South Texas

Immersed in the culture


Students shared about the history, hopes and challenges of people and places from their short-term experiences in 2022.

Short-term opportunities

2025 experiences announced

Most students fulfill their cross-cultural requirement through a May term experience, typically at the end of the sophomore or junior year. While each experience is unique, all provide an opportunity to interact with people in the host community, through formal presentations and in service settings.

Lodging is usually in a group setting (guest house, hotel, conference center, kibbutz or convent), with some opportunities for overnight or weekend home stays with host families. 

Leader: Kate Spike

Long thought to be somewhat culturally backward due to the geographically irrational assignment as “Eastern European,” the Czechs actually provide a very interesting balance between Western ideals and their former Soviet ideologies. 

More about the Czech Republic experience >

Leader: Sarah Lehman & Christy Garmatter

Explore historical, cultural and geological areas including the Ecuator Museum, the market and an active volcano. Stay with host families and volunteer at the Centro Medico clinic.

More about the Ecuador experience >

Leader: Darryl Nester

Students work with and for local homeowners, building relationships that enrich all involved. Students do a range of work from painting and fixing leaky roofs to assisting with home additions and renovations, all the while getting acquainted with the families whose homes are being repaired. 

More about the Kentucky experience >

Leader: TBD

Details for the Chicago experience to be determined.

Leader: Paul Neufeld Weaver

A new cross-cultural experience to Tanzania is planned for May/June 2025.

More about the short-term Tanzania experience >

Contact
Marathana Prothro (fall 2024) or Paul Neufeld Weaver (spring 2025)

Holly Metzger '05

Building relationships on campus and abroad


“The discussions we had in classes, the cross-cultural experience and the whole Bluffton package encouraged my passion and drive to be part of something bigger,” said Holly Metzger '05, now an enrollment counselor at Bluffton.

 

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