfect fit for my goals.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764059630/images2/interviews/DkInlrTsctYuUdQtBQkunlod5MTHXAcOOeBNbQTr.jpg" alt="Youth soccer team posing in their green jerseys."><div class="caption"><p>Meeting together</p></div></div>
<h4>What was your favorite part about Spain?</h4>
<p>My favorite part about Spain was the warmth of its people and the vibrant mix of cultures.</p>
<p>I loved how everyday life revolves around community—sharing meals, enjoying football, and spending time outdoors. The energy of Bilbao, with its mix of tradition and modernity, made every day exciting and meaningful.</p>
<h4>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h4>
<p>What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the connection between people, culture, and purpose.</p>
<p>Playing football with locals and immigrants taught me the power of teamwork beyond language. Learning Spanish, exploring Bilbao, and contributing to the community made every moment meaningful and helped me grow personally and culturally.</p>
<h4>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h4>
<p>The local staff were incredibly supportive from start to finish. They helped with accommodation, language learning, and adapting to daily life in Bilbao.</p>
<p>Their guidance during football sessions and cultural activities made me feel welcome and confident. Their constant encouragement created a friendly and motivating environment.</p>
<h4>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h4>
<p>I wish I had spent more time practicing Spanish with locals outside the program. Although I improved a lot, speaking more with native speakers would have deepened my cultural understanding and confidence.</p>
<p>I also wish I had explored more small towns around Bilbao to experience even more of the Basque culture.</p>
<h4>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h4>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764059630/images2/interviews/jEjjHqCKh8A4jjsfegcsOJag7JENhYHUmRL7PNSA.jpg" alt="Three young men playing soccer on a field."><div class="caption"><p>Playing with the community</p></div></div>
<p>A typical day in my life abroad started with Spanish classes in the morning, where I practiced the language and learned about local culture. In the afternoon, I joined cultural or leisure activities such as visiting museums, exploring the city, or spending time with other volunteers. Later, we played football, sometimes even on weekends, which helped us connect and have fun as a team.</p>
<h4>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h4>
<p>During my free time abroad, I loved exploring Bilbao’s streets, trying local food like pintxos, and visiting nearby beaches. I enjoyed spending time with other volunteers, playing football, and discovering Basque traditions. Walking along the river or visiting museums helped me relax and appreciate the city’s culture and beauty.</p>
<h4>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h4>
<p>I stayed in shared apartments near the school, which was very convenient. The accommodation had all the necessary comforts and was located in a safe, lively area.</p>
<p>What I liked best was living with people my age from different countries—it made the experience more social and fun and helped me feel at home quickly.</p>
<h4>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h4>
<p>Every future participant should know that this program is more than football—it’s a full cultural and personal experience.</p>
<p>Be ready to learn Spanish, engage in community activities, and connect with people from different backgrounds. Openness, curiosity, and a positive attitude will make the experience rewarding and unforgettable.</p>
<h4>Would you recommend Volunteer Programs in Spain to others? Why?</h4>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764059631/images2/interviews/lmgNsvzsYZkZkPSjhQXtQx7CK0XBiwJwAzoSFBDC.jpg" alt="Three smiling boys in soccer jerseys giving thumbs up"><div class="caption"><p>Ready to practise football</p></div></div>
<p>I would definitely recommend this program to others. It combines football, cultural immersion, and community service in a unique way. It’s a rewarding experience that promotes personal growth and cultural understanding.</p>
<p>The staff are supportive, the accommodation is comfortable, and the activities help participants connect with locals and other volunteers.</p>
<h4>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h4>
<p>The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to grow personally and culturally. It allows you to experience new ways of life, meet people from different backgrounds, and develop independence and adaptability.</p>
<p>Living in another country broadens your perspective, improves language skills, and creates unforgettable memories and connections.</p>
<h4>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h4>
<p>My time abroad has greatly impacted my life by making me more open-minded, confident, and independent. I improved my Spanish, learned to adapt to new situations, and discovered the value of cultural exchange. The experience inspired me to keep exploring, meeting new people, and staying involved in community projects through sport.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>Meaningful travel, to me, means going beyond sightseeing to truly connect with people, culture, and community. It’s about learning, contributing, and growing personally while making a positive impact. Experiencing life from another perspective and creating authentic relationships make travel fulfilling and transformative.</p>


Felix Springer

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Felix Springer who participated in Instituto Hemingway program.

