Before they departed on the College’s first International Field Studies (IFS) trips to Guatemala through the Be World Ready (BWR) program this winter, students gained a snapshot of what to expect from a fellow student.
Jorge Dubon, who is in his first year of the Exercise Science for Health and Performance program, became interested in sharing his experience and cultural roots with students after he heard that his professor Jennifer Roue was leading an IFS trip Guatemala during mid-term break.
Two BWR IFS trips will be travelling to Guatemala this February 22 to February 29.
One IFS trip will focus on rights and resistance; students will be challenged to think about peace and reconciliation, law and order, human rights, resistance, and the struggle for justice.
The other IFS trip, in cooperation with Operation Groundswell, will focus on healthcare and service. Immersed in the complex world of healthcare in Guatemala’s western highlands, students will visit big city hospitals and small rural clinics to learn about the healthcare system alongside a local practitioner.
Dubon gave presentations at Meet and Greet sessions for both IFS trips in December. He highlighted the expectations and understanding of Guatemalan people, and culture from his perspective, and shared his personal photos with the groups.
He provided a first-hand account of his experiences both as a Guatemalan and as someone who has travelled to the country five times since he moved to Canada at the age of 13. He wanted to help alleviate the culture shock they might experience travelling to a new country and prepare their mindsets, to help them make the most of their experience abroad and to become better immersed in the culture.
“I wanted to help make their transition easier by sharing the experiences I’ve had,” said Dubon.
Throughout the sessions, students asked Dubon a wide range of questions on topics from culture and food, to communication styles.
Dubon was also able to share some of his industry experiences, which was particularly valuable to students who will be immersed in healthcare settings while in Guatemala.
Prior to enrolling at NC, Dubon completed an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, which led him to work his placement hours at a hospital in Guatemala. He spoke about how the experience allowed him to grow professionally and personally, as he learned to overcome language barriers, which he explained is a crucial skill in the medical field.
To Dubon, participating at the Meet and Greet sessions was mutually beneficial as it allowed him to connect with his cultural roots. He noted that his parents were happy to hear that he was able to share his cultural roots with his fellow NC community.
“I believe this IFS trip will expose NC students to Guatemalan culture as well as culture in general,” said Dubon. “Even though they will be interacting with people from a different country and culture, we are all the same.”
“This was such an invaluable and incredible opportunity for Be World Ready International Field Study participants who will be travelling to Guatemala,” shared Maxine Semple, NC’s cultural and global engagement manager. “Participants were privileged to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and expectations from someone who has lived both perspectives as a Guatemalan and as a Canadian travelling to Guatemala.
“Additionally, it is another great example of the culturally diverse learning environments we have here at Niagara College Canada and how it continues to be a benefit to students.”
For more information about NC’s Be World Ready program, please visit: beworldready.ca/
