Each year, McMurry students travel beyond campus through a variety of academic, service, and spiritual opportunities. From cities and historic landmarks across the United States to communities and cultural sites around the world, these experiences deepen their understanding of the world.
Across the Pacific: Discovering Japan
This spring, students from McMurry University’s Johnson School of Business traveled to Japan for an immersive international experience that combined business, culture, history, and innovation. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and Osaka to the historic cities of Kyoto and Hiroshima, students gained firsthand insight into one of the world’s most influential economies while experiencing the traditions and values that shape Japanese society.
Highlights included visits to Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and TeamLab Borderless, as well as networking opportunities with business professionals and technology leaders at TEDx. Hands-on cultural experiences such as matcha preparation, mochi making, and pottery workshops in Kyoto deepened my appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship and heritage. Students also traveled aboard Japan’s renowned bullet trains, visited Osaka Castle, and spent time in Nara, where they experienced one of the country’s most beloved cultural landmarks and its free-roaming deer.
The trip concluded in Hiroshima, where students visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Park. Through a cultural exchange with students at Hiroshima Bunka Gakuen University and a visit to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, participants gained new perspectives on leadership, global citizenship, and the importance of cross-cultural relationships.
Creativity on the Road: New Mexico
Students explored the rich artistic and cultural landscape of New Mexico during the spring Discovery Trip, “Hue and Harmony.” Traveling through Santa Fe, Abiquiú, and Taos, participants visited renowned museums, galleries, and studios while engaging with local artists. Highlights included the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Meow Wolf’s immersive art experience, and conversations with working artists and educators.
Students also toured Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio in Abiquiú, explored Santa Fe’s Railway Arts District, and visited museums and studios throughout northern New Mexico. The journey concluded in Taos, where students explored the historic plaza, visited the Millicent Rogers Museum, and took in the breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Gorge.
Serving with Purpose: El Salvador
Twenty-four McMurry University students and leaders traveled to El Salvador in May. Participants visited the University of Central America, Indigenous communities, and local human rights organizations.
The group also explored the legacy of Saint Oscar Romero and the Salvadoran church’s commitment to serving marginalized communities. Visits included rural schools, historic parishes, and the Divine Providence Hospital, where Romero lived and was assassinated in 1980.
In the mountains of Morazán and the village of El Mozote, students confronted the impact of El Salvador’s civil war. Throughout the pilgrimage, participants encountered powerful examples of hope, resilience, and renewal, returning home with a deeper understanding of faith in action and the enduring spirit of the Salvadoran people.
Whether exploring a new country, finding inspiration in a new landscape, or serving alongside communities abroad, students grow through these experiences. Each mile traveled represents relationships formed, perspectives gained, and lessons learned along the way.