This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Kaela. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “New Activisms, Human Rights and Social Justice” that travels to Guatemala and Costa Rica.
October was a month of transition for our group. We’ve spent the last several weeks immersed in Guatemalan culture, lifestyle, and history. On the 11th, we made our switch from Guatemala to Costa Rica. As we begin this next chapter of our journey, we will explore a different spectrum of activism, human rights issues, and cultural landscapes.
Leaving Guatemala, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible resilience we saw in every organization, community leader, and individual we met. Despite a complex and, at times, painful history marked by conflict, these communities stand united, showing us that resistance and community go hand in hand. We participated in discussions about indigenous rights, women’s rights, and the social and environmental impacts of large-scale economic projects on rural communities. The leaders we met were passionate about preserving cultural heritage while also pushing for economic and political reform. Our time in Guatemala was as intense as it was inspiring.
While the country might not have the same recent history of conflict as Guatemala, Costa Rica has its own unique set of challenges and advocacy needs. A major difference I’ve noticed so far is the presence of immigrants, particularly refugees from Nicaragua and El Salvador. This change is not only evident in the cultural landscape but also in the conversations we have about human rights and social injustices. While we learned about how Guatemala’s history of injustice affects its people, here we learn from the perspective of those forced to leave and start a new life. These conversations add a new dimension to our understanding of social justice and human rights.
Our group is ready to dive into a new set of experiences and conversations. The friendships we’ve made and the insights we’ve gained so far are invaluable, and I know Costa Rica will only add to the depth of this journey.
