Linking Lives | Study Abroad - Switzerland & Africa

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LINKING LIVES STUDY ABROAD
Lugano, Switzerland

Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 applications are OPEN!

Apply now to secure your spot in the semester-long program next year.

Megan R. - Spring 2025

Linking Lives empowers students through immersive global education experiences that combine academic learning with cultural engagement, fostering personal growth, and a commitment to sustainable social change.

Daydreaming about studying abroad? ☀️💭

Applications are now OPEN for Fall 2026 & Spring 2027! You can find the link in our bio to apply 👩‍💻

Daydreaming about studying abroad? ☀️💭

Applications are now OPEN for Fall 2026 & Spring 2027! You can find the link in our bio to apply 👩‍💻

The countdown is over! Applications for Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 are OPEN 🌟

Visit our website (LinkingLives.org/apply) OR find the link in our bio to access the application - don’t miss out on the semester of a lifetime!

DM us if you have any questions!

The countdown is over! Applications for Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 are OPEN 🌟

Visit our website (LinkingLives.org/apply) OR find the link in our bio to access the application - don’t miss out on the semester of a lifetime!

DM us if you have any questions!

The countdown continues! ⭐️

Our Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 applications open this coming Monday, June 2nd. You can find our application in our bio & on our website linkinglives.org - mark your calendar to apply for the semester of a lifetime!

The countdown continues! ⭐️

Our Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 applications open this coming Monday, June 2nd. You can find our application in our bio & on our website linkinglives.org - mark your calendar to apply for the semester of a lifetime!

And so the countdown begins! ⭐️

Our Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 applications open on June 2nd. Mark your calendar to apply for the semester of a lifetime!

And so the countdown begins! ⭐️

Our Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 applications open on June 2nd. Mark your calendar to apply for the semester of a lifetime!

Missing the Monty right about now 🩷🏡

Missing the Monty right about now 🩷🏡

And that’s a wrap on Spring 2025! 🗺️🚞✈️

Thank you all for an incredible semester!

And that’s a wrap on Spring 2025! 🗺️🚞✈️

Thank you all for an incredible semester!

It’s the PEOPLE!! Thank you Spring 2025 for an unforgettable semester 💌

Thank you @megreese for capturing these moments!

It’s the PEOPLE!! Thank you Spring 2025 for an unforgettable semester 💌

Thank you @megreese for capturing these moments!

Thank you to our friends and partners in Rwanda who have made yet another semester possible for Linking Lives students - until next time ☀️🌈🇷🇼

Thank you to our friends and partners in Rwanda who have made yet another semester possible for Linking Lives students - until next time ☀️🌈🇷🇼

Last week in Lugano, best week in Lugano!!!! 🌺🏔️🌴

Last week in Lugano, best week in Lugano!!!! 🌺🏔️🌴

Linking Lives Students have been embracing the last few days of their experience in Rwanda! 🇷🇼☀️

This past weekend, students in Muhazi and Rwinkwavu went on safari in Akagera National Park - they saw hippos, rhinos, elephants, zebras, monkeys, and so much more!

Students in Muhazi have also worked on planting trees, painting a house, and getting to know students in the community by playing soccer and working alongside teachers.

The group in Rwinkwavu has had the opportunity to learn more about Komera, a local nonprofit supporting women’s empowerment, by talking with women and girls who received schooling through Komera’s sponsorships. They have also worked in gardens, banana fields, and learned about traditional drumming!

This past week, Ruli students learned how to make mandazis, helped level a soccer field, toured a coffee factory, took a hike, and so much more!

The group in Nyamyumba has been working with students ages 6-13 using games and activities to teach English, math, and more! They have also painted murals for Mata Tea Factory’s daycare center, hiked to a beautiful viewpoint of Nyamyumba, and picked out fabric to have clothing and accessories made locally!

We can’t wait to see what their final few days in Rwanda have in store!

Linking Lives Students have been embracing the last few days of their experience in Rwanda! 🇷🇼☀️

This past weekend, students in Muhazi and Rwinkwavu went on safari in Akagera National Park - they saw hippos, rhinos, elephants, zebras, monkeys, and so much more!

Students in Muhazi have also worked on planting trees, painting a house, and getting to know students in the community by playing soccer and working alongside teachers.

The group in Rwinkwavu has had the opportunity to learn more about Komera, a local nonprofit supporting women’s empowerment, by talking with women and girls who received schooling through Komera’s sponsorships. They have also worked in gardens, banana fields, and learned about traditional drumming!

This past week, Ruli students learned how to make mandazis, helped level a soccer field, toured a coffee factory, took a hike, and so much more!

