The first half of Augsburg’s CGEE New Activism, Human Rights, and Social Justice semester program took place throughout many different places in Guatemala. Our program has been filled with lots of fun and educational excursions. These activities have helped us become more knowledgeable about the Indigenous communities in the country and the struggles that they have prevailed through and continue to face. The program is specifically built in a way where we don’t just learn about the history of Guatemala through books, but through discussions with local community members, activists, artists, and families. Our Spanish classes that took place in the beginning of our program helped contribute to this and allowed us to develop our communication skills with our speakers so we wouldn’t have to purely rely on a translator.

Thanks to so many people willingly taking time out of their days to educate us, we were able to learn and gain an understanding of the historical impact of colonization, as well as how it is still very much alive and deeply rooted in our societies. Due to these deeply touching experiences, we (the students) have been able to incorporate a more decolonized mindset into our day-to-day lives.

It was incredible to hear the different topics each person in our group took away based on their own personal interests and backgrounds. For me personally, as an artist from Los Angeles, I felt such deep emotions when listening to many different Indigenous artists and learning about the importance of their work. Not only are their practices so deeply rooted in culture, such as Mayan Indigenous textiles, but they also use their art to uplift, support, and stand up for their community. It was truly a refreshing look at art as a whole, especially when compared to the elitist construct of art that is often seen in mainstream media. No question went unasked during our time there, and no story will be forgotten.

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As I reflect on the past four months, I am amazed by how close our group has become. While I am excited to take what I’ve learned and return home, I will miss the little community we have built. We were all a bit sad to miss Thanksgiving, so we decided to travel to La Fortuna for the weekend and cook Friendsgiving. It was so refreshing to have time together without the stress of classes, homestays, or anything else. I can say for certain I have made some lifelong friends.

I think the most powerful thing I have experienced on this trip is the humanity behind injustice. In the US, we always learn about these global injustices, but hearing directly from the people affected gives my understanding a whole new perspective. In our final class, we heard from Nicaraguan musicians who had been exiled by the dictatorship for simply speaking up through their music. Stories like these remind us that we are very blessed and privileged to live in a country where we aren’t targeted for speaking on anything we want. Their stories also serve as a warning to use our voices to prevent falling in the same path.

I am incredibly grateful for my time abroad. I feel like I have grown both personally and academically. The experiences and things I have seen in this program I never would have dreamed of experiencing. Studying abroad was the best decision for me, and as I return to my home institution, I look forward to bringing what I have learned into my old spaces.

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October was a month of transition for our group. We’ve spent the last several weeks immersed in Guatemalan culture, lifestyle, and history. On the 11th, we made our switch from Guatemala to Costa Rica. As we begin this next chapter of our journey, we will explore a different spectrum of activism, human rights issues, and cultural landscapes.

Leaving Guatemala, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible resilience we saw in every organization, community leader, and individual we met. Despite a complex and, at times, painful history marked by conflict, these communities stand united, showing us that resistance and community go hand in hand. We participated in discussions about indigenous rights, women’s rights, and the social and environmental impacts of large-scale economic projects on rural communities. The leaders we met were passionate about preserving cultural heritage while also pushing for economic and political reform. Our time in Guatemala was as intense as it was inspiring.

While the country might not have the same recent history of conflict as Guatemala, Costa Rica has its own unique set of challenges and advocacy needs. A major difference I’ve noticed so far is the presence of immigrants, particularly refugees from Nicaragua and El Salvador. This change is not only evident in the cultural landscape but also in the conversations we have about human rights and social injustices. While we learned about how Guatemala’s history of injustice affects its people, here we learn from the perspective of those forced to leave and start a new life. These conversations add a new dimension to our understanding of social justice and human rights.

Our group is ready to dive into a new set of experiences and conversations. The friendships we’ve made and the insights we’ve gained so far are invaluable, and I know Costa Rica will only add to the depth of this journey.

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This past weekend, our study abroad group had the unique opportunity to stay with families in the community of Santa Anita. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, this group of former soldiers and survivors have traded their guns for coffee beans to become a safe haven for Indigenous families after the war. When the Guatemalan peace accords were signed to mark the end of the civil war, many indigenous families had nowhere to return to. Their lands were either destroyed or given to a new family by the government. A group of ex-guerilla fighters and their families started this coffee plantation and built their new lives on the land.

The experience was not just about immersing ourselves in Guatemalan culture but also about understanding the complex histories and struggles of the people. Many of the families we stayed with are descendants of those who fought in the civil war. They shared stories of hardship, resistance, and the ongoing fight for their right to life. For us, it was a reminder of how history continues to shape the present, particularly for those still recovering from conflict.

During our stay, we took a tour of the land, learned the process of making coffee, had special conversations with some of the founders of the community, and learned about the different organizations within the community, such as the women’s organization. The collective model they’ve built is an inspiring example of community-led efforts toward sustaining culture and gaining economic independence.

While I was initially scared of how rural the homestay would be, I found it to be one of the most peaceful weekends I’ve had in Guatemala. The people were so welcoming and warm that I couldn’t help but feel happy and a part of the community. Evenings were spent playing with the children and watching the beautiful landscape change from day to night.

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In just two weeks, Guatemala has shocked, intrigued, and challenged me through its history, culture, and community. From the moment I stepped out of the airport, I was struck by the crowds of people with noisemakers, balloons, and excitement to welcome their families home.

Before arriving in Guatemala, one of my biggest fears was feeling lonely in a new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a different culture. I worried about how I would fit in, if I’d make connections or if the language barriers would isolate me. But those fears quickly faded once I met my group. During our orientation week inside our hostel, we bonded over our shared fears of the amount of travel, our language understanding, and whether we packed the right things. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and there’s this unspoken understanding among us that we’re all in this together. Whether one of us wants to get a coffee or study in a new location, the sense of friendship and community is undeniable.

