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Walking across campus at Lincoln Trail College this fall, you’ll hear more than the chatter of classmates heading to class—you’ll hear a world of voices. From Spanish to Japanese, Portuguese to German, LTC’s hallways have become a global meeting place.
This semester, 39 students representing 16 different countries have made LTC their home. Together, they bring with them eight primary languages, a rich mix of cultures, and a spirit of adventure that is reshaping what it means to be a Statesman.
While the numbers alone are impressive, the stories behind them are even more inspiring. For many of these students, coming to LTC meant leaving family and friends thousands of miles away to pursue education, athletics, and new opportunities.
“Every time a new student arrives, it’s like adding a new thread to the tapestry of our campus community,” said Rachel Greenwood, International Student Liaison. “Each one brings a unique perspective, and together they create something truly special.”
Athletics continue to play a big role in attracting students from abroad. Of the 39 international students, 20 are on the men’s soccer team, 17 are on the women’s soccer team, with others competing in golf and volleyball. On the field, language barriers disappear.
“The game becomes a universal language,” Greenwood explained. “It’s amazing to watch teammates who grew up on different continents instantly connect through their passion for sport.”
The most widely spoken language among LTC’s international students is Spanish, with 20 students calling it their first language. They’re joined by speakers of Portuguese (6), French (3), Italian (3), Japanese (2), Afrikaans (2), English (2), and German (1).
“It’s not unusual to walk past a group of students and hear three or four different languages in the same conversation,” Greenwood said with a smile. “It reminds us every day that learning happens far beyond the classroom.”
For Greenwood, the best part of her role is seeing students grow more confident as they find their place on campus.
“International students often tell me that LTC feels like a second home because people here genuinely care,” she said. “That sense of belonging makes all the difference when you’re half a world away from home.”
From Brazil to Japan, South Africa to Spain, LTC students are proving that while their journeys started in different corners of the world, they’ve all found common ground here.
“They come here as athletes, scholars, and dreamers,” Greenwood said. “But together, they’re Statesmen. And that shared identity is what makes Lincoln Trail so special.”
