Living & Learning International is celebrating 20 Years of Global Education this year!

Students are at the center of the work we do, and alumni remain a part of our community, whether they studied abroad 6 months ago or 16 years ago.

We're reflecting on Alumni testimonials as we continue to celebrate the 20 year anniversary. The Lord has worked in so many ways through semesters, summers, and short term trips abroad and it has been encouraging to hear updates from alumni from over the years.

These stories tell about the lasting impact that studying abroad can have on someone's life. Like Ian Stockes, Rome 2025 alum, shared in his podcast interview, ..."it's the biggest regret I hear from people who are in their 30s and 40s about college. I tell them I studied abroad and they say 'man that's the biggest thing I regret is not studying abroad in college.'"

Alumni testimonials like these solidify that thought – students like Braydon, Summer, Samuel, and Beth don't have that regret. They have the lived evidence that their decision to say yes to a study abroad opportunity was the right decision for them.

We hope you enjoy these testimonies and that they inspire you – whether you've studied abroad, know someone who has, or you're considering the opportunity for yourself!

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Quito, Ecuador, with Living & Learning. The time in the hospital was especially impactful in deciding to pursue a career in medicine.

I am currently a first-year medical student at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where I am studying towards an M.D. degree. I am also involved with a Global Health Longitudinal Elective, where I will be traveling to Guatemala on a medical service trip and learning about how to participate in healthcare for the marginalized in the U.S. and abroad.

I am grateful for my time in Ecuador for improving my Spanish, exposing me to another culture, and for the opportunity to live in another country for an extended [period] of time."

– Braydon Biehn, Wheaton College | Quito, Ecuador

Beth G.
Quito, Ecuador & Experiential Tours

“After graduating from George Fox, I began a career in the non-profit field supporting people experiencing homelessness and seeking addiction recovery in Portland. I’ve been there since graduation, so coming up on 2 years! The Lord has been so faithful in this space – despite the hardship I see every day, there is not a minute that goes by that I don’t also see His faithfulness and life transforming power.

I never thought my passion for cross-cultural ministry would bring me to my own backyard here in Portland, but I’m so glad that it did! In my down time, I’m still finding joy in outdoor adventure and coffee (shoutout to my time in Ecuador for solidifying these passions). Forever grateful for the time I spent with Living and Learning; I truly don’t think I’d be where I am vocationally, spiritually, or relationally had I not had the opportunity to be a part of the D.C. and Ecuador programs!”

– Beth Girard, George Fox University | Quito, Ecuador and Experiential Tours (Washington, D.C.)

"If you are ever given the opportunity to travel and study abroad, take it! It will change your life! In 2020, I began pursuing a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language through Liberty University and had the amazing opportunity to complete my program internship through Living & Learning in Quito, Ecuador during the summer of 2021.

This was my first time studying abroad and my first real experience living in another country. The thing I loved the most about my experience abroad with Living & Learning is that they create a space for you to learn how to navigate living abroad. From offering guidance with public transportation and providing language classes to checking in with students on a regular basis, Living & Learning was there every step of the way to help my classmates and I succeed.

Completing my internship in teaching English during the pandemic shutdown was challenging at times, but regardless, I had the opportunity to work with some amazing teachers and students while teaching online. One of the highlights of my internship experience was to be able to help students prepare for up-coming exams. Teaching students online also helped me prepare for my future, as I later took an online teaching position after completing my degree.

My experience in Ecuador boosted my courage and confidence to travel more and experience life abroad on my own. I now live in La Ceiba, Honduras where I am currently teaching English at a local school to 1st - 6th graders, as well as assisting with hosting mission teams throughout the year. I am so grateful for each of my travels abroad that have shaped me into who I am today and that have taught me so many of the life skills I needed to live life successfully."

– Summer Willingham, Liberty University | Quito, Ecuador

“Since completing my study abroad [in Rome], I graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor of science in history. After completing part of my master's degree at Liberty, I was accepted into Liberty University School of Law and [was] part of their 2025 graduating class. I graduate[d] with my Juris Doctor in the Spring of 2025. I am also [got] married in June of 2024. She is from the country of Jordan, and we both love traveling. I look forward to taking her to Rome someday!”

– Samuel Bohon, Liberty University | Rome, Italy

Are you an Alumni of a Living & Learning Program? Share your update here! ➡️ https://wkf.ms/44F8tjg

20 Years of Global Education | Alumni Testimonials

When the Mission Field Is Next Door