Study Abroad 2018: ASU Around the Globe

Albany State University students are going global this summer through study abroad opportunities offered by the ASU Office International Education. ASU students will encounter rich, international experiences in the world’s most vibrant countries. Throughout the semester, students and faculty members will blog about their travel experiences. This is a series of blog posts about Trinidad and Tobago and Belize. The Trinidad and Tobago study abroad opportunity is led by Dr. Irma J. Gibson, associate professor in the ASU Department of Social Work. The Belize study abroad opportunity is led by Dr. Kathaleena Edward Monds, a professor of Informations Systems. Global service learning experiences, cultural lectures by partner university professors and a variety of tours, social outings and excursions are integrated into the curriculum to ensure students’ academic success.

Greetings! I am Tamera Clark, a 22-year-old management information systems and technology major, from Snellville, Georgia. From a little girl to adulthood, I have always dreamed and talked about traveling the world.  This study abroad trip was my first leap to making that dream come true. I never thought I would have the financial means to do so, so I never even tried.  Entering my senior year, something shifted within me, and I decided to take a leap of faith. With the support from loving family, friends, sponsorships, and receiving a $1,000 grant from the Charles Koch Foundation, I was able to make that dream come true. Looking at all the encouragement and support I received to make my dream of studying abroad a reality, the goal of just studying abroad shifted to studying abroad with PURPOSE.

While I knew that studying abroad in Belize would be a good experience, I never imagined it would be as rewarding as it has been.  I was extremely excited about flying for the first time, but the many other firsts I have experienced while in Belize have surpassed that by far. Throughout my experience in Belize, I was able to fulfill four pillars. Those pillars include internship, service learning, entrepreneurship, and economic education and innovation. During my study abroad experience, I have been able to complete my first internship at San Ignacio Resort Hotel. I interned in the Information Technology Department.

While my major focuses on the business of technology, I have been able to develop and optimize my knowledge and skill set by learning more about the technical side. My internship has been very helpful in expanding my viewpoint of the technology field by exposing me to how instrumental technology is in business processes and its many opportunities. This internship experience has showed me the importance of pushing myself and taking full advantage of opportunity.

I was able to complete service learning by volunteering with Wildfire Artzmophere. We helped a cast in preparation of an upcoming pla, by cleaning and filling in for actors and actresses in their absence.  The cast were acting out Aisha Rahman’s play "Unfinished Women Cry in No Man’s Land While a Bird Dies in a Gilded Cage" (1977). My role was to read for the character “Nurse Jacobs”. While this was a great experience, I can laughably say that acting in not my talent. That is for sure one thing I can cross off my list.

While in Belize I have also been able to conduct a research study as well. Throughout the duration of this trip, I have been able to witness entrepreneurship and how it drives their economy. Almost anything Belizeans need done, they do it independently. I have really grown to admire this aspect. Witnessing this is what influenced my research study. My research study focuses on how Belize and other developing countries can use technology to aid them. While technology is not necessarily needed, it can be utilized to help not only businesses but the entire country flourish and advance. This is reflected within my research study. To conduct this research, I utilized project-based learning. This was done with the use of Google Tour Creator. Google Tour Creator allowed me to display utilized technology and opportunities for it in Belize through imagery.

In addition to the work completed, we also participated in business meetings with Belize Natural Energy (BNE), U.S. Embassy in Belize Economic Division, Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the Small Business Development Center-Belize (Beltraide), and the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (C.E.L.A.). These business meetings gave me so much insight about Belize’s history, economic sector, and the essential business processes that make a business thrive.

The other students and I were able to see our specific disciplines reflected in every one of these businesses. For me this further reinforced why I chose the field of technology. These meetings more importantly further ignited my passion and excitement to use technology to encourage growth and expose its endless opportunities.

Lastly, I cannot mention Belize without talking about the culture I experienced, lifetime memories I created, and the growth it offered. Some of my most memorable moments include climbing Xunatunich Mayan Ruins, the iguana exhibit, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, cave tubing, ziplining, and the Ajaw chocolate tour. While all of these experiences were educational and exhilarating, they also played a part in my growth.

Everything about studying abroad forced me to step out my comfort zone and foster growth in becoming the best version of myself. This experience has definitely given me a sense of humility and made me more appreciative and aware of all the opportunities and privileges I’ve taken for granted. This study abroad trip has taught me so much about myself and the world.

In conclusion, I strongly encourage everyone to study abroad.   Traveling and studying abroad is a beautiful way to learn about the important aspects of life, conducive in growing you as a person, efficient in expanding your knowledge, and a great way push yourself to do things you never thought you would.

The African symbol SANKOFA is interpreted to mean “one must look back at their past in order to move forward.” What follows is a reflection of the past four years of our Belize Study Abroad as we recognize milestones in developing a program that has created and expanded opportunities for our students, our faculty, our institutions, and our countries.

In 2015, the premiere Belize Study Abroad program was launched by Albany State University (ASU) via the College of Business - Center for Economic Education/Small and Minority Entrepreneurship under Dr. Kathlaeena Edward Monds.  The program focuses on four pillars – economics, entrepreneurship, service learning and internship.  These four pillars have continued to set the tone for our student and faculty engagement, with the inclusion of a research component in 2018.

