Cross-Cultural Experiences Prepare Students for Global Citizenship
At Bluffton University, cross-cultural experiences invite students to step beyond campus and explore new perspectives, cultures, and communities—both domestically and internationally. These immersive learning journeys are not just enriching; they’re an integral component of Bluffton’s general education model, known as the Bluffton Blueprint. Rooted in the university’s enduring values—Discovery, Community, Respect, and Service—the Blueprint builds a foundation for life and vocation by guiding students through the question, “Who am I?” to “What then shall I do?”
For most Bluffton students, junior year marks the pivotal shift toward deeper engagement with cultural learning. 100% of Bluffton students experience cross-cultural learning. Many students fulfill their cross-cultural requirement following their sophomore year through either short-term May/June trips or semester-long immersion programs at Bluffton. These experiences enable students to venture to places like Washington, D.C., Ecuador, Greece, Guatemala, or Tanzania and beyond
These aren’t mere excursions—they’re opportunities to broaden worldviews, build empathy, and develop cultural competence. As Marathana Prothro, Director of General Education, puts it:
“Through cross-cultural learning, students discover more about who they are and how they want to live in the world. By experiencing life in a different cultural context, they gain the empathy, adaptability and awareness that are essential for their futures.”
Bluffton’s cross-cultural offerings cater to various interests and timelines:
- Short-term trips (May/June): Destinations include Washington, D.C., Ecuador, Kentucky, Tanzania, and the Czech Republic.
- Semester-long programs: Options include Greece (in partnership with the American College of Greece), Guatemala (through Central American Study and Service), or a semester in Washington, D.C. via the EMU Washington Semester.
- Alternative programs: Some students opt for external partners such as CCCU Global Ed, Amizade, or CIEE for added flexibility.
Cross-cultural coordinator Noah Heiing notes the transformative power of these offerings:
“One of the things I value most about Bluffton’s cross-cultural program is the variety of opportunities available. Whether students travel abroad or stay in the U.S., every trip challenges them to think differently and connect deeply with people and places they may never have experienced otherwise.”
What distinguishes Bluffton’s approach is thoughtful integration, not just ticking off a requirement. Students travel through an ecosystem of experiences aligned with the Bluffton Blueprint’s core values of discovery, community, respect, and service, rather than merely accumulating credits.
Bluffton supports access to these transformational journeys through structured application timelines, needs-based grants, and reflective assignments that ensure students from diverse backgrounds can participate.
Ultimately, these cross-cultural experiences equip Bluffton students to become intellectually engaged, culturally competent citizens—ready not just for professional success, but for meaningful service and personal growth in a global context.
