Two separate teams of health science students are in Guatemala over Spring Break this year. One team consists of nursing and pharmacy students. The other includes OT and PT students. Both team are writing about their experiences.
Team Nursing/Pharmacy
from Gabi Okoniewski, Danielle Marshall
& Tori Powers
A week ago, none of us knew what exactly we were getting into as we traveled to Antigua, Guatemala. Now a week later, our expectations of this trip have been far exceeded and our perspectives have changed. Not only have we learned about the culture here in Antigua, but we have also learned more about our own culture in America. Collaborating with the different professions this week has given us all a greater appreciation for the different disciplines in the healthcare field. This was a great experience that could not be matched by any other.
Top reasons why YOU should come on the Guatemala Spring Break Immersion Trip
-There is 75 degree weather everyday and there are NO mosquitos!
-The creation of new friendships.
-Cultural compentance within the city.
-Having the ability to interact with the kids at both the coffee plantation school and the God’s Children School.
-Fresh coffee. Everyday. Everywhere.
-New found respect for coffee and the process of making it with experincing the actual picking of the beans.
-Las Fruitas es muy bueno!
-Finally figuring out and understanding what other occupations like Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, and Communications actually are.
-Experiencing and learning about a new culture by being placed right in the center of it all.
-The beauty of Antigua and all the history that comes with the city.
-Having an active volcano always within eyesight no matter where you are.
-The realization of how blessed we really are from where we come from. Gives us a new perspective on our own schooling, health, homes, and families.
-In the United States we have readily availabe medical help and care consistantly at all times. There are many barriers in Guatemala that prevent the residents here to acquire quality healthcare.
-The trip to pharmaceutical plant was an amazing experience that one should see. It was interesting to see the protocols in place to reach the highest standard of quality.
-US embassy trip shined a lot of new light on the reality of international travel and how it can be an amazing trip but also how to be aware of all information that happens in the area being traveled to. The speaker also directed us to the U.S. embassy website for important up to date information about Guatemala. This website will be beneficial to all future trips for us and also good for YOU when you decide to apply for the Guatemala Spring Break Immersion Trip!!!