 The
Spanish language school participates in a variety of social projects,
and uses its contacts with national and international agencies
and universities world-wide to place interns in specific fields
to carry out supervised internships. Through internships, foreign
students gain insight into the social issues and problems facing
Guatemala and help to contribute to their solutions, and at the
same time gain valuable educational and professional experience.
The programs that the Spanish school supports are in turn enhanced
by the abilities, energy, and goodwill that interns bring. "I spent the summer of 1999 working with
the "Cooperativa de Mujeres Xelabaj", which is run out
of the basement of the Spanish language school. It was an incredible
learning experience that I will never forget. Being able to work
closely with the community and learn about their lives and culture
is indeed a unique experience. On my last day the cooperative
gave me a "Going Away Party" in which they thanked me
for my hard work and interest. I returned the compliments with
thanks as well, as I truly believe that I learned more from them
than they did from me."
Heather A. Garvie
Graduate Student, George Washington University
"Working with the women's cooperative I
have found myself challenged on a daily basis. For each day is
a new experience; as the indigenous women and I learn from each
other, we grow together."
Monique Yolanda Schumacher
New Jersey |
