As former President Barack Obama once said, “simple exchanges can break walls down between us”. 

Exposure to new experiences has shown how we as humans have learned and grown since the dawn of human civilization. NC State is home to a plethora of opportunities to have these experiences. In Spring 2026, NC State Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) & Military and Veteran Services Affairs are sponsoring the “The Cultural Immersion” Trip to Richmond, VA, scheduled for March 16, 2026 – March 19, 2026.

The Cultural Immersion trip is held during the fall and spring semesters. MSA provides hotel accommodations, free breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and transportation. MSA and Military and Veteran Services allow students the opportunity to visit and immerse themselves in different states and cities. 

Trevis Belle, Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Affairs and creator of the Cultural Immersion Trip, explained that he did not have this opportunity when he attended NC State. 

“When I first started, we didn’t really have any cohort-based or group-based experiences, so I wanted to establish something that tied in that cultural piece and also tied in the opportunity for students to be in a community, be in a group, be in a cohort-style experience. So this came about,” he said.

The program is an experience where students visit different states and cities while engaging in reflective conversations. Students also visited cultural and historical museums and built community with other students outside the classroom.

The trip this spring will be to Richmond, Virginia and will focus on “military influence and how it plays a role in developing cultural awareness.” 

Belle mentioned the connection between military impact and rich history.

“We’re looking to explore whether it’s military bases, and having students visit these bases and different military museums. Just so students can understand the history behind what is there in Richmond and the connection to military operations and what ties that has to Richmond,” he said.

On the trip, students build community and friendships over four to five days. This connection goes beyond just the trip, carrying over to programs at Multicultural Student Affairs and on campus.

Belle emphasized the peer connection piece of the trip and how it affects students’ involvement on campus.

“Those same students that we saw that were part of previous cultural immersion trips, they’re showing up, applying for peer mentor program opportunities, they’re showing up and applying to help out with tabling. They’re showing up and they’re showing up and being involved in the different programs that we have in MSA,” he said.

Travis Belle encourages students to apply, saying, “Don’t feel as if you have to be super involved to apply for this opportunity again. Just put your best foot forward and really express what this trip could do for you. So talk about what impact it could have on your personal life, your professional life. Talk about what you can contribute to the trip as well, too. 

As Joe Andrews said, “It’s a big world out there, it would be a shame not to experience it.” (Especially if it’s free)