Kansas Wesleyan University is now a launching pad for global learning.

Through a new partnership with led2serveU – students and faculty will take their classroom on the road and touch people and places they are studying about.

KWU President Dr. Matt Thompson unveiled the new service-learning initiative on campus Thursday morning, “We’ve created this new Wesleyan Journey that makes it possible for every student, at no additional tuition cost, for them to travel and be a part of this global community that we live in,” he said.

Once a student completes four semesters at KWU and is in good standing they are eligible to to participate in the program at no additional cost.

Thompson tells KSAL News that the experience includes airfare, lodging and meals, “We’ve removed every barrier there could be for them to not go and study away. Cost is no longer an issue – the only thing they have to get is a passport.”

KWU plans on adding more destinations as the program growl. For now students can sign up for trips to Costa Rica, Germany and several domestic options like Washington D.C.

Dr. Thompson added, “Spain, Ireland, Tibet? Who knows where we’ll be sending students,” he said. “Wherever it challenges and moves our students educationally forward and prepares them for the world – that’s where we want our students to go.”

All of the unique service-learning courses will be coordinated through the new Center for Global Service Learning on KW’s campus by a partnership with (led2serveU) a Florida based company that has relocated to Salina for the opportunity to expand their dream and service to students.

Dr. Thompson also pointed to service around Salina, “As part of this approach, every third Saturday of the month we will have a community service project,” he said. “We’re preparing our students to serve not just outside the community – but here locally as well.”

Faculty members have already begun planning course work for the Fall of 2014.