Riley graduated from LBCC with a degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing her BA. She is also a tutor in an after school program.
"The program was a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should strive to be a part of. I learned a lot about who I am and who I want to be as a student, traveler, and person. It was the most impactful trip I’ve ever been on in my life and I will always be grateful that I was given the opportunity to be a part of our group. " (London, Callais, Brussels)
Riley's Travel Tip: "Don’t be afraid to get a little lost because some of the best adventures and stories come from it."
Jamar completed an AGS at LBCC, a BS in History at PSU and is currently pursuing an MAT at Lewis and Clark. His goal is to be a History teacher.
"The museums in London and Edinburgh helped me formulate my honors thesis. I built lasting bonds with my peers and leaders. Visiting countries with such rich histories was transformative in that it furthered my understanding of global power dynamics. " (London, Dublin, Edinburgh. )
Jamar's Travel Tip: "Talk to the locals and try different cuisines. Go with an intention to learn!!"
Chloe completed an AS at LBCC as well as a BS in Psychology at OSU. She is currently taking a gap year while and volunteering with BridgeUSA as their blog editor and graphic designer.
"Taking part in this trip made me more motivated in maintaining my academics and pursuing a career that allows me to travel. You'll never find another opportunity to explore different cultures with such an amazing group of people in a way such as this program offers. If I could go back in time, I'd do it all over again!" (London, Dublin Edinburgh. )
Chloe's Travel Tip: "Take every opportunity that comes your way. Whether that be wandering aimlessly with your group for the evening or striking up conversations with hostel goers. These moments are what you'll remember the most. "
Matt completed an AAOT at LBCC and a BS in Anthropology at Oregon State.
"The experience really opened my eyes to looking at events, or issues from a broader perspective. Living in the Willamette Valley, there are aspects from the world that may not effect our daily lives. In acting like a representative from another country, we had to look at the issue from their local perspective. This brings world issues to a practical level. " (Model United Nations-Seattle)
After LBCC Terra Completed Bachelors degrees in both History and Education at OSU, She currently teaches both World and US History in Sweet Home.
"I think it would be difficult to teach students about the world with any kind of authenticity if you have never experienced anything that put you outside of your cultural comfort zone. It is important to be able to take into account the perspective of others who think differently than you do and/or were taught differently than you were taught. " (Lillihammer 2013, Corvallis 2015)
Terra's Travel Tip: "Definitely keep an extra change of clothes in your carry-on in case the airline loses your bags. "
Hazel completed an AS at LBCC and a BS in Physics at OSU. She currently works as a Fault Isolation Engineer at Intel.
"Understanding that not everyone comes at things the same way is important. Because of the travel I have done I understand that there are base-level cultural assumptions I make that I don’t even realize I am making and I am glad I had the opportunity to learn that before really starting my career. In the lab I work in at Intel American born employees are a minority. I suspect having international experience actually helped me get the job, and it definitely makes me a better employee who is easier to work with. " (Copenhagen, Stockholm, Lillihamer.)
Hazel's Travel Tip: "Take advantage of everything a trip has to offer but remember that getting enough sleep and eating somewhat healthily also have to be a priority. You will miss more by being sleep deprived and grouchy or by being sick then by occasionally turning down opportunities. "
After LBCC Muna completed degrees in Political Science/ International Relations. She currently works for Unite Oregon- Washington County as an Organizer and Leadership Council/Somali Interpreter.
"I was able to use my experiences in the law offices I worked at and now at social justice organization I work with. From learning about other ways of life to communication skills my life overall was impacted by this trip. It will and always will be one of the biggest highlights in my educational history. " (Berlin, Leeuwarden, Amsterdam.)
Muna's Travel Tip: "There is a Somali proverb that translated to English states "You can only truly learn a man when you live and travel with him". Meaning patience is a necessary skill and so is hospitality and love. Remember this will be a big experience, absorb what you can so it can enrich your life and those you impact in turn!"
Jeb earned several degrees at LBCC before completing a BS in Political Science at PSU and is currently finishing an MA in Social Work. He has worked as a policy analyst for the State of Oregon and is currently a Vocational Rehabilitation Councilor with The Department of Human Services.
"It was nice to know you can work with diverse population in different settings. It also helps with perspective. Knowing that not everyone view the world the same is important and helps you be more flexible in different situations. Building open mindedness comes from knowing more people and how they view the world." (Berlin, Leeuwarden, Amsterdam.)