Iowa Educators' Cultural Immersion Experience

Megan Fiscus Start Date: Nov 15, 2024 - End Date: Mar 14, 2025
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Professional Development
  • Guatemala City, Guatemala
  • Panajachel, Guatemala
  • Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala
  • San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala
  • Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala
  • Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

My Travel Story

by: Megan Fiscus Start Date: Nov 15, 2024 - End Date: Mar 14, 2025
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Professional Development
 Support Iowa Educators on an English Learner Empathy and Immersion Trip to Guatemala!

Four dedicated educators from rural Iowa will embark on a cultural immersion and empathy-building journey to Guatemala from March 15-22, 2025.

This experience will deepen our understanding of the backgrounds, language, and culture of many students and families in our school community who have ties to Guatemala. By fostering empathy and cultural awareness, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for our English Learner (EL) students.

During this one-week trip, we will be immersed in Guatemala’s vibrant culture, history, and education system. Our itinerary includes a visit to local schools where we will experience firsthand what it feels like to learn in an unfamiliar language. This will give us unique insights into the challenges EL students face and inspire us to enhance our teaching practices in ways that better meet their needs. We will also see the instructional styles and materials used in Guatemalan schools.

Our journey includes:
  • visits to Spanish-speaking schools
  • instense Spanish lessons
  • guide and professional development
  • explore Panajachel, Lake Atitlán, and Antigua
  • tours and museums
  • weaving and cooking classes
Why Your Support Matters

This is an immersive experience designed to develop our skills and understanding of the students and families in our community. This is a stepping stone to bridging cultural gaps, building empathy and compassion, and we’ll be better prepared for culturally responsible teaching. To do this, we need your help. The educators are personally responsible for all trip expenses. The time frame is short which eliminates us from many grant opportunities. Contributions will help cover expenses for hotels, transportation, meals, educational workshops, and cultural experiences that make this trip meaningful.

How You Can Help

Please consider donating to support our cultural immersion experience. Your generosity will impact the lives of four educators and extend to the students and families we serve. 

Join us in making a difference for our students, and our community!

See the link below for information on the English Learner Empathy Experience
  • Guatemala City, Guatemala
  • Panajachel, Guatemala
  • Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala
  • San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala
  • Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala
  • Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

More Travel Information

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