Guatemala Study Abroad: A new move for a new year
Photo by Ryan JL Blundon
Tikal was an ancient capital city in Guatemala from A.D. 200-900. Temple #1 reaches up 154 feet. Since 1956 the University of Pennsylvania and the Guatemalan government have been reclaiming this ancient city from the rain forest. Several temples remain buried by rain forest.
On Dec. 26, 2015, a group of 27 MATC students and faculty, Deborah Esparza and Betsy Cerpich, traveled to Antigua, Guatemala. The goal of their trip was to become fully immersed in the language and culture of Guatemala.
For three weeks, students earned MATC Spanish credits by studying one-on-one with seasoned teachers from the Tecun Uman Language Institute, while living with local families, where they were able to practice their Spanish and savor much of the local cuisine. When not in class, students explored Antigua, a charming town of cobblestone streets, quaint colonial buildings and cozy, inviting patios. Cultural excursions were part of class in the afternoon. Students visited Centro Cultural La Azotea, a coffee plantation, the Valhalla Macadamia nut farm, a family-run chocolate business, San Antonio Aguas Caliente, a famous Mayan weaving town, and an amazing climb up Pacaya, an active volcano!
Olivia Licato, Liberal Arts student, brought donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to the small community of Esperanza. She utilized her Spanish speaking skills as she gave a short tutorial about dental health.
On weekends, the group ventured farther into Guatemala. The weekend trip that surpassed all expectations was experiencing the breath-taking beauty of Rio Dulce, which borders the Caribbean, and climbing the awe-inspiring pyramids of Tikal. Lydia Gonwa, MATC student, said, “Guatemala is a magical country that provides a platform for complete strangers to not only become fast friends, but form bonds that are as strong as family.” Walking among these enormous pyramids and savoring the sights and sounds of the jungle left MATC students speechless and inspired!
MATC students did volunteer work at two sites: Casa del Niño, a school that serves under-privileged kids in a poor neighborhood outside of Antigua, and Esperanza, a small town of 28 families basically “forgotten” by the local government, that suffers from poverty and filthy water conditions.
MATC students and faculty with the staff and children from Casa Del Niño after a long day of painting and playing.
At the Casa del Niño, MATC students painted classrooms, helped teachers set up their rooms, played soccer with the children, and helped the kids with craft projects they had brought. MATC photography student Wendi Coon provided “school pictures” for the children and teachers that otherwise would not be able to afford this service.
In Esperanza, students practiced their Spanish while playing with the children and handing out donated clothing and shoes. Part-time teacher Mary Schmitt provided three water filters that will help provide families with clean, economical water. Students are continuing to fundraise in an effort to provide one filter for each family in the town. While students in the group agreed that this was one of the most rewarding days they had ever experienced, and as students returned to Antigua, the minivans were abuzz with how MATC could help more.
Traditionally in San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Guatemala, girls begin weaving by the age of 8. They learn the art from their family and by the time they are ready to marry they have perfected their art. They would spend over 6 months preparing a garment for their future mother-in-law. MATC students, from left to right, Ryan Blundon, Lydia Gonwa, Matt Coyne and Olivia Licato helped to demonstrate a traditional wedding.
As all things must, the MATC Guatemala study abroad tour came to an end. Students enjoyed 21 days of language, culture, adventure, friendship and laughter, not to mention sunshine and warm weather. As the United Airlines plane soared into the sky, the students were plotting their return to a land that had embraced them and had changed them forever. “Hasta pronto Guatemala,” said Connor Peck as he looked down below. “I’ll be back!”
Photo by Wendi Coon
Next year’s Guatemala trip will be Dec. 27, through Jan. 15. For more information, contact Barb Surwillo in the International Education Office, Room M270 (297-8014 or [email protected]) or Deborah Hoem-Esparza in the World Language Department, Room M378 (297-7346 or [email protected]).
