International Service Trip: Destination Guatemala!
"I benefit greatly from the experience... I see the generosity of our students and then the benefits of that contributing to the well-being of the villagers. It's good to be in a position where I see the blessings on both sides."
Dr. Steven Bridge
Professor of Theology
“The experience I had was unforgettable and I was grateful to take part in it. I made friendship with those in extreme poverty and helped provide safe drinking water for three families.”
Sarah Gordon ’11, sociology
For five years in a row, students, faculty and staff from Saint Joseph's College have volunteered in small Mayan villages in Guatemala between the fall and winter semesters. Working in conjunction with Partners in Development, they provide medical aid, help to build basic cinderblock homes, distribute hundreds of pounds of donated items and enjoy playing with the children of the village.
This year, 22 students, two faculty members and the campus social justice coordinator traveled to offer their help in the second-poorest country in North America. Nursing students worked at health clinics in Zunolito and Concepcion, while another student team helped to construct homes (lots of digging and removing rocks!) in Concepcion. Everyone bonded with the village children, who tend to follow the volunteers everywhere they go. The week also included sightseeing to the Mayan ruins, the colonial capital of Antigua, and to Panajachel, a scenic village nestled on the shore of beautiful Lake Atitlan.
