Thirteen students, led by Dr. Lynn Shelley and accompanied by Dr. Ricki Kantrowitz, traveled to Antigua, Guatemala, during Spring Break to serve the community.
The students were enrolled in unique psychology course in which they learned about cross-cultural psychology and Guatemalan culture, and the differences between service learning and “voluntourism” in the classroom.
During this immersive field experience they worked with and learned from local agencies addressing issues such as housing, clean water, and malnutrition. Students also sponsored and assisted in the building of a home for a family, delivered 12 water filters to families without clean water, worked in a malnutrition center for infants, worked in a residential hospital for individuals unable to pay for their care, and sponsored a protein meal for teens and children.
This experiential education enhanced students’ understanding of psychology and culture, made them better communicators, and provided valuable service to individuals in Guatemala living with the issues discussed in the classroom. This course is modeled, in part, after one in the Department of Nursing in which Dr. Marcia Scanlon brings her students to Antigua, Guatemala to participate in similar activities for Community Nursing.
This is the second time this course has been taught in the Department of Psychology, and given the overwhelming success of both trips, it is hoped the course will continue long into the future.