New Activisms, Human Rights and Social Justice

My experience on the program was life changing, heart widening, and eye opening. I loved learning about how different communities have created long lasting change for social justice and better collective futures. The Indigenous, particularly Maya, focus, teachings, and stories was a highlight. This program challenged what I thought I was possible in terms of life paths and ways Maya activism manifests. My experience on this program will stay with me and I wish to be able to relive the experiences I had. The Indigenous teachings, stories, and lessons softened me and has shaped my new wide worldview.

I am so grateful that I found this program. My semester abroad in Guatemala and Costa Rica with CGEE was everything I hoped it would be and more. When considering what I wanted my semester abroad to look like, I knew I didn't want something basic. I wanted to go on an adventure and to expose myself to a greater world. One of the major reasons I chose this program, other than doing something awesome, was to learn Spanish. Having studied French in high school, I had no background Spanish and wanted to develop that skillset from the ground up. Thankfully, that's exactly what happened. My Spanish went from ground zero to basic conversation skills. Highlights of my time in Guate and Costa Rica include participating in a Mayan ceremony on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, visiting a national park on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, exploring the cafes of Quetzaltenango with friends that I plan to hold close for life, and learning from many incredibly impactful organizations and individuals. My time in Guatemala forever changed me and I sincerely hope to return in the future. My experience was the perfect mix of academically engaging and personally fulfilling. I seriously cannot recommend this program enough.

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This study abroad was certainly out of the ordinary for what you would get for a semester abroad. If you’re looking for an authentic experience in countries that are less popular for study abroad, this is for you! This program was incredibly thought-out and well organized and I learned so much that was directly applicable to my studies and work. Please don’t let chatter about safety in Guatemala deter you—I felt safe, even as a woman, and the staff to support you were very prepared about safety concerns. I would recommend this program to anyone willing to experience something unique and that challenges your current ways of thinking. This program is especially applicable to majors in sociology/anthropology, gender studies, Spanish, poli sci, Latin American studies, international relations, race/ethnicity studies, education, journalism and similar things.

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I was honored to participate in this program when it was "Social Change in Central America" in 2016. My experience in the program dramatically improved by Spanish, deepened my understanding of Central American history, and gave me concrete lenses and tools through which I still analyze social movements. While I was on the trip I learned about the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA), which became my movement home. I now live in Guatemala. I would highly recommend this program for young organizers who want to deepen their internationalist practice.

My experience with the CGEE Central America program is one that I always cherish and appreciate, as it affirmed my desire to pursue social justice and gave me the tools to continue onto a career in human rights in Central America. I had been interested more broadly in the idea of “Human Rights in Central America” and “Social Justice” for several years prior to studying abroad with CGEE. As a student at Clark University, in Worcester, MA, I devoted my studies to focus on Central American politics and history, to complement my major in “International Development and Social Change”. I found this program so impactful because it transformed my understanding of “development” and “social change” by pulling me out of the classroom to learn from actual people and communities about their lived experiences and their visions of change for their own communities. After spending years in an institutionalized setting, I appreciated the focus on people first education. It allowed me to strengthen my formalized knowledge on history and politics in Central America but most importantly interact with human beings who lived through what I had read about. By living with host families, I was able to learn and engage in conversations not just in meetings, but every day. These relationships and conversations allowed me to see how US policy adversely affects people and communities and moved me to commit to working to change said policies in my professional career. This experience gave me a better understanding of my own privileges and how to better work for and with communities in the struggle for social justice. While uncomfortable at certain times, the program forced me to look at the role of my “whiteness” and be self critical of how I take up space and how systems of oppression perpetuate these dynamics in social justice spaces. I now try to carry these lessons with me in my work. I recommend this program to everyone and anyone interested in learning about transformative social change in Central America. I especially appreciated the one on one Spanish classes that allowed everyone in the group, all coming from many different Spanish levels, to learn at their own pace, feel challenged, and make significant strides in their language acquisition. Not to mention, the incredible dedication of staff to interpret meetings and make all aspects of the program as accessible as possible. Finally, I built strong bonds and relationships through this program. For example, two of my closest friends came out of this experience. Moreover, several of us from my semester moved on to work in Central American Solidarity and Migrant Justice Organizations, which allows us to coordinate campaigns and continue to work together. I’ve even met CGEE alumni while working in Honduras from other semesters that were also moved by their experiences to do protective human rights accompaniment and human rights advocacy in the region. When considering where to study abroad, I highly recommend the Social Change in Central America program.

