During spring break, I participated in the International Engagement in Mexico (IEM) program in Huatulco, Mexico. The program is an exciting, meaningful study abroad program that takes place during spring semester with one week on-site in Mexico over spring break. We got to engage in an array of life changing experiences while in Mexico including volunteering with agencies that assist children, youth and family, senior citizen and/or special needs populations. Before going on the program, I was expecting to feel completely left out when it came to being with my group because I felt like I would not be able to relate to the locals, however that was not the case.

Mexico is an astonishing country. Every region is diverse with its own food, clothing, dialects, traditions,dance and Indigenous people. You could visit one area of Mexico and then visit another and experience something totally unique. The Huatulco area gives a beautiful glimpse into this rich heritage, while also providing beach vibes and access to a nature-lovers utopia. Huatulco is home to nine major bays, many of which are protected and cared for by Indigenous tribes. Each bay is stunning and located in different areas around town. They are surrounded by beautiful beaches, and sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and surfing are popular activities to enjoy. Our hotel was right near Santa Cruz Bay. It’s one of the most popular areas of Huatulco, and we were near lots of stores, shopping, cafes, and great beaches.

I highly enjoyed the service-learning program to Huatulco. During the program I was incorporating meaningful volunteer service with a focused learning objective. The work was absolutely reciprocal, we became partners with the community you are serving. We were able to create meaningful change while learning, growing, and becoming more aware of our global citizenship, working toward the public good. We have gained invaluable experience in fostering cross-cultural sensitivity and in promoting social development on a community level. This experience definitely influenced my worldview and has helped me understand what I want to do in the future regarding my career. I have a new understanding of a different culture and I can use this in the future when it comes to interacting with and treating patients.

Due to the increasing diversity of our world and the intermixing of different cultures, the importance of cultural competence in the professional world has become more important. I believe as someone who interacts with different cultures daily, active participation in order to learn about a patient's or client's personal, cultural experiences is necessary. I’ve learned that it's important to be okay with not knowing everything, self-evaluation and learning about other cultures is a lifelong process.

Name: Toriona Day
Status: Junior
Majors: Physiology and Psychology
Hometown: Muskegon, Michigan
Program: International Engagement in Mexico – Huatulco