2025 and then: Global Learning celebrates three decades of international academics

Lipscomb marked a milestone this fall by celebrating 30 years since launching its first global learning program in Vienna, Austria.

The decision not only introduced students to a world beyond campus but also laid the foundation for the global education opportunities the university has today. What began in 1995 with a small group of two dozen students, a handful of committed faculty members, and a vision for cultural immersion has since grown into one of Lipscomb’s most enduring academic offerings.

Finding a location that would provide both academic and personal growth took time and careful consideration. The study abroad faculty committee eventually landed on Vienna for several reasons, as shared in an email to faculty at the time.

Vienna is a clean, safe and culturally rich city with a strong history and arts scene. It came highly recommended by academic partners already sending students there, and its central location in Europe made weekend travel convenient and accessible.

Lipscomb math professor and department chair Gary Hall was one of the original committee members. 

“We basically discussed about how things should be arranged in terms of academics,” Hall said. The committee established four courses for students studying abroad: humanities, Bible, German and cultural studies.

These courses reflected the program’s goals to immerse students in the culture around them while maintaining strong academic support. German professor Charles McVey was especially passionate about this mission.

McVey, who has taught German at Lipscomb for 51 years, was chosen to accompany the first group of students to help them get situated for the semester. Fluent in German and familiar with Vienna, he was a natural fit. 

“I think the best part is we told the students, ‘You will go as tourists , but we want you to transform during that time to become temporary citizens of Vienna,’” McVey said.

He encouraged students to explore the city in small groups or individually – talking to people, investing in the culture and embracing curiosity without fear of mistakes. 

“When you make a mistake, that’s when you actually make connections,” McVey said.

The inaugural group included between 20 and 30 students. They attended classes five days a week and were free to travel throughout Europe on weekends, a structure that remains in place today.

Although the academic model has remained consistent, the program has undergone significant evolution over the past 30 years. Early logistical challenges were resolved quickly, and the benefits of the experience outweighed any initial hurdles.

“We accomplished this concept of students coming as tourists and leaving as people who felt Vienna was their European hometown,” McVey said.

The Vienna program became the foundation for Lipscomb’s expanding global education efforts. Today, students study abroad in Florence, Italy; London, England; and, of course, Vienna.