CGEE

As a first-generation, Mexican American college student, I had the opportunity to challenge myself, academically and personally, in a place I never been. I do not regret this decision at all. I took every opportunity that I was presented with; social media ambassador, internship at a human rights commission, and most importantly, building relationships.

I I initially went to study abroad to expand my knowledge and immerse myself in a Spanish-speaking culture to increase my development and support my future desires to work in social work specifically advocating for Latino Americans struggling in the US that go against social systems that continue to oppress the Latino community. My experience during my study abroad program turned out to be way more than that. The people I met both my peers, and the staff completely changed my outlook on life and social work in general, pushing me to strive for myself academically, socially, and culturally. I am forever grateful for the experience I encountered during my study abroad program in Mexico with all of our speakers I had the honor of hearing their stories and their struggles and their achievements throughout their life, dealing with various types of discrimination. The encouragement I received from the study abroad staff helped me tremendously throughout various personal struggles, especially it being my first time living away from home I could not be more grateful for what this program taught me in the person it taught me to become, and I am still becoming in my Host family will forever be close to my heart and it feels like I have a home wherever I go, and if I could, I would do it all over again

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.

It is hard to write a short review for my time in Mexico because of how big of an experience it was-- not only because of how much I learned from professors and community members alike, but also from the sheer amount of fun and changes in perspective I was able to have in the short 4 months. Before I left for this study abroad experience I was terrified; I didn't know the language, or anyone else who was going, I had no frame of reference for what it was going to be like, and I was afraid that I would be so out of my comfort zone that I wouldn't have any fun. However, I felt right at home within the space that the professors and staff of Augsburg have worked so hard to create in order to make every student feel safe and welcome. There is a great emphasis on community and care for one another which can be felt through every aspect of this experience. Of course it was challenging at times, but the challenges were incredibly rewarding and allowed me to learn more about myself, others, and the world than I ever could have hoped (along with the help of my peers, who are now life long friends). I feel so lucky to have been a part of this program and hope that more students will take the leap and allow themselves to be cared for, inspired, and taught by everyone who works hard to make this such a special opportunity.

My semester in Cuernavaca, Mexico was an experience that pushed me far beyond simply studying in another country. Through my Social Work in a Latin American Perspective program, I learned in the classroom while also spending time in the community, engaging with people and organizations, practicing Spanish, and learning about social issues through a Latin American lens. I was expected to be open-minded, reflective, and willing to sit with the discomfort of not always understanding everything right away, and that became one of the most valuable parts of the experience. What made Cuernavaca so meaningful were the everyday moments: navigating a new city, communicating across language and cultural differences, listening to people's experiences, and learning from communities rather than assuming I already knew their stories. There were definitely moments when I felt uncomfortable or unsure, but those moments taught me courage. The people I met taught me compassion, and the relationships I built reminded me of the importance of connection. I came to Mexico wanting to learn about social work in a different context, but I left with a deeper understanding of myself and the kind of social worker I hope to become. Studying abroad reminded me that cultural humility means being willing to listen before speaking, to learn before judging, and to recognize that my way of seeing the world is not the only way. It was not always an easy experience, but it was an amazing one, and I know I will carry the lessons, relationships, and perspective I gained in Cuernavaca with me long after leaving Mexico.

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 difficult for me to summarize the entire semester for there were several individually unique factors that require analysis in their own respects. However, all these factors accumulated together leads me to overall love this program. This semester has done some much and now means so much more to me than I would have ever imagined. I'd give the overall trip experience a 9/10. I would recommend anyone, of any background or degree, to go on this trip. It will help you understand humanity better and therefore hopefully plant a suitable seed inside of you that will grow towards living in and for love rather than hate.

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!

Overall, CGEE Southern Africa is a very rewarding experience. I especially appreciated the number of trips incorporated into the program, including stays in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Elundini, Ludertiz, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, etc. We also had a total of three homestays, which helped us better understand the local culture. This was appreciated, especially because it can be hard to meet locals when our program is just US students. I hope that in the future there is more collaboration with UNAM so that CGEE students find it easier to make friends with Namibian university students. The majority of the program is spent in a single house in Windhoek, which can at times feel very isolating from the rest of the community. It is also worth noting that Windhoek is not a very large city and many places (besides bars) close early (as in before or at 5pm) so fellow students and I sometimes had trouble finding things to do for fun. Windhoek also has its share of criminal activity, even on the street that the CGEE house is on, so it is worth keeping that in mind when selecting a program. The professors at CGEE are all very wise and passionate about what they do, and will do anything they can to help you succeed. Classes have a lot of speakers and field trips, so I was never bored. Assignments are not especially academically challenging. Overall I had a life changing experience with CGEE, and would recommend the program to most anyone.

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.

This program needs some changes, but overall I would recommend it. I loved living in Cuernavaca, there are lots of cafes, restaurants, bars, museums, galleries, stores, and gardens to go to. It's also very easy to get to Mexico City from Cuernavaca which I loved. We had lots of great speakers and excursions. The program is very academically heavy for a study abroad program, and some of the students in the program were very cliquey and closed off to meeting new people, which I think is important to know for students coming from schools on their own.

Overall, I thought the program was good! Not much time is spent in classes, but there are a lot of mandatory talks and activities outside of classwork. A lot really good speakers that show non-dominant voices that are often not heard

I came to Cuernavaca in order to grow and this experience has definitely done that for me especially through very difficult experiences. I have learned and experienced things here that will always stay with me and I am grateful for that. I will say my mental health was definitely impacted by the demands of this program. There is no balance between school work, excursions, class and all of our other requirements while still being able to get enough sleep and feel well enough to even attend our sessions. I wish there was more of a focus on the well-being of students. I also wish we heard more from Afro-Mexicans.

I overall hard I very great experience in Cuernavaca. The main issues that I had while studying abroad was with students and staff. There were a lot of students and staff that weren't culturally aware.

I loved my time here in Mexico, being able to continue my major without getting behind, continuing Spanish as well as having the opportunity for an internship. Among all of this we had the opportunity to be immersed in the culture of Cuernavaca and live with incredible families from Cuernavaca. Its a program with A LOT of opportunity.

This program offers perspectives on Mexico from a narrow lense. I learned a lot and experienced many things. What I enjoyed most is the home stay where I created a meaningful relationship with a family here in Mexico. It is hard to say if I would recommend this program, I think you need to be a very specific type of person. I was able to meet all my credit requirements and not lose time towards graduation which is very beneficial. Additionally, my Spanish has improved significantly, there is nothing like diving in and learning, classrooms just don't cut it.

Cuernavaca is a lovely city. Close to Mexico City, Puebla, and other interesting places including lots of ancient sites and great museums. The host families in this program are incredible and the excursions are wonderful experiences. You get to see a lot of Mexico for a very cheap budget. The classes are okay, but didn't always hold my attention, which was fine for me because my primary focus was on being in Mexico. I made a lot of Mexican friends through the exchange we have with another university program and my friends were excellent guides and mentors. I improved my Spanish a LOT, but you can easily not improve at all if you choose to only hang out with the other US students and not challenge yourself to go out and speak with people in Spanish. The program staff is very disorganized which makes it hard for them to have the time and energy to support you entirely, but they try really hard and are open to feedback and have lots of potential for improvement.