Felix Springer | Instituto Hemingway Alumni Interview

Instituto Hemingway Alumni Interview with Felix Springer

<h4>What inspired you to work for your organization?</h4>
<p>As a child, I lined up stuffed animals as “students,” tore pages from National Geographic, and taught imaginary lessons about the world beyond our small, rural, West Tennessee town. That curiosity never left me.</p>
<p>At Bethel, I found a place where education is about more than academics; it’s about forming the whole person: mind, heart, and spirit. Global Studies allows me to live that mission daily by helping students see themselves and their purpose within a larger, interconnected world.</p>
<h4>Describe a typical day at work.</h4>
<p>A typical day at Bethel is a blend of teaching and travel preparation.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764058920/images2/interviews/wZXQHlBFDygPuuyF9CvONmQvODGLzMso05jHbRii.jpg" alt="group of students posing before the Metropolitan Cathedral in Guatemala"><div class="caption"><p>Fall Break 2024, Bethel University students journeyed to Guatemala, exploring ancient Maya sites, vibrant markets, and volcanic landscapes while partnering with Konojel, a local nonprofit, in support of women and children.</p></div></div>
<p>I start my mornings in the classroom teaching sociology before shifting gears to Global Studies. Most of my day (and often my weekends) is filled with program logistics, communicating with our in-country partners, and encouraging students to submit passports, paperwork, and reflections. I also teach Global Studies courses online to prepare students—both high school dual-enrollment and college students—for their upcoming experiences abroad.</p>
<p>My work takes me across West Tennessee, visiting schools, hosting info sessions, and speaking to civic groups about global education. Whether I’m answering emails, leading Zoom meetings, or meeting with students face-to-face, every interaction builds relationships that help transform curiosity into courage and classrooms into the world.</p>
<h4>Why do you do what you do?</h4>
<p>For students from rural, Title I, and first-generation backgrounds, global education can be truly life-changing. Many of them have never traveled beyond their home state, yet they carry immense potential and curiosity about the world.</p>
<p>When they step into another culture, they serve, listen, and learn, and begin to see themselves differently. Barriers fall. Confidence grows. They realize their voices and ideas belong in global conversations.</p>
<p>These experiences don’t just change how students see the world—they change how they see their place in it. And that shift can alter the trajectory of their lives and communities for generations.</p>
<h4>What is your favorite part of your job?</h4>
<p>I love the places Bethel Global Studies takes me, but even more than that, I love the people.</p>
<p>I’ve led nearly 800 travelers around the world, and it’s their stories—and the people we meet along the way—that make this the best job in the world. Watching a student board their first plane, see the ocean for the first time, or gain confidence speaking a new language is pure joy.</p>
<p>What makes it even more meaningful is knowing I get to help create these moments for students from rural, Title I, and first-generation backgrounds who might never have had this opportunity otherwise. I love that it's my job to make their travel dreams come true!</p>
<h4>How do you use your education and international background in your current role?</h4>
<p>My background in social work and sociology helps me approach global education through the lens of empathy, equity, and community engagement.</p>
<p>I design programs that go beyond sightseeing—each experience encourages students to connect with local people, understand social systems, and reflect on their own values. Having traveled to 56 countries, I draw on those experiences to prepare students for cultural humility, adaptability, and curiosity.</p>
<p>My goal is to help them see global learning not as tourism, but as a way of understanding humanity and their responsibility within it.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764058921/images2/interviews/h3ARfqoDOM7WpNIVhqqyIIhVfIvg2VSjg5gN7ukx.jpg" alt="Large group of people smiling for a photo in a mountain range."><div class="caption"><p>With generous support from the Rotary Club of Union City and the Kirkland Foundation, Obion County High School students traveled to Europe with Bethel University Global Studies, discovering new cultures, languages, and perspectives while proving that small-town students can make a big world their classroom.</p></div></div>
<h4>What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?</h4>
<p>The biggest challenges we face are fear and finances. Most of our students have never left the country, or even flown before, so the idea of international travel can feel overwhelming. Others worry about how they’ll afford it.</p>
