I am glad that Morgan State University offered us the opportunity to experience Global Health in the El Salvadoran free health care system that focuses on prevention. We visited health clinics, offered health screenings to the community and visited a school to talk about nutrition and health care. We also had fun riding the ATVs, hot springs, rainbow slide, and other extreme sports.

I had a great time overall, and the events that were planned were enjoyable and well organized. However, the communication leading up to the trip was a bit off. I did not receive the itinerary or important trip details until just a few days before departure, which made it difficult to prepare. Information for a trip like this should be provided weeks in advance.

Overall, I had an amazing and truly rewarding study abroad experience. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity, as it allowed me to grow academically, culturally, and personally. The clinic days were especially meaningful, and I really enjoyed being able to engage in hands on work within the community. I only wish we had more time to prepare for clinic days and more time overall in the country, as the experience was so impactful that it felt too short. Our host family was very kind and welcoming, which made the experience even more comfortable and memorable. Additionally, Dr. Warren’s communication throughout the trip was excellent she was clear, supportive, and consistently accessible, which helped everything run smoothly. Overall, this experience was incredibly unforgettable, and I am very grateful to have been a part of it.

The trip to Guatemala was my second study abroad experience after traveling to Columbia in June 2025. I am learning Spanish and this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Learning the language helps me to have a deeper insight into the culture and make local friends organically. For example, our truck driver, Frederico greeted me with “Hola.” Then he introduced himself and asked my name and where I was from. I said, “Me llamo Olivia, soy de los Estados Unidos.” Then he asked me how I was doing and I said, “Muy bien,” and he gave me a thumbs up. I felt so proud of myself for being able to communicate. I established a routine to prioritize my wellbeing by sticking to my morning meditation routines which include Reiki (energy healing technique) and Qigong, a moving meditation and a sitting meditation. I also kept a journal to help me to look back on fond memories and to decrease any stress and anxiety. I took one-on-one Spanish lessons at the San Pedro Spanish School with Sen֘ora Selia. I received help with the fundamentals of Spanish such as when to use “ser” (to be) based on the guide D.O.C.T.O.R., when to use “estar” (to be) using the guide P.L.A.C.E., presentations, time and more. I received a certificate at the graduation ceremony. The global health program provides an opportunity for students to learn about global health and the skills necessary to make a difference in other countries by providing community health screenings. We took blood pressure, temperature, weight, height, pulse, glucose and more. I learned how to say, ¿Puedo tomar su temperatura? (Can I take your temperature?). While we were volunteering, a man came up to me and said, “this is a wonderful thing that we were doing by helping his people.” He thanked me several times. To add to this wonderful experience, we visited a honey farm, a chocolate farm, a weaving store, had salsa lessons, and opportunities to participate in activities such as zip lining, horseback riding, canoeing, sunrise trail walk, learn to make tortilla, ride in the tuktuk, jet ski, and ride ATVs. As a bonus, the food was delicious since it was fresh and prepared by hand, even my special dietary request, spinach. Staying with a host family maximized my cultural experience by being able to hear the language every day. They speak three languages, a Mayan language called Tz’utujil (pronounced SU-TU-HEAL), Spanish and English. Sen֘ora Rosalia and her daughters provided breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was a new experience to see the family actually help each other to prepare the food, and then sit down together and talk to each other without cellphones. They had a 62nd birthday celebration for Sen֘ora Rosalia. After she blew out the candles, one of the children pushed her face into the cake. At the end of the week, I wrote a little note to Sen֘ora Rosalia in Spanish with translation help and asked her daughter to read it. I said, “I will miss you and your beautiful family and especially your delicious food. I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.” Sen֘ora Rosalia invited me back and gave me a hug. I teared up as she wished me safe travels and I crossed my fingers. Guatemala was a place rich with cultural history that is still practiced today. The Mayan women still wear their “Corte” skirts, speak their native language, and survive on their handmade crafts passed down from generations. The people leave a lasting impression since they are so kind and generous. I would be more than happy to return to Guatemala anytime.

Very impactful. Very intentionally planned. I would encourage all who could be available to attend.