Global Engagement

Cross-cultural study programs at Goshen College

students crouched in front of scenic view, facing away from camera

Building Relationships Locally and Abroad

As a Goshen College student, you will devote at least 12 credit hours to global citizenship and experiential learning. Goshen College’s premiere global engagement program, Study-Service Term (SST), offers students the opportunity to approach life, leadership and career as global citizens, able to collaborate for the common good and respect human dignity across cultural differences.

We offer several global engagement themes designed to help focus your experience. You will discuss global issues, encounter people from other cultural backgrounds, and volunteer with a community organization. If you spend a semester abroad, you have the opportunity to learn to speak another language. We understand that travel can be a challenge for many students and their families, so we have developed multiple formats to better accommodate student needs.

The SST experience is one that stays with students well beyond graduation, with alumni regularly referencing their trips as some of their fondest and most formative memories.

Semester Format

Immerse yourself in another culture for 13 weeks. You’ll be able to focus on the experience without outside distractions, and your language skills will improve rapidly. Many students form strong bonds with their unit members and host families. Plan for a semester off-campus early in your college career to make scheduling easier.

Destinations

  • students on a boat going down a jungle river

    Ecuador

    13 weeks

    Theme: Indigenous Communities and Globalization

  • temple ruins in Indonesia

    Indonesia

    13 weeks

    Theme: Peace and Reconciliation

  • two students sit facing away from camera in US Southwest desert

    Navajo Nation

    Hybrid*

    Theme: Southwest Indigenous Perspectives

  • two lions lounging in grass

    Tanzania

    13 weeks

    Theme: Ecological Justice

    Sequential Format

    Sequential students pursue the same learning goals as semester experience, but the immersion experiences are shorter. Follow a theme over a four-course sequence, spread over several semesters or three-week May terms. Foundations courses and Global Issues courses will take place in a classroom setting. Cultural Perspectives and Community Engaged Learning courses will immerse you in a new context–whether locally or abroad.

    Required courses for SST in sequential formats

    • GLST 241, Foundations – an introductory course on campus
    • GLST 251, Cultural Perspectives – immersive/experiential study
    • GLST 271, Community Engaged Learning – immersive/experiential service
    • GLST 300, Global Issues – a final capstone course, on campus

    Destinations

      study abroad group of students eating at a long table looking at camera

      Global Themes

      Our programs focus on a variety of themes. Choose your SST experience by location, by format – or pursue the theme that fits your interests best.

      • Arts and Purpose
      • Ecological Justice
      • Global Health and Inequality
      • Hispanic Identities and Resilience
      • Indigenous Communities and Globalization
      • Interreligious Relations
      • Peace and Reconciliation
      • Indigenous Perspectives
        The Global Heartland
      Explore Global Engagement Scholarship Opportunities

      Latest Posts from Around the Globe

      More Global Engagement Posts
      • Blogs

        What Mindo Taught Me to See

        Jul 26 2025

        Since being stationed in the town of Mindo for my service portion of SST, I’ve noticed a big cultural difference between U.S. Mennonites and Ecuadorian “Mindo-nites” – pun intended 🙂 approaches to life. There’s a palpable sense of serenity and…

      • Photo of pink flowers on a tree
        Blogs

        A Day in the Life: Working on a Flower Farm

        Jul 24 2025

        For my service, I work in Cayambe with an organization called FACE. Under FACE there are other organizations; Casa Hogar, Sumak, Centro Medico Emmanuel, and Forever Flowers. They work together to help break the cycle of abuse and neglect in…

      • Blogs

        Where Art Meets History

        Jul 22 2025

        While being in Ecuador, I’ve noticed how people value their history. It was so impressive and inspiring to see how much they know about their history. They’re not afraid to share it, even through their art. During my first weekend…

      • Festival in Ecuador
        Blogs

        Festivities of Pujilí

        Jul 20 2025

        During my first week in my service placement town of Pujilí, I attended 4 different parades. The first one was on my second day here! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I knew that we were going to…

      • Blogs

        Reforesting Ecuador: Small Steps, Lasting Impact

        Jul 18 2025

        I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a service organization in Ecuador that aligns with my interests and has been a lot of fun. The mission of my assignment is to combat deforestation in Ecuador. Throughout my time here,…

      • A view from the city of La Maná.
        Blogs

        A Work Trip to La Maná

        Jul 15 2025

        After the first six weeks in Quito, I had become more accustomed to the culture here and my Spanish had improved as well. I was able to understand what was going on around me most of the time and I…

        More Global Engagement Posts