<p>We work hard to break down both barriers by building trust, walking with students through every step of the process, and offering scholarships and creative payment plans. Once they take that leap, the fear fades, and the experience becomes something they carry for life.</p>
<h4>What are some current projects you are working on?</h4>
<p>Right now, I’m deep in planning a diverse lineup of upcoming programs that reflect the heart of Bethel University Global Studies: connecting students to the world in meaningful, hands-on ways.</p>
<p>In the year ahead, we’ll journey to West Africa, Ireland and Scotland, Greece, Japan, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Each destination is chosen with intention: to help students experience history, faith, culture, and community from perspectives they could never gain from a textbook.</p>
<h4>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h4>
<p>I’d go back and tell my younger self to slow down, soak it all in, and trust that I’d get to see it all eventually. Early on, I treated every trip like it might be my last chance to be there.</p>
<p>Now I know the world has a way of calling us back to the places and people we’re meant to know. I often reflect on this quote from The Alchemist, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”</p>
<h4>What makes your organization special?</h4>
<p>What makes Bethel University Global Studies special is who we serve and how we serve them.</p>
<p>We were among the first universities, possibly the very first, to offer college credit for study abroad to high school students. Our programs primarily reach students from rural, Title I schools and first-generation college backgrounds in the South—populations statistically least likely to travel abroad. We design experiences that make the world accessible to those who might never have imagined it possible.</p>
<p>Historically, our programs have focused on Central and South America, where students explore language, culture, and community through service-learning and cross-cultural exchange. It’s transformative education rooted in access, purpose, and connection.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764058921/images2/interviews/NfhTMvyCqpPYTPochD81qT4gLuvTR1lSSm5SClNL.jpg" alt="students posing for a photo in front at the Chichen Itza in Mexico"><div class="caption"><p>Fall Break 2025, high school students from Bethel University Dual Enrollment traveled to the Yucatan, where they explored Maya history, learned traditional cooking, swam in cenotes, and discovered how cultural exchange turns the world into their classroom.</p></div></div>
<h4>Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?</h4>
<p>Students should choose Bethel University Global Studies because we make global education personal, purposeful, and possible. We don’t just send students abroad, we walk with them every step of the way.</p>
<p>Our programs are intentionally small, relationship-driven, and accessible to students who are often overlooked in traditional study abroad models. We serve rural, Title I, and first-generation learners, offering scholarships, academic credit, and hands-on mentorship to ensure everyone can participate.</p>
<p>Every journey blends cultural immersion, community service, and reflection, transforming travel into a powerful tool for growth and connection. At Bethel, the world isn’t just a destination; it’s our classroom.</p>
<h4>What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?</h4>
<p>My dream is to one day offer full scholarships for every student who wants to study abroad. Removing financial barriers would open doors for those who’ve never imagined global travel— transforming lives and creating ripple effects as students return home inspired to serve, lead, and uplift their communities.</p>
<h4>What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?</h4>
<p>Bethel University Global Studies is easy to market because our story sells itself. We offer meaningful, affordable, and accessible programs that truly change lives. Students earn college credit while traveling the world—often for the first time—and our focus on service-learning sets us apart.</p>
<p>Parents appreciate the safety, structure, and mentorship we provide, while students are drawn to the adventure, purpose, and personal growth. Every program is designed to be transformative, not transactional, and when people hear that, they want to be part of it.</p>
<h4>What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h4>
<p>Bethel University’s mission is to offer an accessible education that helps students reach their full potential—intellectually, spiritually, and socially—within a community built on respect and inclusion.</p>
<p>Global Studies brings that mission to life by extending the classroom to the world. Our goal is to cultivate love and respect for people, places, and the planet, because we believe that more passports mean more peace.</p>
