Dr. Steigenga comments: “In general terms, I wanted students to understand the reasons for and impact of immigration in both sending communities in Guatemala and receiving communities in South Florida and elsewhere in the U.S. From the beginning, I wanted to frame the course as interdisciplinary and co-taught with Central American academics. My hope was that students would come to understand migration as more than just a policy issue—and to understand the multiple and complex personal connections that motivate migration, establish networks, and tie together communities that cross borders.”
The program was far more than an academic exercise.  “I wanted the students to have fun and enjoy the adventure of learning about a new country. I fell in love with Antigua (and Guatemala in general) when I was an undergraduate and I wanted to give my students the chance to have the same adventure. Getting to know your Guatemalan teachers, fellow students, host families, and neighbors in Antigua is one of the most important aspects of the program. For many students this was the first trip outside of the country and their first experience with immersion in another language.”

Kristina Klaas, a junior pursuing a concentration in International Studies with a minor in Spanish, was extremely positive about her experience.  “The best part of the trip was being immersed in a completely different culture.  I loved the weather, environment, food, culture, language, and all of the aspects that encompass Guatemala.  It is difficult to choose the best part as we went on many different excursions, such as visiting Tikal, that provided new encounters (like doing a zip line tour through the jungle)...One of the most challenging parts was climbing up Volcán Picaya: a grueling climb up the steep mountain through changing atmospheric pressures.  Nonetheless, it was one of the most rewarding experiences due to the beautiful and panoramic scenery [and] the rare experience of climbing to the peak of a volcano and running away from the flowing lava.”

Brendon Parsons, a senior with a concentration in Chemistry, stayed in Guatemala for an additional 5 weeks, during which he interned with a coffee farm and museum, Finca la Azotea. “The best part was living in Antigua, getting to go to many local businesses, and getting to know the owners and employees, and communicate with them in Spanish.  One of the most rewarding experiences was shortly before I left, when I showed a couple of tourists (new to Antigua) around the city, and at every business, people knew me.”

Dr. Steigenga concluded by saying, “Honors College students are a resilient bunch and I like to think that trips like this enhance our ability to see the world from different perspectives, appreciate the richness of other cultures, and overcome our own preconceptions about others and ourselves.” The Guatemala study abroad program will be offered again during the summer of 2011.

Byline: Tamara Howard