Experiential Learning

by Hadlee Sanders

At Delone Catholic High School, opportunities to participate in experiential learning are abundant and a unique opportunity was offered this year to upper level Spanish classes: a trip to Guatemala over the summer through an organization called Faces & Our Cultures.

Guatemala is south of Mexico and part of Central America. It has many historical Spanish-style buildings that serve as a reminder of the culture. It also serves as a tourist destination.

As such, this would provide a perfect opportunity for students to learn more about the Spanish culture as well as a fun trip for those who may not get to travel often. It would also provide an interesting journey outside of the United States.

Students have to go through a careful selection process in order to ensure their success in the study abroad experience.

Three students will be taking advantage of the trip and a rare opportunity: rising seniors Ava Bunch and Emily Ryan, and rising sophomore Giovanna Jiang.

Bunch stated that she has never traveled outside of the United States.

“I am very excited to go. It’s far away and I imagine it will be different from the U.S. and I always like to try new things,” Bunch explained.

Despite the fact that many might be cautious of international travel, many students like Bunch are happy to be provided with such an opportunity to be a “Cultural Ambassador.” The students will be hosted by Guatemalan families in their homes for the duration of students’ stay.

Many families will also act as tourist guides for the students and will allow them to learn more about the Spanish culture as well as improving their Spanish language skills.

Because school sessions are often the opposite of American schools, the students will also be attending a bilingual school which will, once again, help them learn and improve their Spanish speaking and acclimation into the culture

Delone Catholic has hosted students through the same program in the past. Most recently, German Aguilar, who was from Guatemala, stayed with Alexander family for almost two months at the beginning of the school year.

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