Provided by: Dr. Emily Schafer/USC Union/Assistant Professor of Psychology
This past June, Dr. Emily Schafer taught the copiers: PSYC 480: Multi-Cultural Psychology. During the course, 8 Union students had the privilege to travel to the beautiful, developing nation of Guatemala for 10 days.
This study abroad course applied multi-cultural psychology theory and cultural skills studies to gain intercultural exposure and understanding, increase awareness of issues facing the world, increase cultural competence and compassion, develop relevant skills in becoming a more effective and engaged world citizen, increase understanding of the role of craft, dance, literacy, and education in a multiethnic society, and foster effective team work among members of the group. Students were enrolled at Maximo Nivel International Study Abroad Program. They participated in group lessons in cooking, dance, and craft. Students conducted a week long service-learning project, directly teaching and interacting with elementary students at a local public school for children in Antigua. Our students instructed the children in arts, crafts, games, English, and sport.
Students participated in cultural competence discussion, activities, and introspection. They had mandatory cultural competence lectures before travel as well as multiple daily journal prompts to help them actively process the experience as they lived it. They experienced the ancient Mayan culture as well as modern day Guatemala through rich cultural experiences, including Chichicastenango, Mayan churches and cemeteries, Hobbitenango, San Juan, and Santiago. Students also experienced new ecosystems and natural wonders, including boating around the cities of Lake Atitlan, the black sand beach at El Paredon, and hiking the active Pacaya Volcano.
Students have said these unforgettable experiences were life-changing. They will be sharing some of their experiences with University 101 students in the Fall, and may even write a follow up blog post to this one.
We are grateful to USC Union and the Union/Laurens Commission for their support of such unique learning opportunities for our students!
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