WSU Faculty-Led Guatemala: Hearts in Motion - Pullman Final

This program provides an opportunity for students to work with the non-profi t organization, Hearts in Motion, whose mission is to provide care and medical treatment for children, families, and communities through its programs and sponsorships in the U.S., and Central and South America. Through them, our students can partcipate in a short term mission experience that will have as great an impact on them as it has on the people they help. It is important to note that Hearts in Motion works to complement resources already in place while respecting the culture of those whose lives it touches, and WSU students will be expected to demonstrate the same high degree of respect and cross cultural understanding.
This particular mission includes several opportunities to help HIM in its goals, and students will be required to participate in all of them, without exception. In particular, the program has a high need of students with intermediate to advanced Spanish-proficiency levels to help translate for other volunteers, including surgeons, dentists, nurses and other health care providers. Non-Spanish speakers with an interest in pursuing health professions are also  invited to apply, but a basic level of Spanish will greatly enhance their chance of being accepted, as well as their ability to fully engage in all activities. Ongling activities include Cleft Lip and Palate / Plastic surgeries; medical and dental clinics that take place in rural villages;  construction projects in the HIM nutrition center; and working at the HIM orphanage. HIM has a new project, Music in Motion, so assisting in music education may be included as an option for the program.
The course component includes pre-departure activities geared towards preparing students by providing background information on the country and the particular challenges faced by the people. It will include an introduction to  cultural and linguistic elements they will need to interact e ffectively in a culturally aware and sensitive manner. Written assignments include some self-reflection essays and the keeping of a journal during the trip. In addition,  students will also be expected to help raise donations of toys, medicines, clothes, or other materials, and to help  pack and transport these donations. There will be a debriefi ng meeting after the program's completion.