by ϴ
by Joel Washburn
PARIS, FRANCE (March 2025) - A group of 22 travelers embarked on a 10-day trip to Paris, France, through ϴ’s Global Studies and Global Citizen Adventure Corps. The group explored iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the recently reopened Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoyed boat cruises on the Seine River, as well as visits to renowned palaces and art museums. They also visited Disneyland Paris and the historic Normandy beaches, where Allied Forces liberated France from the Nazi regime during World War II. Throughout the trip, travelers immersed themselves in French culture and witnessed how the historic city blends its rich past with modern life. For many in the group, this was their first experience flying, riding the subway, traveling in tuk-tuks, or visiting a foreign country.
Stacie Freeman, director of ϴ Global Studies and co-CEO and founder of Global Citizen Adventure Corps (GCAC), expressed her enthusiasm for the trip, saying, "Leading this journey to Paris was more than just an opportunity to explore a beautiful city; it was about witnessing transformation—students stepping out of their comfort zones, experiencing history firsthand, and embracing the world with curiosity and courage. Travel is education beyond the classroom, and I am honored to help make these life-changing moments possible." – Stacie Freeman
Freeman has overseen 56 travel programs, with a total of 719 participants across 14 countries, and has personally traveled to 52 countries. Bethel professors Stacie Freeman (Professor of Sociology), Dr. Sarah Kidd (Professor of History), and Dr. Kyra Sanchez Clapper (Professor of French History) led the excursion to Paris.
Among the travelers were current Bethel students Taiylor Carter, Hannah Monroe, Grace Brown, Hannah Brake, and Noelle Herris, along with 2024 Bethel graduate Chloe Isbell. Community members included Carson Stover (a former Bethel student), Dr. Jessica Ferrell, Reverend Latricia Trull, Reverend Alan Trull, Reverend Mory Anderson, recently retired Huntingdon High School teacher Jenny Wilson, Jeff and Jen Washburn, Joel and Teresa Washburn, Dr. Robert and Debra Torstrick, and Melissa Herris. Jeff, Joel, and Teresa Washburn are Bethel alumni, and Reverend Anderson, along with his granddaughter Noelle Herris and daughter Melissa Herris, represented three generations of their family on the trip.
Hannah Monroe shared her experience, stating, “Almost a year ago, I took a leap and signed up for a trip to France. I told my parents about my desire to go, and they were immediately supportive, helping me find ways to finance my trip! After a year of working, saving, planning, and praying, the trip is now over. I will never forget this adventure! I am immensely grateful to ϴ Global Studies for this opportunity to learn and grow. I’ll be back in France soon! Here’s to many more adventures, maybe even in Japan!”
Grace Brown added, “This trip has been a dream of mine since I was seven years old, inspired by my Fancy Nancy books, my Paris comforter, and my dad teaching me French words. I visited the Musée d’Orsay, got lost in the Louvre (literally and figuratively), enjoyed coffee at numerous charming cafés, and climbed the Eiffel Tower. I spent a layover in London and saw Macbeth in Paris on my last night. I admired the rebuilt Notre Dame, prayed at Sacré-Cœur, shopped in Montmartre, felt the wind on my face at Normandy beaches, walked the streets of Paris, and cruised on the Seine River to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle. I spent a day at the Palace of Versailles, visited the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, rode the Paris Metro, and read by a café along the Seine. This was the most amazing trip of my life, and I am so thankful to everyone who helped me get there, including my parents, GCAC for the opportunity, my family who supported my travels, ϴ for allowing me to study abroad, and God for placing me where I was meant to be.”
The travelers began their journey at Nashville’s BNA Airport, flying first to London before arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The first full day included meeting the in-country guide, Louise (Lou) Kari-Mereau, who is bilingual in French and English. She led the group on a walking tour that included the Centre Pompidou for Contemporary Art, the Marais district, Place des Vosges, and the Jewish Quarter. The itinerary featured a trip to the Palace of Versailles, a visit to Les Invalides and the Musée de l’Armée, a climb up the Arc de Triomphe for a panoramic view of Paris, and a visit to the Musée d’Orsay to admire Impressionist masterpieces, as well as Montmartre Cathedral. A day trip away from the city took the travelers to Normandy beaches, where Americans in conjunction with Allied Forces, fought during WWII on D-Day, June 6, 1944. They visited the historic beaches of Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach, culminating in a visit to the American military cemetery, Cimetiere Americain de Colleville. This served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by many during the war.
The next day was a walking trip to Notre Dame Cathedral, which reopened in December 2024 after a devastating fire just five years earlier. The original construction of the Catholic cathedral took hundreds of years.
The Louvre Museum is a national art museum and one of the most famous museums in the world. It is home to some of the most canonical works of Western art, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, built in the late 12th to 13th century under Philip II.
On the final day, the travelers had the opportunity to explore on their own. Some traveled to the famous Eiffel Tower, others to Disneyland Paris or shopping or the historic cemetery, Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise, where many famous and not-so-famous people are buried in above-ground crypts. One of the many grave markers was that of Jim Morrison, lead singer of the band The Doors.
ϴ Global Studies and Global Citizen Adventure Corps offers travel and service-learning opportunities for juniors and seniors in high school, college students, and community members. Scheduled trips include Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Japan, Ireland and Scotland.
Your local Global Citizen Adventure Corps (GCAC) is a West Tennessee-based non-profit organization specializing in student, adult and group travel with pre-planned and custom-designed trips for students, adults, and church and corporate groups.
These travel opportunities blend exploration with meaningful service, creating a travel experience that enriches the traveler and the world around us.
If you are ready to embark on a journey, GCAC offers a transformative travel experience that enriches the traveler and the members of the international community served.
Student travelers are eligible for three hours of college credit through ϴ. Scholarships are also available for student travelers. The scholarships assist student travelers pay for travel previously thought beyond their financial means.
GCAC is constantly adding travel experiences. Are you ready to embark on a journey that transforms not just your perspective but the communities you touch?
For more information, visit or email info@globalcitizenadventurecorps.org.