Present worldwide, North Park University’s (NPU) study abroad and international exchange programs provide students with rich opportunities to learn and grow—academically and personally—and highlight the university’s long-standing commitment to interculturalism as well as its bilateral partnerships with foreign institutions such as Liverpool Hope University (LHU) in Liverpool, England; Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea; and Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola (SVF) in Jönköping, Sweden.

In 1976, North Park joined forces with SVF to establish what is now the longest-running exchange program between an American and Swedish school. The 50-year partnership honors NPU’s Swedish American roots.

“We were founded by Swedish immigrants who were very attentive to the need to navigate two different cultures,” explained Vice President for Student Engagement and Vice Provost Dr. Francisco “Frank” X. Gaytán.

“Our founding president, David Nyvall, a Swedish immigrant himself, spoke about the need to nurture one’s own culture as well as the importance of embracing other cultures,” he said. “Study abroad opens students’ eyes to a world of opportunity, enabling them to intentionally push their boundaries, which is increasingly important in a globalized and interconnected world.”

Director of the Office of International Affairs Tessa Zanoni said that besides enriching academic and personal development for North Park students who travel abroad and exchange students who come to study in Chicago, such partnerships can also create career opportunities and professional networks for graduates.

“Spending a semester or summer abroad promotes global citizenship by encouraging students to engage with new worldviews, cultures, religions, and languages. When they spend time in a different country, students gain a more nuanced understanding of their own identity and culture,” she said. “Those who have participated in our exchange programs have gone on to live and work abroad or pursue amazing careers or further education here in the United States.”

This past February, Assistant Director of International Affairs Ruby Regina Benigno spent four days visiting LHU, where she met with staff, toured campus facilities, and discovered firsthand why North Park students have fallen in love with Liverpool.

“It’s important to be able to visit our study abroad sites to better advise prospective students,” she said. “Our partnerships with foreign institutions give students the opportunity to study abroad in an environment with ample support, where we’ve developed a deep working relationship. When we send students to institutions where we truly know their staff, we can better prepare them to go abroad and make sure we communicate their needs to our partners.”

Spending a semester or summer abroad promotes global citizenship by encouraging students to engage with new worldviews, cultures, religions, and languages. When they spend time in a different country, students gain a more nuanced understanding of their own identity and culture.

—Tessa Zanoni

Marcus Wester BA ’25, an international student from Sweden, spent two consecutive semesters at LHU while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in business at NPU. He learned about British history and culture, completed courses in marketing and economics, and even enjoyed three days of kayaking, zip-lining, and spelunking in Wales.

“Experiencing two very different university environments was exciting and eye-opening. The contrasts made my experiences and memories feel more unique and added value to me personally,” Wester said. “I gained a deep connection with multiple places and people, broadened my perspective, grew my confidence, and—of course—have plenty of stories to tell.”

As part of a May mini-term program, Jaliyah Conway, a third-year student double-majoring in finance and sport management, spent three weeks studying global business at LHU, where she became immersed in discussions about economics, finance, and marketing and how they apply to soccer, one of England’s most popular sports.

The people, she said, helped make her experience truly unforgettable.

“Everyone was lovely and helpful, from classmates studying abroad, to students who attend LHU year-round, to staff, to residents. I felt welcome from the moment I arrived,” Conway recalled. “This experience helped me grow so much and gave me a deeper perspective on life.”

Senior Wrigley Crabtree spent the second semester of her sophomore year abroad at Sungkyunkwan University. A double-major in psychology and communications, she took courses in media literacy, Korean language, Korean culture and politics, and East Asian art.

I understand that leaving the familiar comfort of your home country and culture to study abroad is often hard and stressful, but I want to reassure students that any challenges are worth it for what will be a wonderful time in their lives.

—Wrigley Crabtree

Crabtree also traveled to Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines and enjoyed hiking after class; wearing traditional South Korean clothing; sampling a classic and popular dish called dak-galbi; and singing with friends at noraebangs, private karaoke rooms that are a key part of Korean culture.

“Coming back to North Park, I had an increased sense of confidence,” she said. “I gained a deeper layer of empathy for people from different cultures. And I encountered so many things that I didn’t understand, which made me eager and excited to learn more!”

This fall, Crabtree had the opportunity to apply the real-world lessons and skills from her time abroad to her new role as an international student orientation leader.

“I understand that leaving the familiar comfort of your home country and culture to study abroad is often hard and stressful,” Crabtree said, “but I want to reassure students that any challenges are worth it for what will be a wonderful time in their lives.”