Westminster University’s first ever Sophomore Study Away trips departed in Fall 2026, taking second-year Westminster students around the world to Ecuador, Peru, Greece, and Spain. The new program is fully-funded, with airfare, transportation, lodging, and meals covered so that cost isn’t a barrier for anyone. On each trip, students are accompanied by Westminster faculty and staff, and they connect with local hosts from IPSL Global Engagement for an experience that’s grounded in education, cultural awareness, and global learning.
Lucy C. (’29), a theater performance major with a minor in dance, chose to go to Thessaloniki, Greece for her Sophomore Study Away trip. The trip was titled “THTR 358: Global Stages and Stories in Greece” and examined theater from its ancient origins to modern day performances. Lucy chose the trip because it aligned well with her studies at Westminster and with her goals for her future as an actor.
“This trip really connected with my Westminster education. I felt like I grew up as a person, but also as an actor. We learned directly from directors and actors who have been in this business their whole life. They also have completely different perspectives from other people I've talked to as they've had completely different educations from us. It was really cool to learn from them and hear about how much I can grow as an actor in the future,” she says.
The trip was lead by theatre professor Stephanie Stroud, who ensured that students got to have first-hand experiences and connect their studies with the history and modern-day culture of Greece. Lucy shared one memorable experience where she got to perform in an ancient theater—standing where some of the first actors stood hundreds of years prior.
“The most memorable part of my trip was when my professor and instructor, Stephanie Stroud, had me perform a monologue in the ancient theater of Dion. This was such an incredible experience that I will always remember. The first actors started there, and I could understand why theater plays such an important role in everyday life, even if you don't realize it,” says Lucy.
As Lucy continues her education, she expressed gratitude for the experience and for her time in Greece.
“I'm so privileged to have been part of the first group to have been able to experience these trips. I loved going to Greece, and I was so lucky to go with such a diverse group of people with different interests from me. I learned from the people around me and from people in Greece. This was such an incredible experience, and I am so grateful for it!”
Lucy C. and Audrey B. climbing Mount Olympus
Stephanie Stroud instructing Lucy C. at ancient theater of Dion