This past summer, I had an internship in a museum. So, when our first week consisted of visiting several museums throughout the city, I was excited! We visited the Miraflores Museum to learn about ancient Mayan civilization, the “Art, Nature, and Women: Ecofeminist views from Guatemala” exhibit at the Centro Cultural de España, and Casa de la Memoria to learn Guatemala’s history interactivly. My favorite was the ecofeminism exhibit at Centro Cultural de España. I loved seeing how each piece told a story of resistance and beauty. I also enjoyed learning about Guatemala’s history at Casa de la Memoria. The museum featured different rooms telling parts of Guatemala’s history. The rooms felt like I was actually stepping into that part of history. It was such a unique and emotional way of understanding Guatemala. Our time spent in Guatemala City was the perfect start to understanding the history and cultural landscape of the country before entering Spanish school and homestays in Xela. I’m so excited to see where this semester will lead us!

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[Q:] Do you have any advice for the next incoming group of study abroad students?

[A:] My primary advice for the upcoming group of students is to wholeheartedly embrace change and be prepared to navigate through moments of discomfort. While studying abroad offers wonderful experiences, there will be challenging and perhaps daunting times due to its inherent differences. Approaching this journey with the understanding that there will be both positive and challenging aspects makes it easier to navigate.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that change and the accompanying uneasy feelings shouldn’t solely be seen as negative. Instead, view them as opportunities for personal growth. Equipping yourself with the mindset of not only advancing in your career and educational goals but also fostering personal development is key.

Taking this opportunity was an unprecedented experience for me. Having never ventured beyond my home country before, I now find myself having explored four different countries and counting. Admittedly, doubts lingered throughout the entire process, and that’s perfectly normal. Such an endeavor can be intimidating, but with only three weeks left, a profound sense of pride has settled in—an indescribable feeling.

Reflecting on this journey, from leaving the familiarity of home to adapting to a new language, forging new friendships, residing with host families, and indulging in unfamiliar cuisines and activities, every step was initially uncomfortable. However, the discomfort proved to be worthwhile. To those in the next group who may be feeling scared or doubtful, it’s crucial to acknowledge those emotions and question their origins. If possible, try to confront and overcome them.

While you’re here, resist letting fear dictate your decisions. Life is too short to let a single emotion shape your entire experience. Allow yourself to feel every emotion, be present in those moments, because, sooner than you realize, those feelings will evolve, leaving you with a different perspective. My study abroad experience has transformed me; I now harbor new aspirations and plans for the future. Though initially uncomfortable, confronting and embracing these changes proved to be invaluable. I’m grateful I didn’t shy away, and I believe you’ll feel the same.

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Greetings everyone! I’m Jaida, currently in Panajachel, Guatemala, in my third week with the Central America program. Our time here has been filled with numerous educational experiences and enlightening talks, but one particular speaker truly left a lasting impression on me. This week, we journeyed to San Antonio, a quaint town nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlan, to visit Jabel Tinamit, a school dedicated to preserving and promoting Guatemala’s diverse indigenous cultures. Our day included visits to a textile factory, a chocolate factory, a ceramic workshop, a beautiful church, and even a fishery.

The highlight of our day was undoubtedly our conversation with Gregorio Xep, the visionary owner of Jabel Tinamit and the driving force behind the school in San Antonio. Gregorio shared with us the incredible story of how Jabel Tinamit expanded to include a satellite campus and took ownership of the fishery we visited. This fishery isn’t just about raising fish; it’s a scholarship program that Gregorio passionately sponsored to provide new job opportunities for the people of San Antonio.

One of the most profound lessons I gleaned from Gregorio’s talk was the unwavering commitment of his culture to pass down their wisdom to the younger generations, regardless of the obstacles in their path. Gregorio’s dedication to helping his community was evident in his journey. Despite initial challenges, he persisted in his efforts to launch the fishery project, even though the taste of tilapia from the lake was different from that of ocean or regular lake fish. His resilience paid off, as the fishery now boasts an estimated 25,000 fish and sells over 200 every day.

In the face of adversity, Gregorio Xep’s story taught me the power of determination and the profound impact one individual can have on a community. His commitment to preserving indigenous culture and providing opportunities for the youth of San Antonio is an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Our encounter with him was a reminder that meaningful change often begins with a single person’s unwavering dedication to a cause.

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Joseph Connelly, Institutional Relations And Central American Program Manager, and CGEE Central America Alumni, will be co-presenting at NAFSA Region X on “Mission-Oriented Study Abroad: A Practical Approach.” His co-presenter is Matthew Schiesel, Associate Director of Study Abroad And International Fellowships at Siena College in New York.

From the NAFSA Region X conference website, “This interactive session will focus on the impact of creating and mobilizing mission-oriented study abroad programs and office processes. Using Siena College and Augsburg University’s Center for Global Education and Experience as backdrops, this session will introduce participants to mission design and delivery from a provider, institutional and office perspective with a focus on program creation, program reviews, student advising, marketing, and curricular integration.”

Learning Objectives:

• Clarify the importance of “mission” as it relates to study abroad, and strategically identify ways this mission can be represented in program offerings and student engagement
• Define for college leadership how study abroad fits into and fulfills the institution’s mission and goals
• Conduct a review of study abroad programs with a focus on mission and goals, and identify new program opportunities that align with this mindset
• Reflect on key student advising and engagement practices to support one’s mission

Congratulations to Joe on presenting to NAFSA Region X!

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