Study Abroad Trip to Guatemala Offers Life-Changing Experience for Nursing Students
12/10/2025
By Brett Buckner
When Ivore’ White learned that the School of Nursing was offering a study abroad trip to Antigua, Guatemala, next summer, the 25-year-old Jacksonville State University senior felt uniquely called to participate. White was one of the first 17 students to sign up.
“My faith plays an important role in my life, and I live by the motto: ‘Serve Him by serving His people,’” said White, an Ashville native. “This trip offers a chance to embody that mission while immersing myself in a new culture. I have always had a heart for international service, and this experience allows me to use my nursing knowledge to support communities that may have limited resources.”
The trip will last nine days during the summer semester, with an estimated cost per student of $2,000 to $2,200, depending on the number of students enrolled. The goal is to raise $34,000 with the support of Jax State’s Philanthropy Department, which is coordinating fundraising efforts. For information on giving or sponsoring a student, visit the Gamecocks in Guatemala
Jax State’s School of Nursing hasn’t had any study abroad opportunities, at least not since Dr. Danyel Munster, assistant professor of Nursing in the College of Health Professions and Wellness, joined the faculty. It’s a missed opportunity that Dr. Munster wanted to rectify.
“Health care is a global issue and understanding it beyond U.S. borders is essential,” she said. “This experience will give students a unique perspective on global health challenges and solutions, setting them apart as new graduates entering the nursing profession.”
The course is designed to immerse students in global health. While in Guatemala, they will engage with the area’s healthcare system and explore the challenges and innovations that define nursing in underserved environments.
Course objectives will include:
- understanding the role of nursing with
- in the framework of Guatemalan public health.
- demonstrating cultural humility and intercultural competence through direct engagement with local communities
- performing clinical nursing tasks, including patient assessments, triage, and participation in medical and vaccination campaigns
- applying Spanish medical terminology in health care communication
- comparing the healthcare systems in the U.S. and Guatemala, with a focus on access and delivery in rural regions
Students will participate in:
- daily clinical rotations in medical stations focused on education, medication distribution, and general patient care
- guided excursions to rural villages for hands-on service-learning campaigns, and
- daily cultural experiences such as salsa dancing lessons and traditional cooking classes.
Studying abroad is especially valuable for nurses. It gives them the opportunity to witness and experience firsthand the challenges faced in countries with fewer healthcare resources.
“Nursing is not simply a job,” Dr. Munster said. “It is a responsibility to care for individuals during some of their most vulnerable moments. Seeing how nurses in other countries care for their patients broadens our perspective on compassionate care. It reminds us that beyond clinical skills, being present like holding a hand, offering comfort, or sitting with someone who is alone is just as essential.”
Harrison Millander, a 21-year-old senior from Hokes Bluff, is particularly excited about the Spanish-language immersion portion of the trip.
“Learning how to get through the communication barrier is going to be an interesting challenge,” he said. “Obviously, we're not going to be there for an extensive amount of time, but learning as much as I can in order to communicate without a translator, I think, will be a great learning experience.”
The study abroad program is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for students to broaden their worldview. While in Guatemala, White is looking forward to learning about their daily routines, favorite foods, and local traditions, while leaving each person she meets with a sense of comfort and fullness in their hearts.
“I want to broaden my knowledge, learn from both the challenges and strengths of another healthcare system, and better understand what it means to truly show up for others,” she said. “I also hope this experience reminds me to appreciate even the difficult days, knowing I am blessed with opportunities that others may not have.”