<p>When students truly get to know others, compassion and understanding grow, and that’s something the world needs now more than ever.</p>
<h4>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h4>
<p>I hope students return home with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. I want them to see that people everywhere share the same hopes and humanity, even if their daily lives look different.</p>
<p>My greatest hope is that travel makes them more curious, compassionate, and courageous—that they carry those lessons into their studies, their careers, and their communities. If they leave with a sense of wonder and a belief that they can make a difference, then we’ve done our job.</p>
<h4>How do you help support participants?</h4>
<p>We support students every step of the way. From the moment they express interest, we walk with them through applications, passports, paperwork, and preparation, making global education feel accessible, not intimidating.</p>
<p>Our team hosts orientation sessions, online classes, and one-on-one meetings to ensure they’re academically, culturally, and emotionally ready to travel. We also connect students with scholarships, fundraising ideas, and peer mentors.</p>
<p>Once abroad, we stay close—offering guidance, encouragement, and care so they can focus on learning and growing. Our goal is to make sure every student feels seen, supported, and capable of thriving wherever they go.</p>
<h4>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h4>
<p>Traveling abroad helps people see beyond the boundaries of their own experience. It replaces assumptions with understanding and fear with connection. When we experience new cultures firsthand—by listening, learning, and sharing life with others—we realize how much we have in common.</p>
<p>Travel builds empathy, challenges stereotypes, and reminds us that we’re part of something much larger than ourselves. In a world that often feels divided, global experiences foster the compassion and perspective needed to build peace and understanding across cultures.</p>
<h4>Why do you think learning a new language is important?</h4>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764058922/images2/interviews/u3xsH19eEUtIBqZWQ8EtHpavkhSq70XsdtC2kCFs.jpg" alt="woman taking a selfie at the Centre Pompidou"><div class="caption"><p>Stacie Freeman leading Spring Break 2025, where Bethel University students and faculty explored Paris and beyond - visiting the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Versailles, Normandy, and more - immersing themselves in French art, history, and culture.</p></div></div>
<p>Learning a new language is one of the most powerful ways to understand another culture. It’s more than vocabulary; it’s perspective. Language opens doors to authentic relationships, deepens empathy, and helps us see the world through someone else’s eyes. Even learning a few key phrases shows respect and builds a connection.</p>
<p>For students, it also builds confidence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills that serve them personally and professionally, opening pathways to new careers, friendships, and opportunities around the world.</p>
<h4>What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?</h4>
<p>My advice is simple: go. Don’t wait until you feel completely ready; you never will. Say yes to the opportunity, even if it feels a little scary.</p>
<p>Travel has a way of expanding your world and your heart in ways you can’t imagine. Be open, stay curious, and remember that the best moments often come when things don’t go as planned. Every person you meet and every challenge you face will teach you something valuable about yourself and the world. You’ll return home changed, in the best possible way.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>To me, meaningful travel isn’t about how far you go, it’s about how deeply you connect. It’s taking time to listen, to learn, and to leave each place a little better than you found it. It’s travel that transforms, not just entertains, where every encounter, every conversation, and every act of service shapes how we see ourselves and others.</p>
<p>Meaningful travel builds empathy, humility, and gratitude. It reminds us that the world is full of stories worth hearing and that we’re all part of something beautifully interconnected.</p>
<h4>What does ethical global engagement mean to you?</h4>
<p>To me, ethical global engagement means approaching every culture, community, and person with humility and respect. It’s about listening before acting, partnering rather than “helping,” and recognizing that we’re guests in someone else’s story.</p>
<p>True global engagement should benefit both travelers and host communities—it’s reciprocal, not extractive. It means being mindful of the impact we leave behind, choosing sustainability over convenience, and valuing relationships over resumes.</p>
<p>Ultimately, ethical engagement asks us to see the world not as something to consume, but as something we’re responsible for caring for.</p>


