Lee University Students Combine Spanish Studies with Mission Abroad

by Meredith Dufresne

Cleveland, TN (09/16/2026) — Three Lee University students - William Meyers, Abigail Mattson, and Autumn Swanson-West - put their Spanish studies into practice this summer through mission and cultural experiences in Colombia and the Dominican Republic.

Meyers, a junior biomedical sciences and Spanish double major, spent a month of his summer break in La Romana, Dominican Republic, where he helped teach English and participated in ministries established by the Church of God in the region. Arca de Cristo Church provided housing, opportunities to visit local schools, and the chance to experience the surrounding culture.

"Being able to not only help teach English, but also grow in my Spanish skills and knowledge of their incredible culture alongside students in the Dominican Republic is an experience that I will never forget," said Meyers. "The love and support they showed me throughout my time there inspired me to put forth my best effort to positively impact their lives."

Mattson, a senior TESOL and Spanish major, spent the month of May in Colombia. As a teacher's assistant at Colegio Nazareth Olaya in Barranquilla, she helped teach English to students at the K-11 school.

"This trip was a great, God-given experience to combine my majors and to deepen my love for Colombia, its people, and its many cultures!" said Mattson.

Swanson-West, a business administration major with a Spanish minor, and her husband, recent graduate Asher West, traveled to Bucaramanga, Colombia, on a mission and cultural awareness trip. While there, they spent time at Colegio Americano de Bucaramanga, helping students learn English.

"We loved teaching the students English, singing worship songs with them, sharing meals with the school rector, Gustavo Ojeda Caro, and his family, and experiencing the provision of God every step of our trip," said Swanson-West.

According to Spanish professor Dr. Alexander Steffanell, experiences like these provide students with an opportunity to see their education as more than preparation for a career.

"Mission and language trips allow Spanish majors and minors to transform languages into lived Christian vocation," Steffanell said. "These students served in Latin American communities, deepened their Spanish proficiency, developed intercultural competence, and challenged their assumptions."

He said the experiences also help students recognize the broader purpose of their education.

"They learn to use their academic gifts in service, understanding that their education is not only preparation for a career, but also preparation to contribute to the flourishing of their communities and the world," Steffanell said.

According to Steffanell, these trips were generously funded by donors seeking to encourage Spanish proficiency overseas for Lee's Spanish program.

For more information about Lee University's Spanish program, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/arts-sciences/lang-lit or email Steffanell at asteffanell@leeuniversity.edu.

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