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Transition to Costa Rica for Semester Students

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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.

A group of students stand in front of a cloudy scene at a volcano in Costa Rica

Immersing in Guatemalan Culture

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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.

This past weekend, our study abroad group had the unique opportunity to stay with families in the community of Santa Anita. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, this group of former soldiers and survivors have traded their guns for coffee beans to become a safe haven for Indigenous families after the war. When the Guatemalan peace accords were signed to mark the end of the civil war, many indigenous families had nowhere to return to. Their lands were either destroyed or given to a new family by the government. A group of ex-guerilla fighters and their families started this coffee plantation and built their new lives on the land. Continue reading “Immersing in Guatemalan Culture” →

Now Hiring: Site Director in Norway

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Augsburg’s Center for Global Education and Experience (CGEE) and our partner institution in Norway, Østfold University College (OUC), are seeking qualified candidates to serve as the Site Director for our newest CGEE location based in Fredrikstad, Norway (learn more about the program: “Social Systems, Sustainability, and Justice in Norway”).

This full-time, year-round role will be a temporary position for three years, with the possibility of renewal into a permanent position after three years. This is a unique opportunity to lead and deliver high-impact educational programs, fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. Continue reading “Now Hiring: Site Director in Norway” →

A Warm Welcome to Derry-Londonderry

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Garrett. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Conflict, Peace, and Transition in Northern Ireland” at our program in Derry-Londonderry.

Since touching down in Northern Ireland at the end of August, it feels as if it’s been nothing but go-go-go! Our wee group of four have been so welcomed by the university, city, and country that is hosting us. Of course, what those welcomers are called is part of what we’re studying here. Just recently our Ulster University campus has been renamed from the Magee Campus to the Derry ~ Londonderry Campus. The city to some is known as Derry. To others as Londonderry. The country is sometimes called Northern Ireland, other times simply the North. We as students have spent the last four weeks learning why. Continue reading “A Warm Welcome to Derry-Londonderry” →

Student Post: First Weeks in Guatemala

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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.

In just two weeks, Guatemala has shocked, intrigued, and challenged me through its history, culture, and community. From the moment I stepped out of the airport, I was struck by the crowds of people with noisemakers, balloons, and excitement to welcome their families home. Continue reading “Student Post: First Weeks in Guatemala” →

Parent Review of CGEE

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Parent Review: Study Abroad to Cuba, with West Chester University & Augsburg CGEE

The following was submitted by parents of a student participant who went on a custom faculty-led program to Cuba in March 2024. 

What an amazing, life changing experience it was for our daughter who participated in CGEE’s 10 day Study Abroad trip to Cuba (March, 2024). Continue reading “Parent Review of CGEE” →

Now Hiring: Resident Assistant (Mexico)

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International Resident Assistant (“IRA”) in Mexico (Fellow), Fellowship Job Description for 2024-2025

Summary of Job Description:  The purpose of this one-year stipend fellowship is to promote a healthy living/learning environment for semester students and participants in short-term educational seminars at Augsburg CGEE in Mexico.  In addition, the primary responsibilities of the fellow are to assist study abroad students (mostly coming from the U.S.A.) with medical and emotional issues and to help them develop intercultural and global competencies, as well as to assist in the operation of all educational programs. The IRA will also be expected to produce social media that can help promote these programs and help with administrative tasks.

Length and dates of this stipend fellowship position: *August 15, 2024 – August 21, 2025 (*The starting and ending dates are slightly flexible.)

Continue reading “Now Hiring: Resident Assistant (Mexico)” →

Embracing New Experiences and Personal Growth

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Jaida. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “New Activisms, Human Rights and Social Justice” that travels to Guatemala and Costa Rica. This semester the itinerary also included a visit to Chiapas, Mexico. 

[Q:] Do you have any advice for the next incoming group of study abroad students?

[A:] My primary advice for the upcoming group of students is Continue reading “Embracing New Experiences and Personal Growth” →

Field Note from Amatlán: Women for Women

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Lorpu, from Augsburg University. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Communication and Media Studies: Migration & Social Change in Mexico”. This is an adaption from an assignment, shared with permission.

 On a Sunday in September, we met with a very confident and knowledgeable lady named Fabiola in Amatlán. She has one daughter and a fun fact about herself was that she is a dancer. Fabiola is a cofounder of the group called Women for Women in the town of Amatlán and other surrounding towns. Before she talked about her group and what they do, the first made a prayer asking the guardian to make everyone comfortable and to be able to understand and take away something from what she was going to tell us. That was interesting to hear.

According to Fabiola, Women for Women is an organized group of indigenous women that came together to unite and talk about their stories, struggles and other things that women go through and create a sisterhood. She said that she has also met with indigenous women from Peru, Ecuador, and the United States. Fabiola talked about how for a while she only saw herself as a woman from Tepoxalin, but travelling and being among different group of women made her realized that she was different. Another interesting thing that she said was that she is not married, and not being married made her work a little easier for her, because she doesn’t have an extra obligation to a man apart from being a mom. She also said that some of the women that she works with are not married neither. She also said that being in their group, she recognized that most the of the women had something in common. The thing that they all had a common was that they have all experienced some form of abuse, sexism, and racism. They had different kinds of violence in different ways. She also said that they don’t hate men even though they have experienced some type of violence from men. She said they are not what you would call “modern day” feminist. She said that they support their men and work beside them to stop violence. She said that their goal is to live free of violence and take full control of their lives.

 

Unraveling Threads: A Reflection on My Theology Journey

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Jaida. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “New Activisms, Human Rights and Social Justice” that travels to Guatemala and Costa Rica. This semester the itinerary also included a visit to Chiapas, Mexico. 

Unraveling Threads: A Reflection on My Theology Journey

waterfalls in longo maiEmbarking on this theology class, I felt like a curious explorer setting foot on uncharted territory. As someone who had never delved into the realm of theology before, I was both excited and apprehensive. Little did I know that this academic journey would unfold into a profound exploration of the intricate relationship between culture and religion. Each class became a thread, weaving together the tapestry of my understanding. The layers of insight gained were not just intellectual, but deeply spiritual, opening my eyes to the profound ways in which beliefs and traditions shape our world.

One of the most captivating revelations of this class was witnessing the organic fusion of culture and religion. Through the daily reflections in my theology of liberation class, I began to recognize the delicate dance between the two. The stories shared here illuminated the way beliefs and practices became interwoven with cultural norms, creating a harmonious blend that echoed through generations. It was fascinating to observe how rituals, traditions, and even language were infused with spiritual significance, forming an inseparable bond between culture and faith for some societies.

What struck me profoundly was the idea of generational imprints within cultures and religions. It became evident how beliefs passed down through generations leave indelible marks, shaping not just individuals but entire communities. This intricate web of intergenerational influence highlighted the enduring power of traditions. In my reflections, I found myself tracing back the origins of certain customs within my own home, connecting the dots between ancient rituals and modern practices. Understanding these interconnected legacies deepened my appreciation for the rich tapestry of human spirituality.

As I reflect on my journey through this class, I find myself inspired to weave my own theological narrative. It’s not merely an academic exercise but a soul-stirring exploration of my beliefs in the context of the broader world. This class has opened my eyes to the beauty of theological diversity and the ways in which our beliefs, when shared and understood, can create bridges between cultures, fostering empathy, respect, and unity.