Learning came alive in a whole new way for Brock Education students on a recent field course in Guatemala.

From touring ancient Mayan ruins and attending music and cultural events, to spending time with survivors at the site of a 1990 massacre of Indigenous protestors by the Guatemalan military, students had the opportunity to deepen their cultural awareness and understanding of global education.

Led by Professor of Educational Studies Michael O’Sullivan, Director of Global Education in Brock’s Faculty of Education (FOE), the two-week international course immersed students in schools and universities in Guatemala where teaching and learning is conducted from a Mayan perspective.

Third-year Concurrent Teacher Education student Sophie Francuz was inspired by the students’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.

“Guatemala taught me that simple actions, facial expressions and shared activities speak volumes; a simple smile, gesture of kindness or a shared laugh can bridge gaps that language alone cannot,” she said.

An unexpected impact of the trip for Francuz was the deepening of her connection to her Indigenous heritage, particularly when the group participated in an Indigenous fire ceremony that mirrored the experiences of her grandmother back home.

“Despite identifying as Métis and holding status within the Métis Nation of Ontario, I have often felt somewhat disconnected from my ancestors and heritage. This trip changed that profoundly,” she said.

One of the most valuable lessons learned for Francuz was the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures and their unique traditions.

“As an educator, it is crucial for me to implement this understanding in my teaching, ensuring that I create an inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students,” she said.

For fifth-year Concurrent Teacher Education student James Moens, the diverse experiences offered on the trip bridged the gap between theory and practice and allowed the group to re-examine their own relationships, privileges and biases.

“In Panabaj, our guide — a survivor of the 30-year civil war — shared his community’s history and the stories of the 14 people lost to a military shooting,” Moens said, adding the group also had the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, such as bead bracelet and tortilla making.

In Santiago, Moens said they played games with and taught young students. While in Nebaj, Brock joined other university students for a complex roundtable discussion and a game of football.

“Our holistic learning in Guatemala touched the heart, mind and body and helped us develop strong connections to the land, people and way of life,” he said.

It’s a sentiment Francuz echoed. She said the experience underscored the importance of education and the value of supporting learning for everyone, everywhere.

“Overall, our journey to Guatemala was a lesson in empathy, gratitude and the universal desire for knowledge,” she said.