Stacie Freeman

Get to know the people behind Bethel University Global Studies! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Stacie Freeman.

Stacie Freeman | Bethel University Global Studies

Bethel University Global Studies

Bethel University Global Studies Staff Interview with Stacie Freeman

<h4>What inspired you to work for <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/camp-augusta rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=0&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3361&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=27976" data-ga-client="Camp Augusta" data-contentlink=""><ins>Camp Augusta</ins></a>?</h4>
<p>I was drawn to Augusta because of the unique philosophies and activities available for staff. I stayed because these philosophies and community changed my life in a profoundly positive way.</p>
<p>It changed the way I relate to people, myself, and youth. The things I learned at Augusta had ripple effects into the rest of my life.</p>
<h4>Describe a typical day at work.</h4>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764055995/images2/interviews/Fww8r6T7lBx5ft0rpJCbVRT314B9t1tjl2mh47i9.jpg" alt="Man in green bandanas and face paint running"><div class="caption"><p>Capture the Flag!</p></div></div>
<p>A typical day includes:</p>
<ul>
<li dir = "auto">A special wake-up</li>
<li dir = "auto">Four activity blocks</li>
<li dir = "auto">A camper's choice of a fun activity called PlayStation</li>
<li dir = "auto">A cabin activity that you do with your campers</li>
<li dir = "auto">An epic and unique evening program in an immersive world</li>
<li dir = "auto">A meaningful end-of-the-night activity with your campers</li>
</ul>
<p>No two days are the same. I encourage you to see a movie about a day in the life.</p>
<h4>What is your favorite part of your job?</h4>
<p>Over the years, my favorite things at camp have included:</p>
<ol>
<li dir = "auto">Learning the philosophies</li>
<li dir = "auto">Teaching the philosophies</li>
<li dir = "auto">Engaging in the epic all-camp programs</li>
<li dir = "auto">Sharing meaningful and memorable moments with fellow staff</li>
<li dir = "auto">Finding moments of presence in the most beautiful nature I have found.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Being able to move my body, get over 10,000 steps a day, and sleep in beautiful, clean, fresh air.</li>
</ol>
<h4>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h4>
<p>I think about what an investment is in myself and my life. Looking back, I see a person's 20s as a formative time with an immense amount of possibilities and potential for the development of self. I encourage people to choose a program that they can experience as much as possible.</p>
<p>What I loved about Augusta is the massive diversity and challenge that growth can present. From the activities and skills to the readings and philosophies, and the challenging moments to the endless opportunities for new creativity to be brought into existence, there is always something new and novel to learn and explore.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764055996/images2/interviews/OyxFUlnOcCLHkT6mVqPpxvNotLh1WZm25UFVCIaK.jpg" alt="Teenage boys at camp, some in chef hats and white bandanas"><div class="caption"><p>Me as "Mr. Pies" in our evening program: BLAMMO!	</p></div></div>
<h4>Why should someone choose Camp Augusta over competitors?</h4>
<p>There are over 12,000 camps in the United States, but Augusta is a very special one. It is a non-secular camp, but with a huge amount of spirit. It holds a vast diversity of people, activities, and experiences.</p>
<p>The type of people and the standards and expectations for people at Augusta far surpass those of most summer camps, so the community becomes a very special place with very meaningful connections. These are people with a deep sense of social-emotional intelligence, care, and interesting life stories.</p>
<h4>What is Camp Augusta's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?</h4>
<p>The Camp Augusta mission is to reclaim and foster the beauty, wonder, awe, potential, and innocence of childhood.</p>
<p>No two years at Augusta are the same. No two days at Augusta are the same. Every day and every summer, a camper comes back and experiences something new because they hold such a degree of agency in what their camp experience is. From the Cabin Acts to the Special Wake-ups to the Evening Embers, the camper and staff experience at Augusta is full of intentionality.</p>
<p>The intention: the healthy development of children and adults.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764055996/images2/interviews/qABtZMkrbt4xbHa2lTYWoeVduNQcULSMNXRrpw4z.jpg" alt="A guy in a US flag shirt with a hay phoenix sculpture."><div class="caption"><p>Celebrating the 4th of July with a nighttime celebration of lighting a phoenix on fire with flaming arrows</p></div></div>
<h4>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h4>
<p>We hope that participants take away a sincere and deep curiosity for life and its beautiful, tech-free facets, which are becoming increasingly forgotten.</p>
<p>We want staff to come here because they are seeking a challenge and leave here grateful that it was the hardest and most fulfilling job they have ever had in their life.</p>
<p>Some things that I would hope participants would take away would be:</p>
<ol>
<li dir = "auto">A Deeper Sense of Self-Knowledge and Self-Reflection.</li>
<li dir = "auto">A reconnection to their childlike sense of play, fun, and wonder.</li>
<li dir = "auto">A network of new friends that feel like life-long connections that they can continue to be in contact with and hopefully visit for years to come.</li>
<li dir = "auto">A healthy summer with lots of activities and lots of new skills to learn.</li>
<li dir = "auto">A toolbox of skills for working with people, whether those are friends that already exist, new friends, or others.</li>
</ol>
<h4>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h4>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1764055997/images2/interviews/VxxMa6EZ5r5XZViq1mXlBiEj9zNk0dC2Z4ptFBTr.jpg" alt="Person in giraffe onesie looking at a large lake"><div class="caption"><p>Going on a nearby overnight trip with campers</p></div></div>
<p>It is in the new experiences that we are exposed to the novelty of ideas, environments, and cultures.</p>
<p>Those new experiences allow for an expansion of self and ideas, which equips us with the capacity to be exposed to new things and to be able to stand tall and steady with those new things. It gives us a foundation of self that we can take with us to all new hardships and new experiences.</p>
<p>Beyond in our life, it gives us the courage to go forward and try new things rather than spend a life stuck in the comfort of our status quo.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>Meaningful travel to me means going to a place that you know will be challenging, but in a way that you also know you will end the experience looking back and being proud of what you just did. Proud of the stories, the challenges, and the impact that you had.</p>
<p>The director of Camp Augusta actually created an entire website on finding meaning in life. The container of Camp Augusta to help find that meaning is an intentional and sincere one.</p>


Matthew Malecha

Get to know the people behind Camp Augusta! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Matthew Malecha.

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