This spring, six teams of Grace College students participated in short-term cross-cultural trips to Fiji, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Paris/London, and Thailand/Cambodia. Each trip carried a unique approach to world travel, whether a historical tour, church ministry, full-culture immersion or disaster relief.

Throughout the year, students on “GoEncounter teams” have the opportunity to take short-term cross-cultural trips to various countries, led by cross-culturally experienced faculty and staff. A unique part of Grace’s general education core, these trips are one way to meet the cross-cultural field experience requirement of Global Perspectives, a class designed to develop a biblical lens for seeing the world. The class focuses on discovering ways to become more effective in cross-cultural interactions. During the GoEncounter trips, students have the opportunity to practice their knowledge in a real cross-cultural setting.

Students who traveled to South Korea had the opportunity to participate in the Junior High English Ministry Program for the Yang Dong Je Il Presbyterian Church. The students lived with Korean families during the entire stay in Mokpo, Korea, giving them the unique experience of culture and language immersion. The students also had the opportunity to host a retreat for elementary children.

Students visiting Japan were able to do relief work in tsunami-torn areas, doing initial research and making plans for future fundraising efforts in Japan.

Students traveling to Thailand and Cambodia worked closely with Destiny Rescue, an organization that brings hope to children trapped in human trafficking and sexual exploitation. They were also able to experience the culture and history of both countries, visiting ancient ruins and the Killing Fields of Cambodia, and sampling delicious local cuisine.

The trips to Fiji and the Philippines gave students the unique opportunity to enjoy an island paradise while also seeing firsthand the real needs of the communities and cultures within. Students worked in community development, children’s ministries, schools, and rescue missions during their stay.

“One of the highlights of the Fiji trip is getting to do home visits with the locals, many of whom have never heard the good news of Christ,” explained Deea Breeden, Fiji trip leader and student employment coordinator for Career Services at Grace. “We spend time with them and show them God’s love. It’s not about the projects we get done or the work that we accomplish, but the relationships we build in the process. We want the people in Fiji to see God in us.”

Students traveling to Paris and London toured many of the historical sights of the two cities, such as the Louvre, the Château de Versailles, and the Eiffel tower. They also attended a West End theatrical production and took tours of Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the House of Parliament.

“The trips I have led to Paris thus far have been relational, partnering with missionaries and focusing on their ministry,” said Jacqueline Schram, associate dean of students at Grace College and leader of the Paris/London trip. “However, I also cherish the opportunity to provide students the opportunity to revel in God’s creative nature and beauty as they discover artifacts and architecture created by a people group made in God’s own image, even in the midst of secular societies.”

Grace College and Seminary is an evangelical Christian community of higher education that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and applies biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence and preparing for service. Grace College also offers flexible online graduate degrees, on-campus and online degree completion programs, and highly affordable, easily accessible two-year degree programs in Detroit, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. The 180-acre main campus is located in the historic resort town of Winona Lake, near Warsaw, Ind.