Although I don't remember everything I learned sitting in the classroom while abroad, what I remember most are the kind people I interacted and communicated with, the beautiful places I traveled, and the many communities and cultures I learned from, both in Guatemala and Costa Rica. Through reviewing Guatemala's history and Mayan culture, living with host families in indigenous and self-sustained communities, hearing stories from Nicaraguan refugees, and learning about Costa Rica's green plans for the future, I got to see firsthand the ways people in Central America are creating social change. All of this, along with the cherished relationships I formed with program staff and peers, helped to form changes within myself that I didn't expect. I found myself more calm and patient than ever before in my life, and more curious and open to new experiences, places, and people. I am so thankful for this time I had to take a break from the fast pace of US life and dive into a world more intelligent, compassionate, and comforting than I ever would have imagined before this experience. I miss the Guatemalan mountains, runs under the Costa Rican sun, swimming in the Caribbean ocean, and most importantly my abroad "mom," Ruth, and my Costa chicas every day. I would recommend this study abroad opportunity to anyone with a love of Spanish (even if you don't speak it well), an openness to nature and community, and a longing to find a deeper part of yourself you never knew was there. If I had to describe my time in Central America in one word it would be this: wholesome.

I loved going on this program. Everything was very well organized by the staff. The home stays, although they may be difficult, are an important part of the experience. I appreciated only taking one class at a time because it really allowed us to focus our energy on one thing at a time. Although I enjoyed all the guest speakers we had, it often time felt like they were too squished in and not enough time to discuss and process the information personally and with the group. I did like that we had speakers with contrasting opinions, I felt that this added to the depth of my learning and gave me opportunities to see arguments in many directions.

It is seemingly impossible to describe my abroad experience in words. Spending time in Central America broadened my perspective immensely and challenged me emotionally and intellectually. I will take those four months with me for the rest of my life in making an effort to be more mindful and intentional. Sometimes the schedule was grueling and the hours long, but it was an experience I would not give back. This program isn’t meant to be like others. It is meant to take you far out of your comfort zone and make you aware of injustices. Do not hesitate to sign up for this journey!

I did the Central America program and I had a really amazing time. I learned so much about the region and about the people. The classes were really good and it was nice to not have to already know Spanish beforehand.

The entire study abroad program was actually a life changing experience and I’m trying not to sound as cliche as possible. The people, professors, students, and families that I’ve encountered here have really made a big impact on me as well as the places we visited. This program really opened my eyes to what the realities really are in this world and I’m thankful for it.

Overall, a great experience and the administration and coordinators adapted well to the changing political/social climate in Central America. I always felt safe and loved constantly interacting with community members and the multiple homestays.

This program changed me in more ways than I imagine, and I know that's cliché to say, but it's true. I learned about everything from the language to what my role is as a human being is on this earth. The lessons I learned are invaluable.

This program legitimately changed my life. I loved it and it completely changed my worldview and opened my eyes to so many different issues and realities, while still having an amazing time travelling and making lifelong friends.

I absolutely loved my experience in Central America. I learned so much about myself and how small I am in this huge world of ours that I never would have been able to learn in a classroom at Augsburg. I’m so thankful for the experiences and relationships I’ve gained and can’t believe how quickly this semester has flown by. Time flies when you’re having fun (:

I enjoyed this program immensely. I cannot wait to share what I have learned in Central America with my friends and family back home! This has been one of the most influential experiences of my life thus far.

My study abroad experience overpassed the expectations I had when I signed up. Until further reflection I realized I learned a great amount of material in each country with the short amount of time to complete a semester's worth of work. With the immersion within the communities and the presentations by the speakers, I have a good understanding on how the Central American society functions, its beauty, and its needs. I believe that my education and safety was the main priority of out administration. I believe the Nicaraguan CGEE staff handled well our safety while the uprising occurred. With the limited amount of time they were able to evacuate us and successfully help us arrive to our homes. Through the journey, they helped us understand the precautions we should take as we explore our new environments and how to adequately perform in the spaces we where present at. Participating in this study abroad program has been one of the best decision I have taken during my undergraduate career and has given me the chance to understand different perspectives and lifestyles.

This is an experience that I will never regret. One of the best decisions of my life. I learned so much and met amazing people that I will never forget. I heard so many people say that studying abroad is something a person will never regret and I am glad that got the opportunity to do just that.

Overall, I really enjoyed my semester. I loved Xela as a place, and I hope to spend more time there. I appreciated my one-on-one Spanish classes because that is a unique, privileged experience many people won't have, even when they're studying abroad. I loved learning about the politics of Nicaragua, which is something I have not learned about in my classes. This program is also unique because we go to three countries: Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. We get to see many different places in those three countries, from small rural towns to large urban cities. The program allows us to confront and challenge our own preconceived notions of what Central America looks like. I do wish we had more activities in Spanish because I felt like I lost some of my Spanish as the semester progressed. It is definitely possible to maintain your Spanish, and I did to a certain extent, you just have to be more proactive about it and go out of your way to chat with your host family, speak to peers in Spanish, etc.

This program forces you to be better, to think outside of the normal structural standards that you normally would. After coming back, I felt that I had grown a considerable amount in knowledge and personality. A wise woman once told me "sometimes it's good to just feel and experience and live your life without thinking so much about the impact but rather the moment and how certain people and experiences make you feel".

It is obvious that the administrators of this program really care about their students, academically and personally. This is an immersive experience, focusing on learning from and with communities and I certainly have done that and I am better for it. At many times this program was difficult, but I had the support I needed to be successful. I am going back to my home university with new knowledge and a new perspective on what learning can be.

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