Knowledge, Growth, and Perspectives

Amanda Kuszak Major Work: Social Work Health & Permaculture in Guatemala, Spring Break The beauty of Guatemala had been surreal, to say the least. Geographically the country is breathtaking and culturally it is friendly and generous. I had been taken back by the warm welcome our group received in each city we visited. Every person…

The Last Day in Guatemala

Ruth Meyers Major: Social Work Interpersonal Management Health & Premaculture in Guatemala Our final hours in eternal spring – we woke up in Antigua and had breakfast at Cafe Fernando, named after the cat.  It was one more place with wonderful food, friendly people, and beautiful views – in this case the views were in…

Guatellamas 2019: An Occupational Therapy Student’s Reflections on the Guatemalan Experience

Dana Schrader Major: Occupational Therapy Health & Permaculture in Guatemala This study abroad has been an absolutely wonderful experience, full of rich spirit and culture that comprises Guatemala. I am humbled by this opportunity and by the many people who have greeted us on the street, worked alongside us, and welcomed us into their homes….

Guatellamas 2019: Communicating with the Locals

Dana Schrader Major: Occupational Therapy Health & Permaculture in Guatemala Thus far in the trip, we have had many opportunities to communicate with the locals. Just walking down the street, it is custom to greet any person you see with a “Buenos Días” (good morning), a smile, or a wave. While driving, people generally honk…

Guatellamas2019: A Rich and Beautiful Place

Amanda Kuszak Major: Social Work Health & Permaculture in Guatemala Bright colors, the sound of the marimba, the beauty of the mountains, the richness of the foods, the friendliness of the people… these are a few of the wonders I’ve experienced this week in Guatemala. The beauty of this country is beyond words, though I’ll…

Guatellamas2019 Day 5: Puppets, Panajachel, and Pena Blanca

Brooke Doherty Major: Social Work: Clinical Social Work (MSW) Health & Permaculture in Guatemala Today was a great day for education in health and human services as well as in the area of permaculture. First, the class toured one of the schools for SLT scholars and learned more about what their education looks like, later…

Guatellamas2019 Day 2-4: ADLs, Efficient Living, and Mayan Nawhali

Lauren Koch Major: Interdisciplinary Health Services: Occupational Therapy Health & Permaculture in Guatemala Our second day in Guatemala began with sunshine and a fresh breakfast of taro hash browns, eggs, spinach, and tortillas. Following breakfast we trekked to Atitlan Organics where the group worked with Ricardo, Shad, and Neil to dig holes and plant avocado…

Guatellamas2019: Bring on the Bug Bites

Dana Schrader Major: Occupational Therapy Health & Permaculture in Guatemala The Journey Begins: As a graduate student, sometimes life tends to pile extra layers over the last layer of life. Sometimes, the next thing you know, you’ve planned a study abroad trip over spring break and all of a sudden you realize you’re only a…

Guatellamas2019 Day 1: The First 24 Hours in Guatemala

Kayla James Major: Social Work Health & Permaculture in Guatemala So today it’s finally here, I’ve been nervous all day just because I’ve never been out of the country before. I wasn’t sure what to pack or what was too much to bring now that it’s time I just picked what was necessary so I…

Something That’s Important to us All

Hilary Johnson MSW/SPADA Community Health and Permaculture in Guatemala, Spring Break 2017 My experience traveling to Guatemala last spring was an experience I will never forget. One of my favorite parts of the trip was spending time at the Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute. The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (Instituto Mesoamericano de Permacultura – IMAP) is a non-profit…

Guatemala 2018: The Final Day

Lauren Brya Social Work and Nonprofit Leadership Majors Community Health and Permaculture in Guatemala, Spring break 2018 Alas, the final day of our trip has come to a close. As the sun situated itself in the sky we ate our last breakfast in Panajachel and lugged our suitcases to be piled up on the top…

Guatemala 2018: The Power of Doing Good

Dana Schmalzel Occupational Therapy (Graduate) Major Community Health and Permaculture in Guatemala (Faculty-led), Spring Break 2018 We started our first full day in Panajachel with breakfast at our hotel. We then walked to Mayan Families to start our day of service. Mayan Families is a non-profit organization that works with several small communities around Lake…