What inspired you to go abroad?
My first trip abroad was to Mexico when I was in college, studying Spanish. That experience changed everything for me; it brought the language to life and showed me how much we can learn by stepping outside our comfort zones.
It ultimately led me to become a teacher, and now I’m passionate about giving my own students that same opportunity. I want them to see that learning a language isn’t just about words, it’s about people, culture, and connection.
Seeing their eyes light up as they experienced Mexico for themselves inspires me to keep leading these programs.
Jon Shepherd volunteering with students at Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center
Why did you choose Bethel University Global Studies?
I first connected with Bethel University Global Studies back in 2016, when Director Stacie Freeman was teaching dual-enrollment sociology at Greenfield High School. She was leading a trip to Cuba that semester, and I immediately saw how powerful that experience could be for my own students. Since then, we’ve traveled together every year.
I chose BU Global Studies because I trust the program completely. They design safe, meaningful experiences tailored for my rural, Title I students who are often traveling internationally for the first time.
The opportunity to earn college credit is another huge plus; it helps my students stand out on college and job applications.
What was your favorite part about Mexico?
My favorite part of the trip was exploring the Maya ruins with my students. Seeing their curiosity and excitement as history came to life right in front of them was incredible.
We ended the week with a trip to the beach to celebrate all we’d learned; one of our students had never seen the ocean before. Watching him step into the waves for the first time was a moment I’ll never forget. It reminded me exactly why we do this: to give students experiences that change how they see the world and themselves.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made this experience extraordinary was seeing our students discover the world for the first time. Many had never flown or been surrounded by another language, but they embraced every moment.
BU Global Studies carefully hired just the right local guide, Pablo, who made our time in Mexico truly special. Watching my students interact with him was heartwarming; they formed a genuine connection.
For me, that’s the essence of what I love about Global Studies: the relationships. Those human connections are what make travel so meaningful and unforgettable.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff was incredible; every detail was handled perfectly, from airport pickup to meals, hotels, and tours. I didn’t have to worry about a thing.
What really stood out was how personal it all felt. This wasn’t a “big bus” tour; it was a private experience just for me and my students. We felt cared for, supported, and honestly, a little like royalty. Their professionalism and warmth made it easy for me to focus entirely on my students and their learning experience.
Jon Shepherd leading a Bethel University Dual Enrollment student group in Mexico.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
If I could do one thing differently, I’d incorporate even more Spanish into the program.
As a Spanish teacher, I know how easy it is to slip back into speaking English, especially when everyone working in tourism is bilingual or multilingual. Our students learned a lot and gained incredible confidence speaking Spanish throughout the week, but I know we could push it even further.
Next time, I plan to create more intentional moments for full immersion. There’s no better classroom than real-world conversation, and every exchange helps them grow as both travelers and language learners.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day on the Mexico program starts with breakfast together before heading out for a full day of exploration and learning. We might visit a Maya archaeological site, swim in a cenote, or spend time with a local family learning traditional cooking. Lunch is often a cultural experience in itself, fresh, local food shared around the table. Afternoons are for reflection, language practice, or exploring local markets. Evenings bring group dinners, laughter, and conversation about what we’ve learned that day.
Every day is thoughtfully planned by BU Global Studies and our local partners to balance education, culture, and connection; it’s the perfect blend of structure and adventure.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During free time, I loved exploring alongside the students, shopping for souvenirs, listening to live music, and soaking up the atmosphere. We also made it a mission to find the best local coffee spots (which didn’t take long in Mexico!).
Those relaxed moments together were some of my favorites. They gave us time to connect, laugh, and just enjoy being part of the local culture.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We stayed in nice, clean, centrally located hotels in both Mérida and Valladolid. The locations couldn’t have been better; they gave us a comfortable home base and easy access to everything we wanted to see.
I especially liked that we could break into small groups and explore safely on foot without needing taxis or shuttles. It made the experience feel more immersive and convenient, and students loved the independence it gave them to wander, shop, and practice their Spanish in real settings.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know is that they’ll have the time of their lives.
BU Global Studies makes everything easy—its programs are safe, affordable, and truly educational. Each itinerary is designed so travelers genuinely get to know the people and places they visit, not just see them from a bus window.
Many have described BU Global Studies trips as “magical” because they’re unique, authentic, and off the beaten path. You’ll laugh a lot, learn even more, and come home changed in the best way possible.
Prepare to be amazed!
Would you recommend Bethel University Global Studies to others? Why?
Absolutely, 1000%!
I’ve been traveling with Bethel University Global Studies since 2016, and I wouldn’t work with anyone else. They’ve curated incredible programs for me and my students in Cuba, Peru, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and now Mexico. Each one has been safe, educational, and unforgettable.
What sets BU Global Studies apart is how personal and authentic the experiences are—these aren’t cookie-cutter tours. They design meaningful, hands-on programs that earn college credit and truly expand students’ horizons. I trust them completely to deliver life-changing travel experiences every single time.
Jon Shepherd leading a Bethel University Dual Enrollment student group in Guatemala.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is perspective. It opens your eyes to how big and how connected the world really is.
Students start to see beyond their hometowns and realize that people everywhere share the same hopes and challenges. Travel builds empathy, confidence, and curiosity in a way no classroom ever could. It also helps students discover their own independence and see themselves as capable global citizens.
For many of my rural students, it’s the moment they realize the world is within their reach — and that changes everything for them!
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Well, I’m already working with BU Global Studies to plan my next adventure, if that tells you anything!
Each trip reminds me why I teach and how powerful travel can be for students. Seeing them grow in confidence, curiosity, and compassion inspires me to keep creating more opportunities for them to experience the world.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
When students travel meaningfully, they return home changed in how they see others and in how they see themselves. That’s what makes travel truly powerful.
They come back with greater confidence, not just in their Spanish-speaking skills, but in who they are. They’ve learned to adapt, to problem-solve, and to navigate unfamiliar situations with patience and courage.
In short, they return home better equipped for life, with a broader worldview and a deeper appreciation for people and places beyond their own.