Traveling and studying throughout the U.S. and abroad is an important part of the learning experience at King. Led by members of our faculty and staff, university-sponsored trips offer us the opportunity to connect with different cultures and ecosystems, gain perspective on our own, and navigate the experiences needed to flourish in a rapidly changing world. Plus, it’s fun!
Studying abroad also facilitates personal and professional growth. Whether the goal is to become an entrepreneur, caregiver, scientist, educator or more, the experience of traveling prepares us to solve problems, improve our competitiveness in the job market, and helps us grow into responsible, engaged citizens.
King provides several opportunities for students, alumni, faculty, and staff to travel each year. Scroll down to see those open to students and community.
For Students
December 14 – 18, 2025
Atlanta, Georgia
Join us for an unforgettable missions trip that will make a lasting impact in the lives of those in need!
On this transformative journey, you’ll have the opportunity to serve alongside amazing organizations that are changing lives every day. At HOPE Atlanta, you’ll work in their soup kitchen to serve women and children battling food insecurity, providing not just meals, but hope. With Feet on the Street, you’ll help homeless individuals access a mobile shower unit, offering them a moment of dignity and care. Plus, you’ll be a part of the incredible work happening at Jubilee Partners, where you’ll help maintain a farm that supports refugees starting new lives in the U.S.
It’s a chance to give back, experience true community, and be the hands and feet of change. Don’t miss out on this life-changing experience – Sign up today and be part of something bigger!
For more information, contact:
Han Chuan Ong
Chase Arndt
January 3 – 11, 2026
Fort Myers, Florida
Ready for a mission trip that blends service, adventure, and community? Come to Fort Myers, Florida, for an unforgettable experience with the ECHO Mission Trip! Work alongside international interns to combat hunger and promote sustainable farming solutions while enjoying the beauty of Florida.
Between projects, you’ll unwind with stunning beach sunsets, search for shells & shark teeth, and kayak among mangroves. Get hands-on by picking your own breakfast fruit, fresh salad greens, and salsa fixins.
This is your chance to make a real difference while experiencing the magic of Florida’s nature. Sign up now and be part of this life-changing journey!
For more information, contact:
Lori Ensor
Dr. Richard Moyer
May 4 – 15, 2026
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience through Panama, where adventure and culture blend seamlessly! Hike through a triple-canopy tropical rainforest with expert Smithsonian guides, discovering wildlife and ecosystems that most people only dream of experiencing. Take a boat through he iconic Panama Canal Locks, witnessing the incredible feat of engineering that connects two bodies of water.
Spend two days with the Gina indigenous people, gaining a deep understanding of their rich traditions and connection to the land. You’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters a vibrant tropical coral reef. This isn’t just a study abroad program – it’s the opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Sign up today and be part of this life-changing adventure!
Information Session
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
7:00 p.m. | Wager Lounge (lower level of Maclellan Hall)
For additional information, contact:
Dr. Ana George
Dr. Beatriz Macione
For Alumni, Faculty & Staff
December 14 – 21, 2025
This December, Dr. Richard Moyer, Biology guru and longtime King educator, is hosting an alumni-focused trip to Tucson, where we’ll connect with Beth Coombs ’04 for an in-depth look at the landscape, culture, and cuisines of the Sonoran Desert.
Beth is a STEM/History grad who started pursuing a love of U.S. park spaces just weeks after earning her degree at King. She worked with the National Park Service for nearly 20 years and had lived in the southwestern U.S. for almost a decade, learning about indigenous peoples and exploring deserts.
Together, Richard and Beth will lead immersive study in:
- Sonoran Desert ecosystems, including hiking among cactus at Saguaro National Park, exploring biodiversity atop the sky island of Mt. Lemmon, enjoying desert sunsets and the history, food, and culture of regional desert peoples.
- The group will tour living agriculture museums including Casa Grande National Monument, Tohono Chul Gardens, and Tucson Mission Garden, among other locations.
And since Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, there will be extensive sampling of regional cuisine. Optional tours will include Tumacacori National Historical Park, the Desert Art Museum, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, San Xavier del Mac Mission, and more. For those alums who remember King’s astronomical adventures with Dr. Ed Burke, a trip to Kitt Peak National Observatory will also be offered.
Dates for the trip are December 14-21, 2025.
Estimated price: $1100 per person
*May fluctuate depending on occupancy per hotel room, sort of round-trip flights from Knoxville to Phoenix, and number of participants
For local alumni, transportation will be provided between Bristol and Knoxville. Others outside the region can connect with the group Knoxville or Phoenix on December 14.
For more information, contact:
Richard Moyer