The group in Nyamyumba has been working with students ages 6-13 using games and activities to teach English, math, and more! They have also painted murals for Mata Tea Factory’s daycare center, hiked to a beautiful viewpoint of Nyamyumba, and picked out fabric to have clothing and accessories made locally!

We can’t wait to see what their final few days in Rwanda have in store!

Last 10-day break in the books 🍋🐪🌞

Last 10-day break in the books 🍋🐪🌞

Spring 2025 students have settled into their locations in Rwanda for the next couple of weeks, they’ve been up to a lot so far!

Ruli & Nyamyumba started off with a safari on Sunday in Akagera National Park! They were able to see hippos, zebras, giraffe, buffalo, and many other animals during their time.

Students in Muhazi arrived to their location on Saturday! This past weekend, they took a tour of the community, planted trees, began painting a house, and much more.

Students in Rwinkwavu also arrived to their location on Saturday! They kicked off their time by participating in a soccer match at the first soccer stadium in Rwanda which is right down the road from where they are staying. They also were able to take a tour of the eco lodge they are staying in, the community of Rwinkwavu, and the Ready for Reading center where they will be spending a lot of time.

Stay tuned for more updates! ☀️

Spring 2025 students have settled into their locations in Rwanda for the next couple of weeks, they’ve been up to a lot so far!

Ruli & Nyamyumba started off with a safari on Sunday in Akagera National Park! They were able to see hippos, zebras, giraffe, buffalo, and many other animals during their time.

Students in Muhazi arrived to their location on Saturday! This past weekend, they took a tour of the community, planted trees, began painting a house, and much more.

Students in Rwinkwavu also arrived to their location on Saturday! They kicked off their time by participating in a soccer match at the first soccer stadium in Rwanda which is right down the road from where they are staying. They also were able to take a tour of the eco lodge they are staying in, the community of Rwinkwavu, and the Ready for Reading center where they will be spending a lot of time.

Stay tuned for more updates! ☀️

Last 10-day break is starting off strong! 🚞☀️

Last 10-day break is starting off strong! 🚞☀️

And they’re off - next stop, Rwanda! ✈️

And they’re off - next stop, Rwanda! ✈️

After school activities! 🏔️

After school activities! 🏔️

Last weekend in the books before students are off on their last 10-day break or heading to Rwanda! ✈️🚞🛥️

Last weekend in the books before students are off on their last 10-day break or heading to Rwanda! ✈️🚞🛥️

A quick afternoon stroll! 🏔️

A quick afternoon stroll! 🏔️

Weekend in Budapest! 🚞✈️🧳

Weekend in Budapest! 🚞✈️🧳

What’s your dream weekend getaway? 📍

Come travel with us next school year! Link in ou bio for more info.

What’s your dream weekend getaway? 📍

Come travel with us next school year! Link in ou bio for more info.

And that’s a wrap on 10-day #2! Until next time 🗺️✈️🚞

And that’s a wrap on 10-day #2! Until next time 🗺️✈️🚞

Happy Friday from Seville!

Happy Friday from Seville!

10-day break still going strong! Stay tuned to see what’s next 🗺️

10-day break still going strong! Stay tuned to see what’s next 🗺️

So much fun in the sun - stop 1, Morocco! ☀️🐫🧳

So much fun in the sun - stop 1, Morocco! ☀️🐫🧳

Guess where! 🏛️🍝🌳 Stay tuned to see where Spring 2025 students are off to on their next 10 day break ✈️

Guess where! 🏛️🍝🌳 Stay tuned to see where Spring 2025 students are off to on their next 10 day break ✈️

A quick weekend in Venice 🎭✨

A quick weekend in Venice 🎭✨

Afternoon day trip to Bellinzona! 🏰🚞

Afternoon day trip to Bellinzona! 🏰🚞

Virginia Tech Students!

Are you interested in studying abroad this coming Fall? Apply today! ✈️🚞🧳

Our Fall 2025 application for Virginia Tech students closes on Saturday March 1st. Your GEO Third Party Registration Application must also be complete by 11:59pm on 3/1.

The link to apply is in our bio. DM us if you have any questions!

Virginia Tech Students!

Are you interested in studying abroad this coming Fall? Apply today! ✈️🚞🧳

Our Fall 2025 application for Virginia Tech students closes on Saturday March 1st. Your GEO Third Party Registration Application must also be complete by 11:59pm on 3/1.

The link to apply is in our bio. DM us if you have any questions!

