The 2026 Interdisciplinary Guatemala Service-Learning/Study Abroad Initiative marked the 3rd University service-learning experience in Santa Apolonia, Guatemala, and our largest student group to date. The initiative is led by Heather Barton-Weston, PhD, associate professor of Community Health Education, and Lauren Paul, DNP, MEd, GCNE, RN-BC, associate professor of Nursing.
This year, 10 students representing Community Health Education (CHED), Communication, Psychology, Sustainability, Nutrition and Graphic Design participated in the interdisciplinary global learning experience. Students worked across disciplines to develop and implement health education projects in collaboration with our local partners, Little Angels of Mary, Guatemala's Public Health Division and Guatemala's Municipality Division.
The 2026 projects addressed several community health priorities. Paul led education and activities related to vision testing, while student teams supervised by Barton-Weston developed and delivered education focused on clean water, stress management and coping techniques. Working directly with community members and local organizations allowed students to move beyond the classroom and apply their academic knowledge in a real-world international setting.
The Guatemala program is designed to provide students with meaningful, hands-on global field experience while strengthening their understanding of social and community issues, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural intelligence (CQ) and global perspectives. Through service, education, collaboration, and cultural immersion, students gain practical experience working with individuals from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
Ultimately, the experience prepared students to become more culturally responsive professionals and strengthened their knowledge, communication skills, adaptability, and global competencies necessary to work effectively and compete in an increasingly global workforce.