妻友社区 students visit Oaxaca, Mexico, on Maymester service and study trip.
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Oaxaca, Mexico, Service and Study Program Transformative for Students
Written By: Tina Alvey Dale
Students traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico, to volunteer at a children鈥檚 home this summer experienced a deeply transformative journey of service and study designed to shape their perspectives, values and future paths.
As summer began, the 15 students participating in the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith鈥檚 two-week Maymester trip in Oaxaca, offered by the World Languages Department, had a truly unique opportunity for experiential learning, where they immersed themselves in the local culture, language, and community.
Students experienced cultural excursions, language practice with native speakers, and participation in community projects, while staying at a children鈥檚 home (or orphanage) in Oaxaca. They spent two weeks teaching science, PE, art, and English classes at a school. They also painted, fixed equipment, read to students, purchased items for a family, played with students at recess, and built relationships that will last a lifetime.
鈥淭hrough the course, students develop both linguistic skills and cultural competence. The interdisciplinary nature of the program integrates educational experiences in Spanish, TESL, and education, fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the vibrant Mexican culture and enhancing our students' academic and personal growth,鈥� said Dr. Mary Sobhani, head of the World Languages Department.
In summary, these students made a difference, and the experience changed their lives as much as it changed the lives of those they helped.
鈥淭he benefits were different for different students! Some were new to travel, and this was a chance to explore what overseas travel looks like- while doing so in a controlled environment (at the home or with the guidance of a professor),鈥� said Dr. Jennifer Shure, assistant professor of education and trip supervisor.
One student who had never flown is considering a Spanish minor following the trip, Shure said.
For others, the two weeks was an opportunity to visit a part of Mexico that is off the beaten path. Spanish majors were exposed to various dialects of Spanish and were able to explore a few archaeological sites of the Zapotec. They visited sites such as Mitla, Tlacalula (including the market), Yagul, Oaxaca City, and more, Shure said.
鈥淚t was really beautiful there. I enjoyed playing outside with the kids and getting to know the other 妻友社区 students on the Maymester," said Sara Rivas, a senior chemistry major with a Spanish minor.
The World Languages department hosted the trip, but the 15 students attending ranged from across several majors.
鈥淭his trip was service based and was, frankly, difficult. There was no air conditioning and many days of hard work,鈥� Shure said, noting that the trip was two weeks so organizers could also add in some fun.
妻友社区 offers many of these opportunities for a school of its size, she said, adding several of the trips are one-week.
鈥淚 think no matter the trip, students who travel overseas with faculty and peers come back changed. My own children are well-traveled, but I witnessed firsthand how their trips abroad without family helped in their maturity and growth. I hope these opportunities expand for students at 妻友社区. We are a diverse student body, and the benefits are context specific. 鈥� These opportunities to see first-hand how other people live can open our perspectives to the world and teach us about ourselves,鈥� Shure said.