Another weekend down!✨

Another weekend down!✨

Nothing quite like a post-class hike in Lugano! 🇨🇭📍🏔️

Nothing quite like a post-class hike in Lugano! 🇨🇭📍🏔️

Ready for your next adventure? Hop in! 🐘🦒🦓

Participate in an experiential learning opportunity in Eastern Africa with our Fall 2025 program, where you can spend an unforgettable month, or choose to enhance your journey with an optional two-week experience in Spring 2026.

Apply today for this once in a lifetime opportunity! Link in bio ✨

Ready for your next adventure? Hop in! 🐘🦒🦓

Participate in an experiential learning opportunity in Eastern Africa with our Fall 2025 program, where you can spend an unforgettable month, or choose to enhance your journey with an optional two-week experience in Spring 2026.

Apply today for this once in a lifetime opportunity! Link in bio ✨

Apply today to capture the memories of a lifetime ✨ link in bio!

Apply today to capture the memories of a lifetime ✨ link in bio!

First 10-day break in the books for Spring 2025 students! ✈️🇬🇧🧳

First 10-day break in the books for Spring 2025 students! ✈️🇬🇧🧳

Linking Lives in London during the first 10-day break! 🎡🇬🇧

Linking Lives in London during the first 10-day break! 🎡🇬🇧

Spring 2025 students are out and about during this first 10-day break! ✈️🚞🌍

Spring 2025 students are out and about during this first 10-day break! ✈️🚞🌍

The first 10 day break is right around the corner…any guesses on where our students are off to next!? 🧳

The first 10 day break is right around the corner…any guesses on where our students are off to next!? 🧳

Your Study Abroad Adventure Awaits! 🗺️✈️

Catch a glimpse into the travel journey of Linking Lives alumni through these clips - thank you @laurenschoener for your talent! 🎥

Fall 2025: Travel Europe every weekend and enjoy a 5-day break to explore even more.

Spring 2026: Take it to the next level with weekend trips and three 10-day breaks to see the world your way.

The best part? It’s all student-led—you choose where to go, who to travel with, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Apply today to secure your spot in this incredible, transformative experience!

#StudyAbroad #LinkingLives #lugano

Your Study Abroad Adventure Awaits! 🗺️✈️

Catch a glimpse into the travel journey of Linking Lives alumni through these clips - thank you @laurenschoener for your talent! 🎥

Fall 2025: Travel Europe every weekend and enjoy a 5-day break to explore even more.

Spring 2026: Take it to the next level with weekend trips and three 10-day breaks to see the world your way.

The best part? It’s all student-led—you choose where to go, who to travel with, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Apply today to secure your spot in this incredible, transformative experience!

#StudyAbroad #LinkingLives #lugano

Second travel weekend in the books! Spring 2025 students explored Budapest, Florence, Munich, Copenhagen, Paris and more! ✈️🚞📍

Second travel weekend in the books! Spring 2025 students explored Budapest, Florence, Munich, Copenhagen, Paris and more! ✈️🚞📍

Attention Virginia Tech Students!

Come see us next week on Friday, January 31st from 4-6:30pm in Squires to learn more about studying abroad with us! 🌍

Our program alumni will be there to tell you more about their experience and how it might be the right fit for you. We can't wait to see you there!

Attention Virginia Tech Students!

Come see us next week on Friday, January 31st from 4-6:30pm in Squires to learn more about studying abroad with us! 🌍

Our program alumni will be there to tell you more about their experience and how it might be the right fit for you. We can't wait to see you there!

Stay tuned to see where Spring 2025 students are off to this weekend! 🚞✈️📍

Stay tuned to see where Spring 2025 students are off to this weekend! 🚞✈️📍

And onto week two! 🏡🚞

And onto week two! 🏡🚞

First travel weekend in snowy Switzerland was a success!! ⛷️🪂🛷

First travel weekend in snowy Switzerland was a success!! ⛷️🪂🛷

Ready for your next adventure? 🧳🌍✈️

Don’t miss out! Applications for Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 are still open 🌟

Find our application on our website or on the link in our bio - DM us for more information 📥

Ready for your next adventure? 🧳🌍✈️

Don’t miss out! Applications for Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 are still open 🌟

Find our application on our website or on the link in our bio - DM us for more information 📥

All smiles (and a little mud) this afternoon - nothing quite like a soccer session after class in Lugano! 🏔️📍⚽️

All smiles (and a little mud) this afternoon - nothing quite like a soccer session after class in Lugano! 🏔️📍⚽️

Here we go! FDOC for Spring 2025 in Lugano!! 📚🇨🇭✈️

Here we go! FDOC for Spring 2025 in Lugano!! 📚🇨🇭✈️

Kicking off Spring 2025 with a hike of Monte San Salvatore in their new home for the semester! 📍🏔️🇨🇭

Kicking off Spring 2025 with a hike of Monte San Salvatore in their new home for the semester! 📍🏔️🇨🇭

And they’re off! Spring 2025 is underway ✈️🧳🌍 We can’t wait for you all to experience the semester of a lifetime!!

