Gordon Global Education Office’s First Exchange Program with LCC International University

Gordon College students have studied abroad in Lithuania for over ten years, and through this partnership, an exchange program has been established with LCC International University, allowing LCC students from Eastern Europe to spend a semester at Gordon.  

LCC is a Christian liberal arts university of about 500 students. The school’s students come from across the world, representing about 70 countries and a multitude of faith backgrounds, including Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Buddhism and Islam.  

For students on both sides of Gordon’s exchange with LCC, their experiences have been shaped by people: unexpected conversations, new friendships and the depth that comes from listening to someone with a different perspective. 

Gordon students explore Lithuania with LCC peers.

A Gordon Student’s Global Experience 

Alice Gould ’25 (social welfare) spent a semester at LCC and said of her experience, “People there are asking the hard questions, partly because everyone's from different countries. . . You're from such different areas that you have to find something in common. . . so you're willing to ask harder questions.” 

Because of the variety of cultures and religious backgrounds represented at LCC, Gould and her fellow students often found themselves sitting down to dinner with a wide variety of people. This natural diversity opened the door to new conversations and nudged students into more intentionality.  

Chapel attendance at LCC was not required because of the diversity of faiths, and the pursuit of faith was often positioned as a personal choice. “It really puts your faith more into practice. . . when you need to seek out worship and communion with others,” Gould said. 

Gould said that her experience at LCC cemented a desire for international travel and spontaneity beyond her semester abroad.  “I think it really stuck out for me when I was there that I want to be in a place that allows me more opportunities for constructive conversations and learning about other cultures,” she said.  

LCC students explore the North Shore.

LCC Student Perspectives 

During the 2025 spring semester, two Ukranian students from LCC are studying at Gordon and experiencing the US for the first time. Anna Romanenko and Ilia Torkenievskyi are studying political science and taking several economics classes during their time at Gordon. They have noticed differences in their classes, where economic examples often include the US and Canada rather than European nations, which is what they usually study at LCC.  

Torkenievskyi noticed a major difference in the multidenominational Christian culture of Gordon College in comparison with the diverse Christian environment of LCC. “It's very interesting to see a deeply integrated Christian culture. Even classes here have a Christian perspective. For example, Christian management or Christian ways of thinking about the economy. Here, Christianity is normative,” he said. 

For both Romanenko and Torkenievskyi, the adjustment to living in the US was hard because the cultures are so different. “People were approachable for small talk, but it took more time to build deeper connections,” Romanenko said. Learning about and understanding the differences helped both students establish friendships, opening the door for more experiences alongside their American peers 

One of the goals of being in the US for both students was exploring the nation’s diversity. “The US has been a major player in the international arena. The government rules the country, but people are the government, right? So, for me. . . understanding the US and its people is a very valuable experience,” Torkenievskyi said.  

Ilia Torkenievskyi from LCC shows off his new home for the semester at Gordon.

Living Intentionally 

For students on both sides of the exchange, entering a new country, school and community was an invitation to live and study with intentionality. With new routines to form and choices to make—such as choosing to attend chapel at LCC—studying abroad offers a chance for students to challenge themselves to grow academically, spiritually and communally. It also expands students’ horizons with crosscultural understanding and a greater adaptability to new ways of life.  

“The exchange program with LCC. . . offers not only an opportunity for our students to study abroad but also for the entire student body to interact with LCC exchange students who spend a semester at Gordon,” said Sara Booth, global education program coordinator at Gordon. “Engaging with students your age who live and study in different parts of the world. . . broadens both your mind and heart. The perspectives they bring can greatly enrich classroom discussions, offering insights that might not otherwise be heard.” Since they’re only here for a short time, the need for intentionality is even greater. 

Students on both sides of the exchange noted the impact of their international studies and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to experience new ways of life. Romanenko shared, “I'm just grateful for Gordon, that we can have the opportunity to come here, live on campus, meet new people, step out of what is normal and share our thoughts.” 

If you are interested in experiencing an intentional lifestyle and broadening your academic experience, consider applying to one of Gordon’s study abroad programs through the Global Education Office. 

Emily Jones ’25, English language and literature