Spend spring break in vibrant Guatemala, a country rich in Mayan heritage, Spanish influence, and colorful cultural traditions.
This immersive program will introduce you to Guatemalan history and arts while we create works of art that connect us with global communities. We’ll focus on making art that responds to stories, people, and places around us. A central part of our program is an arts project completed on-site, in partnership with a Guatemalan school.
Who Can Apply?
The trip is open to all majors. If you are interested in social impact, education, the arts, or creative community making, this is the program for you.
Do I Need To Speak Spanish?
No, you don't! All instruction is in English. Spanish is helpful, but it’s not required. Our class is taught in English, and all of our Guatemalan collaborators speak English as well. During the on-campus part of the program, we’ll practice some basic phrases to help you with traveling.
Spanish is one of 32 languages spoken in Guatemala. It’s the country’s “main” language, but not the only language you will hear.
What Are The Prerequisites?
A flexible and adventurous mindset, good listening skills, an interest in community engagement, a desire to learn.
Program Timeline
- We begin at the start of the spring semester with on-campus coursework. We’ll learn about Guatemalan arts and culture, practice our collaborative skills, and make practice works of art to prepare for our community project in Guatemala.
- For spring break, we head to Guatemala. We’ll visit museums, community centers, and cultural sites in Guatemala City, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango. In Antigua, we’ll make a work of art for Niños de Guatemala, a school committed to accessible education.
- After spring break, we’ll meet four more times to share what we learned and to complete a final project.
Upper-level Students and Recent MTU Grads
Upper-level students and recent Michigan Tech graduates may apply to be the program TA/RA. The TA/RA helps with class community, in-country logistics, and provides support as needed for students on the trip.
The TA/RA is not a student in ART 2110. Instead, they focus on providing assistance to the instructor and to students. In exchange, the TA/RA receives a stipend that is applied to their travel fee. This reduces the cost of their trip substantially. If you are interested in this position, please contact the program leader.
Guatemala: Art, Culture, and Community Faculty Leader
—Wassily Kandinsky
- Associate Professor, Visual and Performing Arts
- Artist-in-Residence, College of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences
- Academy of Teaching Excellence
- gordillo@mtu.edu
- 906-487-2930
- Walker 209C
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