Exchange France
Chartres Exchange
Two-week exchange with Lycée Notre Dame de Chartres, including cultural study in Paris and Normandy.
A Loretto Legacy for a Global Age
At Nerinx Hall, global education is a disciplined way of seeing - and serving - the world. Rooted in the Loretto values of faith, justice, community, and respect, our program helps students understand their place in a complex global landscape while cultivating empathy, curiosity, and leadership.
The Department of Global Education, established in 2024, unites decades of language study, cultural exchange, and service learning into a single, mission-driven framework. Under the leadership of Laura Newsham, Director of Global Education and longtime French educator, the department coordinates international partnerships, travel opportunities, and on-campus programming so that every student can access meaningful global learning - whether abroad or right here in the classroom.
By engaging with new cultures, practicing additional languages, and reflecting on lived experiences, Nerinx students develop the habits of mind that universities and employers prize: communication across difference, adaptability, ethical decision-making, and a perspective that reaches beyond borders.
Global Learning in Action
Academic exchanges, service immersion, faith-based travel, and interdisciplinary study - all designed to cultivate language proficiency, intercultural understanding, and leadership.
Exchange Poland
Krakow & Gdynia Exchange
Three-week cultural exchange with Jesuit partner schools in Krakow and Gdynia.
Service Colombia
Bucaramanga Partnership
Cultural immersion and service with Colegio San Pedro Claver in Bucaramanga.
Exchange Germany
Berlin Exchange (Launching 2025)
Cultural exchange with Canisius Kolleg in Berlin, focused on history, language, and civic life.
Immersion El Paso, Texas
U.S.–Mexico Border Experience
Immersion in solidarity at the border in partnership with Loretto and Jesuit communities.
Pilgrimage Italy
Rome • Naples • Assisi
Campus Ministry journey exploring faith, history, and global citizenship.
STEM Belize
Marine & Rainforest Conservation
Field study in tropical ecology; program paused and scheduled to return in 2027.
Humanities
Interdisciplinary Travel Seminar
15-day journey: Herculaneum, Pompeii, Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Nice, Paris/Versailles, and London.
Global Education in the Classroom
Global learning happens here - every day. Across world languages, humanities, STEM, and the arts, Nerinx teachers integrate international perspectives, collaborative projects, and reflective practice that prepare students to think and act beyond borders.
How Global Learning is Integrated
World Languages
Daily immersion, authentic media, and partner-school conversations build proficiency and intercultural competence.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Primary sources, comparative history, and current events cultivate perspective-taking and ethical decision-making.
STEM & Sustainability
Case studies in global health, climate, and engineering challenge students to apply science for the common good.
Faith & the Arts
Theology, literature, music, and visual arts explore the human family’s shared questions - justice, meaning, and beauty.
On-Campus Global Experiences
- International speakers & workshops: scholars, consular staff, and faith leaders.
- Global film & food events: student-led curation with reflective discussion.
- Virtual exchanges: conversation hours with partner classrooms abroad.
- Service & solidarity projects: local actions tied to global issues.
- International Club: language, culture, fashion, and current-issue forums.
Skills & Outcomes
- Communication across difference
- Intercultural competence
- Ethical leadership
- Adaptability & problem-solving
- Global citizenship & service
Vision for the Future
Global Education at Nerinx Hall is growing intentionally - expanding access, deepening partnerships, and integrating global perspectives across the curriculum so every student can engage the wider world.
Global Citizen Endowment
Build need-sensitive funding so more students can participate in exchanges, service immersion, and study-abroad opportunities.
Global Studies Credit
Recognize learning with a reflective capstone based on travel, exchange, or service which is presented to a faculty panel.
Teacher & Student Exchanges
Extend stays for visiting students and pilot semester-length faculty exchanges with partner schools.
Virtual Collaborations
Grow online conversation classes and shared projects so language practice and cultural exchange happen year-round.
International Club & On-Campus Programs
Spotlight global cultures through film, food, music, and guest speakers - bringing the world to Webster Groves.
Why It Matters: Impact & Outcomes
Global education equips Nerinx students with the habits of mind that colleges and employers value: intercultural competence, ethical leadership, and the confidence to collaborate across borders.
Intercultural Competence
Students practice perspective-taking, communication across difference, and reflective learning.
Leadership & Service
Experiences connect courage and compassion to action—on campus, in St. Louis, and abroad.
Academic Readiness
Inquiry, problem-solving, and writing about real contexts prepare students for college-level work.
Career Fluency
Global frameworks strengthen adaptability for fields such as health, law, business, education, and the arts.
Core Competencies
- Communication across difference
- Intercultural understanding
- Ethical decision-making
- Collaboration & leadership
- Adaptability & problem-solving
Join the Journey
Global Education at Nerinx Hall is a community endeavor — shaped by students, families, faculty, and partner schools. Connect with us to learn more about current opportunities and upcoming programs.
Ways to Engage
- Student participation: Explore exchanges, immersion experiences, and interdisciplinary travel.
- On-campus events: Attend global film nights, guest speakers, and cultural programs.
- Partner connections: Help us build relationships with schools and organizations abroad.
- Host collaboration: Learn about welcoming visiting students for short stays.
Have a question about a specific program? We’re happy to help you find the right opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about Global Education at Nerinx Hall. If you don’t see what you need, email Laura Newsham.
Who can participate in Global Education programs?
Most opportunities are open to students in good academic and conduct standing.
Some trips may have grade-level or course prerequisites.
Do I have to speak a second language to travel?
It depends on the program. Language exchanges prioritize students currently studying that language,
while service or humanities programs typically do not require prior fluency.
How are trips supervised?
All programs are led by Nerinx faculty and vetted partner organizations.
Safety protocols, daily check-ins, and communication plans are in place for each itinerary.
What is the typical timeline to apply?
Program information usually publishes one to two semesters in advance.
Interest meetings and application windows are announced on campus and via email.
What about cost and financial access?
Costs vary by program. We work to keep experiences accessible and share options for fundraising
and limited assistance when available.
Can families host visiting students?
In some exchanges, yes. Hosting is a meaningful way to participate even if you’re not traveling.
We’ll share expectations and support for host families.
How does participation affect academics?
Programs are planned to minimize disruption. Students coordinate with teachers ahead of time
to manage coursework and deadlines.
How do I express interest or get updates?
Start by emailing the department and attending interest meetings.
You can also revisit the
Global Learning in Action section for current offerings.