Julien Herard ’27 didn’t have a dream school that he had his eye on when he looked for his collegiate journey to begin but instead wanted to pursue opportunities where he could focus his interest on environmental justice and how he could help communities facing poverty. At Loyola Marymount University, found he could focus on both things while expanding his global immersion opportunities, from South Africa to Bali and Jamaica to Ghana, Herard found ways to become a global citizen and pursue his passions of helping communities grow.
Herard spent his first summer after attending LMU joining one of the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action (CSA) Alternative Breaks (AB) program; they traveled to South Africa to explore the long-lasting impacts of apartheid and gender violence. “The theme that really stood out to me during this experience was forgiveness,” said Herard. “And even with forgiving those who have caused harm, they can still be held accountable.”
\From there, Herard’s global footprint expanded and he went to Bali, Indonesia, with the Suwandi Foundation, where he helped design frameworks for English education and leadership development. “It wasn’t just about teaching — it was about planting seeds of inspiration and creating opportunities for communities to grow,” he says. As a sophomore, Herard journeyed with LMU Campus Ministry’s Ignacio Companions to Jamaica to work with children with disabilities, reconnecting with his Caribbean roots. “I’m second-generation Jamaican and Haitian, so this trip was deeply personal,” he shares. And last summer, Herard explored African identity and spirituality in Ghana, attending sacred ceremonies and reflecting on the impact of colonization. “It gave me a new appreciation for history and culture — and confirmed my commitment to the community,” he says.
For Herard, he wanted a way to continue becoming a global citizen while pursuing his academics at LMU, so he mixed his studies with co-curricular experiences within LMU’s cultural and international student organizations. And last year, he applied and was accepted to become a member of the Global House, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Located in a house directly off campus, Global House residents work to promote diversity and cultural awareness. They have the opportunity to bring the world beyond LMU to the campus community. Housemates encourage international awareness with an array of events open to all students. OISS moderates the house and accepts applications for residency each spring for the following fall. Both international and domestic students are welcome to apply.
“I applied because I wanted to learn more about different cultures and communities, and to use my resources and abilities to help where they’re needed,” said Herard. “Being a peer advocate and a leader requires cultural understanding, trust, and the energy to create welcoming spaces. I’ve had the chance to explore many different cultural and international student organizations during my time at LMU. Living in Global House gave me the chance to share life with people from diverse backgrounds, explore cultures beyond my own, and discover how we can grow and thrive together as one community.”
Each experience taught Herard the importance of humility and listening. “International education expands your worldview,” he explains. “It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that justice requires understanding the nuances of every community.” His passion for cultural understanding doesn’t stop at travel, it’s central to his leadership on campus. He serves as an Intercultural Facilitator, helping high school students envision their potential. Last year, one of the most memorable experiences was serving as a facilitator at the Intercultural Summit. During the program, facilitators encouraged students to explore difficult topics, from race and identity to bias and societal expectations, while emphasizing the importance of listening, learning, and allowing space for discomfort. He described the challenge of creating space for such conversations, saying, “I think it was learning to just ask questions and not answer them for them. I’m supposed to be facilitating and not be the active person who’s discussing.”
Herard is also deeply involved in organizations like Brothers of Consciousness and the Caribbean and West Indian Students’ Association. This Friday, Nov. 21, the Caribbean and West Indian Students’ Association will be hosting Taste of the Caribbean at 6 p.m. inside LMU’s Global House as part of the programming during International Education Week. Join the Caribbean and West Indian Students’ Association for an evening filled with vibrant Caribbean cuisine, refreshing beverages, and lively music that will lift your spirit. This is more than a meal, it’s a chance to connect, celebrate before the holidays, and experience the warmth of island culture together. Bring your friends, your energy, and yes, your blankets.
For Herard, every trip, every conversation, and every cultural exchange is sacred. “Communities around the world have ways of life centered on family and stability,” Herard says. “International education isn’t just about travel, it’s about responsibility. If we’re going to be an institution that values justice, we need to understand the impact of our actions.” His story is a powerful reminder of what International Education Week celebrates: the courage to step outside your comfort zone, the humility to listen, and the commitment to create a more just and connected world.