Responding with a Biblical Worldview
In our last two articles, Academic Excellence Abroad and Engaging in the Challenges of the World, we shared about aspects of our mission that are pivotal to how we operate. The third of these three pillars – the components of Living & Learning International that set our programs apart – is "where students learn to respond with a biblical Christian Worldview."
Since 2006, Living & Learning has been operating Christ-centered global education programs for young adults.
Today, the Living & Learning network includes Living & Learning International, one of the nation’s leading providers of accredited Christian study abroad; Living & Learning East Coast, a domestic experiential learning program preparing students for success from campus to career; Living & Learning Experiential Tours, short-term custom academic and missional travel for colleges, churches, sports teams, and high schools; and Living & Learning Education, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation furthering the mission of Living & Learning.
We've created programs where students are supported in their faith journeys both in the classroom and through Christian community so, whether a student spends a semester with us on the East Coast, a summer interning in Quito, or ten days on a short-term study tour, they are in a space that will continue to nurture their desire to learn more about and experience their faith across cultures, languages, and borders.
Community and Discipleship
Our summer and semester programs are equipped with a full staff and team of resident coordinators. L&LI resident coordinators (called RCs) live in community with the students, like a campus RA.
Resident Coordinators welcoming a student to the East Coast program at the Baltimore Urban Studies Center
Students are also placed in small groups with one another led by a trained RC, giving them space to reflect and grow together and to process their experience in real time. Our student life team supports the journey each student is on and walks alongside each student from the moment they land to the day they're boarding the plane to go home. Each program has its own unique, weekly gathering where students and staff worship, pray, and learn from scripture together.
In Baltimore, that looks like a weekly shared brunch and house-chapel. Students and staff in Rome share a large community dinner, worship together, then fellowship and pray in their small groups led by their RCs.
Christina was a Resident Coordinator in Quito, Ecuador for 6 semesters and said ...
Whenever I talk about Ecuador, people are like 'you just light up whenever you talk about that job, it's like you come to life.' I think it's because it was so deeply relational. I often say it feels like I was created for that job because it was so discipleship-focused. It was walking with students not only in their easy moments but in the really hard moments. To me that is true discipleship ... it was the Gospel come to life for me.
You can watch her share about the role of an RC and their responsibilities in discipleship, community building, and how they are integrated into the students' experience.
Ashleigh and Christina talk about the role of a Resident Coordinator
Read more Resident Coordinator discipleship stories here.
Academic Courses
Each of our programs also offers academic opportunities to dive into theology, discuss worldviews, learn Biblical and church history, and even visit historic sites, allowing scripture to come to life before students' eyes in a new way.
Courses range from Christian Spiritual Formation and Transformation, Worldview and Global Religions, The Apostle Paul: His Life and Theology, Faith and Food in Italy–Theology of Food, Church History, Introduction to Christian Doctrine, Theologies from World Christianity, Theology and Practice of Mission, Christian Theology: Contemplative Practices and Social Transformation, and more.
Professional Intentionality
We're also committed to connecting the greater network of professionals within the field Christian Study Abroad and experiential learning. We're doing this through our annual Christian Study Abroad Conference and the Christian Study Abroad Podcast.
At the annual conference, we're gathering to learn from one another, hear from keynote speakers, researchers, and panel discussions. Yes, the conference dives into best practices, brainstorming initiatives based on focused research, and developing new partnerships—and the event simultaneously creates a space for unique moments of sharing stories, learning from theology scholars like Dr. Rick Langer, praying together, and offering encouragement.
Study Abroad professionals gathered at the 2024 Christian Study Abroad Conference
Each year, we hear feedback about the connections made, feeling inspired by worshipping together in a room of colleagues who are committed to a similar purpose of offering exceptional educational experiences in Christian settings around the world.
When we ask what attendees are walking away with, almost everyone mentions the connection and encouragement they felt by being present at the conference. This year, one attendee said ...
The beauty of this study abroad community. I am encouraged and enriched by our time together.
As our programs continue to host students around the world, we're committed to each pillar of our mission. We're honored to do this work and walk with students as they explore the world and grow in their faith.
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