Bethel University Global Studies Program Marks 16 Years of Worldwide Impact

MCKENZIE (July 28) — Stacie Freeman, professor of sociology and director of Global Studies at Bethel University, addressed the Rotary Club of McKenzie on July 28, 2026, to detail the evolution and future expansion of the university's global travel program.

Marking her 16th year as the program’s leader, Freeman recounted the program's origins, which began with walking dogs at the Carroll County Humane Society and expanded to domestic service in post-Hurricane Katrina cleanup efforts in New Orleans. Other early endeavors include the 2011 launch of a sea turtle conservation project in Costa Rica, and the initiation of travel to Cuba in 2016.

The university has also pioneered dual-enrollment opportunities, allowing high school students to earn college credit while participating in study abroad experiences. Since those early days, the program has grown into a significant international portfolio spanning 21 countries, 66 programs, and 889 travelers.

The program, which focuses on sustainable service learning rather than traditional "voluntourism," has achieved substantial measurable impact. To date, participants have completed over 55,000 hours of service, an investment valued at nearly $1.9 million. Freeman emphasized that beyond these metrics, the program aims to foster empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and professional development in students.

Bethel University is expanding its Global Studies programming.

The new program aligns with Bethel’s new mission statement focused on preparing graduates to transform the world with character, compassion, and perspective.

It supports Bethel's Vision 2030 and student success by embedding global learning within the university’s strategic objectives.

Looking ahead, Bethel is launching a "Study Abroad for All" initiative, aimed at expanding access to students, alumni, and community members regardless of their stage in life.

The Global Service Learning and Citizenship model includes pre-departure online coursework covering the destination's history, culture, current issues, and health and safety. Please note that since many are first-time travelers, the coursework includes packing, air travel etiquette, ticketing, navigating TSA at the airport, reading departure boards, and wayfinding to gates—emphasizing life skills and experiential preparation.

A recent service-learning trip to Costa Rica was an example of how high school students can serve.

Girl Scouts Heart of the South partnered with Bethel Global Studies in Costa Rica. Tasks included working in the animal kitchen and working with injured but recuperating exotic animals at an animal rescue center. The in-country partner establishes the services needed.

The U.S. Girl Scouts visited the Girl Scouts of Costa Rica headquarters in San José for badge exchanges with Costa Rican scouts, highlighting relationship-building beyond service tasks.

Faculty-led study abroad model: The program usually includes pre-departure academic preparation, online classes on the country's history and culture, and culminates in travel to the country.

The recent trip to Japan included 13 participants - students, faculty, staff, trustees, alums, friends - who spent 10 days in Tokyo, visited Mount Fuji, toured the Toyota Museum in Nagoya, experienced Nara’s protected deer, and visited Kyoto and Osaka.

The trip to Japan provided an opportunity to develop an Institutional partnership with Bethel’s sister university in Osaka (Osaka Jo Gakuin University). The visit to the school was an initial personal contact to work toward an exchange in which Bethel students study in Japan for a semester and Osaka students study in McKenzie; constraints include the school being all-girls and offering about four majors, which requires significant schedule alignment.

Upcoming travel opportunities include:

Italy: March 20–27 (a dual-enrollment Europe trip).

France: Beginning May 27 (an inaugural Maymester program).

The university also plans to continue its long-term partnerships in Costa Rica; Cali, Colombia - at a high school founded by missionaries from Bethel College; and iconic European destinations.