Rural Education Initiatives

Why Community-Led Nutrition and Health Programs Matter When I say the world is our classroom , I don’t mean travel for travel’s sake. I mean immersive, community-led learning that addresses real needs - especially hunger, nutrition, and health inequities that shape a child’s entire future. Guatemala makes that clear. Bethel University student, Raanan Sellers (right), takes a break from volunteering in Guatemala with Bethel University Global Studies and GCAC. The country’s bea

Listening to History in West Africa Benin • Togo • Ghana | December 2025 Content warning:  This post contains descriptions of slavery, sexual violence, and human suffering connected to the transatlantic slave trade. The history described here is disturbing. If you could travel anywhere in the world to truly understand history - not just read about it - where would you go? For me, in December, it was West Africa. I often tell my students that education shouldn’t only be inform

In global education, the deepest impact isn’t always measured in miles traveled or hours served; it’s measured in who comes back to lead. This spring, Bethel University returned once again to Cali, Colombia, continuing a service-learning partnership that began a decade ago. But these days, the program carries special significance: the Colombia experience is now led by Garrett Burns, Bethel’s Chaplain and Director of Community Engagement, and one of the very first sociology ma

Through Bethel University Global Studies and with scholarships provided by Global Citizen Adventure Corps (GCAC), these students participated in an immersive, credit-bearing international learning experience designed to bring academic content to life. Gleason and Greenfield High School students visit Chichén Itzá as part of a global studies program led by Stacie Freeman. Learning Before Takeoff The journey to Mexico actually began months earlier, in August, when the students

Stacie Freeman leading college students on a credit-bearing study abroad program in Paris through Bethel University’s Global Studies program in partnership with GCAC. Traveling to Paris as part of our study abroad program at Bethel University was more than just an educational excursion - it was a profound opportunity for personal growth and the development of critical soft skills that are increasingly valued by employers. As we navigated the vibrant streets of the City of Lig

What happens when you give high school students from rural West Tennessee more than just a seat in a classroom? What happens when you give them a passport, a journal, a college course, and a world-class itinerary? They don’t just see the world, they begin to understand it. Stacie Freeman leading high school students on a credit-bearing service-learning program in Europe through Bethel University’s Global Studies program in partnership with GCAC. From June 23-July 4, 2025, twe

In today's interconnected world, the benefits of global travel extend far beyond mere sightseeing. For rural students, these opportunities can be transformative, opening doors to new experiences, cultures, and educational pathways. However, many rural students face significant barriers that limit their access to these enriching experiences. This blog post explores how global travel can empower rural students, the challenges they face, and practical solutions to help them seiz