Lacey Torres has always wanted to travel to and learn about Australia. Between February 1 and June 25, she is fulfilling that dream and attending classes in Sydney at the Australian Studies Center.

Combining learning while studying in another country is the goal of the College’s Study Abroad program and during the 2005 Spring Semester, two WB students are taking advantage of that opportunity.

Affiliated with the Coalition of Christian College and Universities, (CCCU), the Center combines Bible class work and study with coursework in Australian culture, photography and leadership. Her outdoor classroom will include working field trips to the Barrier Reef, the Outback, and a cultural study of the city of Sydney.  

A sophomore, Torres is considering a career in journalism or a related field.  She says this educational opportunity was provided by God.

“I’ve never been out of the U.S., and I’ve always wanted to be a foreign exchange student and go to Australia,” she said.  “Being there will give me a new perspective on both countries and I’m excited to learn about a new culture while being with other Christians.”

On the other side of the world, from mid-January through May, Raleigh Willard will be studying in Israel as part of the Israel/Bible Extension (IBEX) program through the Master’s College. Through this program students gain an extensive knowledge of the geography of Israel while getting a deeper understanding of the history and culture of that country. Students are learning how to not only understand Scripture more clearly, but to explain it to those who have not walked the land of the Bible.

During the 2004 fall semester, Leslie Spoon studied in Israel at the Master's College through IBEX. Along with her regular class time, Leslie and the other students would spend each Wednesday on field trips visiting the coast and valley where David fought Goliath, first century tombs, and touring Jerusalem following the footsteps of where Jesus walked and taught.

"What I loved most about my IBEX semester was how much I learned," she said. "We would study something before class, get lectured on it in class, and then go see it on a field trip. By the end of the week, when it was test time, we knew the information so well."

Dr. Gary Derickson says the IBEX program is an opportunity of a lifetime for students.

“No amount of reading and watching videos can replace being there and seeing everything first hand,” he says. “One never reads his or her Bible the same way again after climbing the hills and walking the streets of ancient Israel and Judah.”

Already Willard has completed a Jerusalem walk which focused on the New Testament. Much of the student’s time is spent visiting the actual areas where Christ walked and taught, completing homework, and focusing on His life. This includes such experiences as standing on the very steps Jesus walked up when entering the Temple Mount and in the actual synagogue Jesus taught in while visiting Capernaum.

Western Baptist works with 12 study-abroad programs that can help expand a student’s college experience as they gain hands-on experience outside of the classroom. They can choose to study with and learn from knowledgeable professors at England’s Oxford University, travel to study in Israel, learn about incorporating Christian values in the film industry in Los Angeles, or gain exposure to real-life journalism through summer programs.

Visit www.bestsemester.com for more information on the IBEX program.