05/08/2025
Today is VE (Victory in Europe) Day and marks a bittersweet milestone of the 5-year anniversary of Limestone’s Global Experience Program. Although the program only existed for four semesters, its legacy is written on the students that experienced this transformational educational adventure.
The road was not without challenges as our first class called Victory in Europe, was originally planned to be in Normandy today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day; however, that program was cancelled due to COVID travel restrictions. The program was then delayed by 18 months when the first students set forth to Peru in December 2021. The group visited, Lima, Cusco, and spent New Year’s Eve in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). This spirit of adventure carried on as Limestone students opened their minds and hearts to diverse cultures across the globe—exploring the enchanting landscapes of Austria, the vibrant life in Belize and Guatemala, and the historical richness of France, Germany, Hawaii, Italy, Monaco, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Vatican City.
Each destination was more than just a place; it was a chapter in the story of personal growth and discovery. Even more impactful when you consider that 80% of the participants had never been out of the USA, and almost a quarter had never been on a plane before. The experiences, friendships, and lessons learned go far beyond classroom walls, igniting a passion for exploration and understanding that will resonate for a lifetime.
As we remember the incredible journeys undertaken, let us use this anniversary as a source of inspiration to foster curiosity, embrace cultural diversity, and seek connections that bridge the gaps between us. Here’s to the spirit of adventure and the indelible mark the Global Experience Program left on so many!