Encouragement to Study Abroad

Professor Luttio Reflects on Previous Travels

Lynn is known for its impressive international student percentage, as well as the various studying abroad programs, which allow students to experience a level of cultural learning beyond lectures and textbooks.

Professor Mark Luttio has been an instructor for Lynn for over 12 years, focusing on Religious Studies as well as other Arts and Science courses. Born and raised in Asia, Luttio often identifies himself as, “an Asian soul in a Caucasian body.” Professor Luttio reflects on his previous travels as well as encourages other students to journey across seas.

“This past summer I took 12 Lynn students to Israel for a month-long study at the University of Haifa; studying “The Cradle of Faith: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in the Holy Land” as well as “Terrorism and Global Responses” (taught by a Colonel in the Israeli Defense Force),” stated Professor Luttio.

“During the Holy Land trip we travelled extensively throughout Israel, going to all the holy sites of the three monotheistic faiths. It was especially moving to be in Jerusalem and feel the presence of the sacred at the Wailing Wall (on the western side of the temple mount).”

Professor Luttio continued with, “We also attended a Charismatic mass at the Church of Peter, along side of the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Together, with all our multi-faith students and Jewish tour guide, we received a sense that we were somehow all connected in a deeply spiritual way.”

Professor Luttio also took students to his homeland of Japan for a 3-week long January Term, where students studied and experienced “Japanese Culture and Language.” Professor Luttio explained one of the many highlights of the trip being the time spent in the ancient capital of Kyoto, and in particular, participating in traditional tea ceremony that was prepared by the 16th generation of Tea Master.

Luttio also reflected on other memorable experiences held by the students, such as, “Eating the freshest sushi you’ve ever tasted right off the boats at the fish market in Tokyo,” Luttio laughed and continued with, “Of course after having had the best sushi in your life, it’s hard to eat it back here in the U.S. and not be disappointed.”

Professor Luttio concluded by encouraging students to travel abroad during their four years at Lynn and create everlasting memories and an irreplaceable cultural experience.

“It will change your perspective forever! Come join me for my Japan J-Term planned for next January, as well as another Holy Land trip summer of 2016.”

Professor Luttio “believes that genuine learning occurs when students actively participate in the construction of meaning by forging their own connections between the course material and their experience.”

For more information, Professor Luttio can be contacted at mluttio@lynn.edu, along with during his office hours, which located within the Freiburg Residence Hall.