And they’re off! Spring 2025 is underway ✈️🧳🌍 We can’t wait for you all to experience the semester of a lifetime!!

The countdown is ON! Less than two days until Spring 2025 students get to call Lugano home - see you soon 🌟✈️🏡

The countdown is ON! Less than two days until Spring 2025 students get to call Lugano home - see you soon 🌟✈️🏡

Meet your Spring 2025 House Mom, Lizzie! 🌴☀️✈️

Hey guys, my name is Lizzie Campbell. I was a student in Fall 22 and am now a house mom! I love to travel. I’m currently in Park City, Utah working as a ski instructor. I worked as a zip line guide at the New River Gorge all summer.

I love this program. I love spending time in the most beautiful place in the world (Lugano). I love the courses we take. I love Rwanda and Tanzania. My favorite memories include taking a boat out on the Mediterranean and exploring London with new lifelong friends.

I’m excited for Spring 25 students to experience traveling across Europe and spending time in Rwanda. My advice to spring students is to enjoy the little moments. It’s so easy to get lost in the excitement of travel but take time to breathe in the beauty of Lugano, the walks to class, and enjoy every moment.

Meet your Spring 2025 House Mom, Lizzie! 🌴☀️✈️

Hey guys, my name is Lizzie Campbell. I was a student in Fall 22 and am now a house mom! I love to travel. I’m currently in Park City, Utah working as a ski instructor. I worked as a zip line guide at the New River Gorge all summer.

I love this program. I love spending time in the most beautiful place in the world (Lugano). I love the courses we take. I love Rwanda and Tanzania. My favorite memories include taking a boat out on the Mediterranean and exploring London with new lifelong friends.

I’m excited for Spring 25 students to experience traveling across Europe and spending time in Rwanda. My advice to spring students is to enjoy the little moments. It’s so easy to get lost in the excitement of travel but take time to breathe in the beauty of Lugano, the walks to class, and enjoy every moment.

Meet your Spring 2025 House Dad, Liam! 🏔️🧳✈️

Fun fact: I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro this past December.

3 words to describe me: adventurous, curious, kind

Favorite moment: One of my favorite moments was renting a boat on Lake Lugano with my friends during our last week in Lugano.

What am I most looking forward to? I’m looking forward to meeting the Spring 25 students and doing my part to make their experience in Lugano as great as my own was!

Piece of advice: Be spontaneous! It’s easy to come into the semester having already planned what places you want to go to but being flexible and exploring places you didn’t plan to is what makes the experience truly great.

Meet your Spring 2025 House Dad, Liam! 🏔️🧳✈️

Fun fact: I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro this past December.

3 words to describe me: adventurous, curious, kind

Favorite moment: One of my favorite moments was renting a boat on Lake Lugano with my friends during our last week in Lugano.

What am I most looking forward to? I’m looking forward to meeting the Spring 25 students and doing my part to make their experience in Lugano as great as my own was!

Piece of advice: Be spontaneous! It’s easy to come into the semester having already planned what places you want to go to but being flexible and exploring places you didn’t plan to is what makes the experience truly great.

Meet your Spring 2025 House Mom, AP! ✈️✨🚞

Hi my name is AP and I’ll be one of your house moms this semester! A fun fact about me is that I have a cat🐈‍⬛ <3.

One of my favorite memories from when I was a student in Fall of 2022 was when we went to a local amusement park on top of a mountain.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone get to know each other and form one big family! A piece of advice I’d give to incoming students is to talk to someone different everyday and to try and travel with as many different people as possible. Become comfortable being uncomfortable and that will help you take full advantage of this opportunity! Can’t wait to meet everyone!

Meet your Spring 2025 House Mom, AP! ✈️✨🚞

Hi my name is AP and I’ll be one of your house moms this semester! A fun fact about me is that I have a cat🐈‍⬛ <3.

One of my favorite memories from when I was a student in Fall of 2022 was when we went to a local amusement park on top of a mountain.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone get to know each other and form one big family! A piece of advice I’d give to incoming students is to talk to someone different everyday and to try and travel with as many different people as possible. Become comfortable being uncomfortable and that will help you take full advantage of this opportunity! Can’t wait to meet everyone!

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