SIUE SEHHB Students Experience Cultural Immersion
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s students experienced hands-on learning on a global expedition to El Salvador. The long-awaited trip, delayed due to COVID-19, was a dream come true for attending faculty and students.
“My first visit to El Salvador and the UGB campuses was in Fall 2018,” said Barbara O’Donnell, EdD, professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) Department of Teaching and Learning. “It was then that I realized that creating a student exchange program would benefit both SIUE and UGB students. I felt that they needed to experience the cultural practices, beliefs, and history of these welcoming people, and in the process, dispel myths and misconceptions.”
“As a Spanish major, I have always dreamt of having the opportunity to go to a Spanish speaking country and experience everything that I have learned first-hand,” said Gage Peek, a senior from Collinsville. “Once I complete my degree, I will be able to travel to different countries to teach English as a second language. This incomparable experience showed me that this is something that I would love to do in the future, and I am forever grateful to have been a part of it.”
Participants visited all three campuses of UGB and engaged with UGB’s students as they learned about El Salvador’s rich history, culture, and cuisine.
“During our three weeks in San Miguel and Usulután, our hosts provided valuable educational experiences for our students,” said O’Donnell. “They held festivals highlighting the regions of El Salvador and international locations. We attended university courses and worked with students learning English. UGB escorted us to the university farm, museums, historic locations, formerly inhabited by the Mayan and Toltec peoples, tourist locations on the Pacific Ocean, and a mountain village to enjoy the best coffees they have to offer. They also escorted us to local schools of various grade levels, and we co-taught with UGB teacher candidates and faculty.”
“The teachers down there do not have a lot of resources like we do in the states, so it is a breath of fresh air when it comes to creativity in the classroom.” Peek added.
This partnership and opportunity to learn from one another’s cultures is set to continue in fall 2022 when SIUE will welcome English majors from UGB, with hopes that the exchange with UGB will continue for many years to come.
Photos: SIUE students explore the terrain of El Salvador.
Senior Spanish major Gage Peek helps a local student with their schoolwork.
