Center for Cultural Perspectives

La Salle's Commitment to Global Understanding and Navigating Diverse Perspectives

Lasallian Schools are located in over 80 countries, forming one of the largest school networks in the world. As a member of this worldwide Lasallian education network, La Salle College Preparatory believes that a global education is essential for developing the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a diverse world. This education cultivates an awareness of different cultures, an appreciation for varied perspectives, and an understanding of how culture shapes actions and perceptions.

The Center for Cultural Perspectives is dedicated to providing our students with invaluable opportunities to embrace diversity, develop intercultural understanding, and cultivate empathy and diplomacy. Our programs empower students to become informed, open-minded individuals capable of using critical thinking and diplomacy to navigate global interactions skillfully and effectively. The Center also inspires students to pursue their passion for intercultural relations and global peace while serving others

Why Join The Center For Cultural Perspectives :

  • Explore Diverse Career Opportunities: Gain insights into various diverse global & cultural career opportunities

  • Travel abroad to Different Countries: Travel abroad to one of our many partnered schools across the globe.

  • Get Ahead of the Game: Enroll in community college courses allowing you to get a step ahead of other high school students.

  • Engage with Industry Professionals: Benefit from asking questions and learn directly from experts in the field.


La Salle Intercultural Exchange

Students can use their skills, through opportunities to travel globally, host international visitors, study abroad, and participate in service projects or real-life simulations. These abilities are increasingly recognized as essential for achieving global competence and succeeding in today’s interconnected world.


Interested students should follow the procedures below to apply.
  • Submit an application for Intercultural Exchange travel (form)
  • Schedule a 15-minute interview with the Center Director, Ms. Sun, at jsun@lasallehs.org or stop by
    her office

Short Term Abroad Programs

Our Center has already formed strong partnerships with various Lasallian and non-Lasallian schools and programs in different countries starting January 2023. Our partnerships will continue to expand, offering opportunities for our students to develop their curiosity, passion, and skills truly.

  • Spain: Zaragoza & Madrid November 21- December 1st, 2024 (Application Closed)
  • Argentina: Buenos Aires April 17th - 27th, 2025 (Application Open)

Short-Term Host-Families for Visiting Students

Being a host family for visiting exchange students from our partner schools worldwide is a great way to bring intercultural experiences to your home. It also brings opportunities to foster new friendships and lifelong memories.

La Salle College Preparatory encourages our families to join this intercultural adventure by serving host families to welcome our visiting students and share our culture with them. Hosting families will earn La Salle service hours, and host students will be prioritized for travel applications. Currently, host families are not offered stipends or compensation, but In exchange, their host students will be hosted free of charge when visiting a partner school overseas.

Current hosting opportunities 2024-2025

If you want to host a visiting student, please submit your form electronically to Ms. Jialin "Sunny" Sun with the link below. For any questions, please get in touch with Ms. Sun at (626)-696-4389 or jsun@lasallehs.org.

Host Families Sign-Up Form (for Short-term Visiting International Students)

Summer Enrichment/ Study Abroad

Independent study abroad programs allow students to immerse themselves in a new culture, fostering personal growth and enhancing global perspectives. Students can study career-focused programs offering industry-specific insights and practical learning opportunities, equipping them with a deeper understanding of their chosen fields.

The following programs currently provide access to summer study abroad programs in 35 destinations around the globe.

Scholarships for Exchange & Study Abroad

Additional Resources

  • National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)

What Will I Study:

The Center for Cultural Perspectives will introduce students to cultures worldwide, helping them explore the vast diversity beyond the United States. Through a blend of nontraditional learning methods and community college courses, students will gain knowledge in various settings, ensuring that all students can broaden their understanding of multiple viewpoints and methodologies.

Pasadena City College Dual Enrollment Courses:

These courses are free of tuition, and enrollment is open to all grades. Students who complete these courses will earn three college credits that are transferrable to institutions within the UC and CSU system.


  • GLBL 001: Introduction to Global Studies

  • GLBL 002: issues in Global Studies

Global Scholars Pathway

Designed to cultivate essential global competency skills in this program, students will engage in targeted learning experiences to foster cultural awareness, cross-cultural communication, collaboration, and empathy. Additionally, they will develop the ability to navigate and effectively interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

Certificate of Completion Requirements: These requirements cover four primary areas of studies and practices - Academic Studies, Cross-Cultural Experiences, Community Engagement & Services, and Critical Reflections.

1. Completion of two Pasadena City College Global Studies courses taught at LSCP and concurrent world language studies.

2. Participate in a minimum of one outbound exchange (and/or Independent Study Abroad) and one inbound hosting of visiting students.

3. Completion of forty hours of an internship or community service project that includes global competence components (examples below):

  • Volunteer at La Salle or community-organized cultural events.
  • Interning or volunteering at organizations that promote cultures, intercultural, and the development of global competency skills.
  • Active and consistent participation in clubs, activities, or events that aligned with the global competence framework.

4. Share and reflect on global studies and experiences through individual projects or campus activities (examples below)

  • Collaborative work on a project with a student from a global partner school.
  • Active participation in La Salle’s Global Speakers Forum and/or an online global forum.
  • Other approved student-initiated projects that promote cultural studies, competency development, and global citizenship.


Harvard Model Congress

The Center for Cultural Perspectives allows La Salle students to participate in the San Francisco-based Conference (HMCSF), a leading civic engagement conference within the Harvard Model Congress network worldwide. At HMCSF, student participants collaborate directly with Harvard delegates to hone critical skills such as speech, debate, and in-depth analysis of pressing political issues. Through realistic simulations, students engage in debates, author legislation, and navigate complex political landscapes.

Additional Courses & Programs

Any pre-approved studies through outreach programs by various organizations or institutes. (Approval is Subject to Center Director)

Center Director
Jialin Sun

Sun is a long-time language & cultural studies and international exchange program specialist, and her area of expertise is in outreach programs that promote global education. With a Master's degree in Education Leadership and Management, complemented by a unique cross-cultural background, Ms. Sun channels her passion and vast knowledge to create opportunities that enable all members of La Salle’s community to connect with people and cultures through global studies and intercultural exchange. As the Center for Global Initiatives & Cultural Perspectives director, Ms. Sun organizes and oversees all exchange and collaborative programs with Lasallian schools and other partners worldwide. Ms. Sun can be reached at jsun@lasallehs.org.



Prospective La Salle College Preparatory students contact the La Salle Admissions Office at admissions@lasallehs.org for additional information.

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