THINKING OUTSIDE THE ROCKS - STUDY ABROAD AND SERVICE LEARNING IN HAITI

Traveling and working in Haiti is nonlinear and sometimes frustrating, however, compelling learning opportunities await those who are able to successfully navigate its unique complexities. In May and June 2016, I led the first ever study abroad from our university to Haiti. Seven undergraduates, a graduate student, an assistant director, and myself travelled and engaged in “adventure-based” learning for one month in Haiti. Students came with a variety of majors and skills to engage in hands-on, experiential, learning about healthcare, environmental degradation, water resources, deforestation, agriculture, and safe-water interventions.

The first week was spent in Haiti “boot camp”, where we spent the week learning, hiking, observing, and acclimatizing to the mountains of Haiti. Students were exposed to the urban setting of Port au Prince and very remote villages high in the mountains above Port au Prince. During the last three weeks, students experienced the diverse geography and culture of Haiti, traveling from the large capital city of Port-au-Prince to remote towns along the Artibonite River and in the Central Plateau of Haiti. Students engaged in service learning projects related to health, water resources, and education. They utilized their unique skills and experience to teach dance at a Haitian school, observe dental and health practices at a local hospital, teach nursing students about mental health, update data for a local hospital, and collect water samples for bacterial and DNA analysis.

The study abroad program allowed students from all disciplines to contribute their energy and ideas to explore real-world problems in Haiti in a collaborative environment. Although Haiti is known for its complex social, environmental, economic, and cultural issues, the Haitian people show great resilience and optimism in the face of these challenges. The study abroad program provided an opportunity for students to work alongside Haitians, in the context of service learning projects, field trips, and group activities to explore Haiti’s complex issues.