Students hope for the return of ‘impactful’ Global Learning experience

Students hope for the return of ‘impactful’ Global Learning experience

Global Learning is among the Lipscomb programs that took the hardest hit as a result of COVID closings and restrictions. When borders closed and airlines halted, many students were forced to postpone or altogether cancel their plans to live and study abroad. Since the initial shutdown, all Lipscomb global programs, including study abroad and overseas missions, have ceased operation. As this spring season draws to a close, many students are left wondering whether their upcoming summer and fall plans of global experiences will come to fruition. “I remember when I first got accepted into study abroad last fall of 2020. Traveling and exploring is a big passion of mine,” said study abroad hopeful Brooke Baise. “I want to experience this beautiful world and see God’s creation. I believe that he didn’t create all of this for us to just stay in the same spot for the rest of our lives and not go and see and explore. “I was really disappointed when it was canceled not only once for me but twice due to COVID,” she said. “But I know and trust that God has a plan and reason for everything that he does.” Baise now looks forward to participating in the abroad program in Florence, Italy, for the fall semester of 2021, if circumstances allow. Along with the semester abroad program, Lipscomb offers short-term trips to places such as Israel, Germany, Italy and England during the summer. “I am hopeful in view of the trip actually happening, but I also know COVID issues change rapidly,” said Emily Jones who plans to study in Italy on a short-term trip....
Global Learning alumni give their advice and personal experiences about studying abroad

Global Learning alumni give their advice and personal experiences about studying abroad

Brianna Burch is just one of the students who say the Global Learning Program has benefited them by offering opportunities to explore the world and enhance their educations in other cultures. “Studying abroad not only allowed me to travel to places I’ve always wanted to visit, but it also offered me opportunities to appreciate different lifestyles and cultures in a uniquely immersive way,” said Burch, of the program that takes students to 40-plus different locales. “My international experiences helped me develop professional skills and embrace my own independence, all while having the adventure of a lifetime.” Burch, an English literature and French major, has been to the UK, Italy, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Vatican City as part of the program. Kristen Hodge, a Lipscomb University graduate, went to Florence, Italy with the Global Learning Program, and “I loved every second of it,” she said. “Traveling with my friends is an experience I’ll never forget. Being able to explore new places and learn about new cultures is a beautiful experience.” While traveling abroad, students can take courses in other countries that relate to their majors. Trips vary in length and can go for a couple of weeks or for an entire semester. Not only does the Global Learning Program allow students to explore interesting places, but the trips also give a sense of global knowledge and experience. Florence, London, Vienna, and Costa Rica are a few of the many places the Undergraduate Programs offer. Graduates programs are offered in many other locations, including Germany, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, and Israel. If you’re interested in studying abroad, click here for...

2014 World Cup Recap: Round of 16 and Quarterfinals

It feels like an eternity has passed since the end of the group stage. I have completely forgotten about the likes of Japan and Russia. Was Spain even in the World Cup? The knockout rounds always turn the intensity up significantly compared to the group stage, and 2014 has been no different. Let’s revisit the key moments from the knockout stage so far. Round of 16: This was probably the most entertaining round of a World Cup I have ever followed. Granted, I have only followed three World Cups closely, but even experienced World Cup fans have spoken highly of the merits of this tournament, with the Round of 16 being the focal point. If the round of 16 was the peak of the Cup thus far, then the goalkeepers were the shining stars in the middle of it all. Mexico’s folk hero Guillermo Ochoa, Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama and the United States’ Tim Howard all displayed goalkeeping heroics in losing efforts, Brazilian Julio Caesar shouldered the weight of a soccer-obsessed nation while saving consecutive penalty kicks against Alexis Sanchez and Chile, and Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas somehow topped them all in leading the Cup’s Cinderella to the quarterfinals. The United States failed to defeat the Red Devils of Belgium, a team that exudes cool and is full of stars from the top European leagues, ending their enthralling World Cup run excruciatingly close to the quarterfinals. Although the loss was a tough one, there is plenty to celebrate with the USA’s run. The longtime thorn in the side of the US squad, Ghana, was vanquished. Christiano Ronaldo was shut down...

2014 World Cup Recap: Week Two

In one wild week, the group stage came to a chaotic end and the knockout rounds have been set. We’ve seen former champs (Spain, Italy, England) go down and Cinderella teams (Costa Rica, Algeria, Greece) make a run to the round of sixteen. Let’s take a look at the events that transpired and what to expect in the coming week. Best goal(s): Leo Messi, all of them The best player in the world has lived up to his monstrous expectations so far with four goals, including three in the past week. All of the goals have been impressive, but with skill and timing factored in, his goal against Iran stands above the rest. Most heartbreaking elimination: Ivory Coast With a spot in the knockout round all but secured, “Les Elephants” were robbed of their first round of sixteen birth thanks to the most controversial penalty kick given out in the Cup so far. Greece made the kick and lived to play another day, while the best team in Africa was left to ponder what happened. The “Oh no, not again” award: Luis Suarez Most soccer fans, myself included, wanted to believe that Suarez had gotten past his early career antics. He was dominating games for Liverpool in the Premier League and for his national team, Uruguay. But then the Mr. Hyde side of Suarez flared up again. Now Italy is unfairly watching at home, and Uruguay is missing its best player. The “Too little too late” award: Spain With two games and some national embarrassment behind them, the Spanish national team finally decided to play like themselves in their...

2014 World Cup: Week One

With the first week of the 2014 World Cup in the books, it is time for a quick recap of the biggest storylines, the best games, the breakout stars and, of course, John Brooks’ goal. After what was one of the most entertaining first weeks in World Cup history, there is no shortage of topics to be discussed. Best moment, United States: John Brooks Of all the players in the 2014 World Cup, John Brooks may have been the least likely to score at all, much less score a game winner. But in the United States’ first game against their nemesis Ghana (the team that knocked them out of the last two World Cups) Brooks came through will a game-winning header off of a corner kick in the final minute of the game. Clint Dempsey’s opening goal was more technically impressive, but Brooks’ will be the one everyone remembers. Best moment, rest of the world: The Brazilian national anthem There were countless memorable moments in this first week, from Switzerland’s last second goal against Ecuador to Pablo Armero and Colombia dancing their way into our hearts, but I have to go with the singing of the Brazilian national anthem before the opening game. The emotion on the faces of the Brazilian players combined with the sheer joy of the Brazilian fans made for a special moment. Biggest upset: The demise of Spain After one of the most dominant runs in international soccer history, which included the 2010 World Cup title and two European championships, the reign of “La Roja” has finally come to an abrupt, painful ending. The players...