Outcomes: Three students self-published children’s books about local Belizean entrepreneurs; volunteered at the Belize Youth Foundation and Belize 4-H; students were placed on internships at San Ignacio Hotel (students worked in the Marketing department) and Galen University (students worked on an Admissions video); faculty and students met Daniel Gutierrez who would later become the Belizean Ambassador to the U.S.A. two years later; faculty and students met First Lady Kim Simpliss Barrow (wife of Prime Minister Barrow); students learned about the Economic Freedom of the World (developed by Drs. Gwartney, Lawson and Hall); students read “The Economic History of Belize” by Barbara Bulmer-Thomas and “Taking Stock: Belize at 25 Years of Independence” by Jaime Awe; Dr. Monds volunteered to serve on the eight-member committee responsible for conducting a mixed methods research study entitled “Accessing the Impact of the Consortium for Belize Educational Cooperation on Belizean and U.S. Partner Institutions “.  Findings from the report will be disseminated among member institutions.

In 2016, ASU became a member of the Consortium for Belize Educational Cooperation (COBEC), an organization aimed at strengthening partnerships with U.S. and Belizean institutions.  Albany State University has Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Galen University (4-year) and Sacred Heart Junior College (2-year).  These efforts, we hope, will manifest into positive residual impacts on the future of the college, the university, and the lives of students and faculty in Belize and the U.S.

Outcomes: Seven students self-published children’s books about local Belizean entrepreneurs; volunteered to conduct a half day CodeAcademy Workshop with primary school students held at the University of Belize; students were placed on internships at the Belize Trade and Investment Services (students conducted research and developed a proposal for expanding investments into real estate condominiums), La Loma Luz Hospital (students made toys for use in the hospital waiting room), and Hot Mama’s Hot Sauce (students provided input on the use of logistics software and options to increase market share); Dr. Monds presented “Technology Transformation: Competing in the Global Marketplace” at the COBEC Summer 2016 conference held at Columbus State University with IT Executive David Ahuja.

In 2017, as we continued our engagement, ASU has expanded its involvement. Dr. Monds conducted a faculty development workshop entitled “Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Higher Education” at Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College (Dangriga, Belize) for approximately 30 faculty.

Outcomes: Seven students; self-published children’s books about local Belizean entrepreneurs; volunteered at Cornerstone Foundation painting murals; internships were held at Guava Limb Café’  (students developed a customer appreciation marketing program), Arista Marketing (students worked on hardware and software installations), San Ignacio Hotel (students works in the Marketing and Accounting departments) and Hot Mama’s Hot Sauce (students worked in packaging and conducted customer taste testing research).

In 2018, ASU is working to launch a new curriculum in Entrepreneurship and Innovation with Sacred Heart Junior College.  The goal is for Belizean students to complete their 2-year degree in Belize and continue their studies at Albany State University in an effort to obtain their 4-year degree.   Additional conversations have been discussed about ways to partner ASU and Belizean institutions in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Criminal Justice initiatives.

Outcomes: Four students participated in a project-based learning assignment learning Google Tour Creator; students conducted research studies; the group had the pleasure of meeting the Honorable Tracy Taegar-Panton, Minister of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce; students provided service to Wildfire Artzmophere; students interned at Cornerstone Foundation (providing financial literacy workshops, working with youth, engaging in economic development discussions); Hot Mama’s Hot Sauce (compiling data of top-ranking competitors); San Ignacio Hotel (providing IT technical support).

In addition to the above, students participated in high-level business meetings with Belize Natural Energy (BNE), Belize Tourism Board (BTB), U.S. Embassy in Belize Economic Division, the Small Business Development Center-Belize, and the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (C.E.L.A.), and

In summary, there are many avenues to building an international program on college campuses -- study abroad programs, exchange programs, and curriculum initiatives – each offering college credit to students or professional development opportunities to faculty.   More importantly, international programs create mutually beneficial relationships across borders as we share in our collective efforts to find ways to build and create a better world.

Well in this case, I can honestly say that I have truly immersed myself in the Trinidad and Tobago culture. I have tried every plate of food Dr. Gibson has made available and received lectures from not only the professors at UWI but the beautiful natives here. I attempted to play the steel pan and did a horrible job. I also danced to calypso music and participated in every excursion that turned out to be mini history lessons. I would like to thank everyone who donated to my cause to experience this life changing endeavor and special thanks to Dr. Gibson for pushing me to step outside of my comfort zone. It was a financial and mental struggle to get here, but I have arrived and will be departing from here with memories of an amazing experience!

Greetings from the West Indies! My name is Kendra Curtis, and I am a first-year graduate social work student. The opportunity to study abroad has been a great experience for multiple reasons. The exposure to another culture and country has opened my mind to other possibilities. Even though Trinidad and Tobago is a developing country, it has exposed me to the knowledge of applying theoretical interventions that pertain to child development from a global perspective. During the regular school year, the students of social work are placed at an agency of their choosing to gain field practicum experience and being in Trinidad is no different. While in Trinidad, I am placed at the Strategic Learning and Special Education Center for service learning. The Center tends to the needs of children with learning disabilities, especially those who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This institution focuses on academics and life skills. I am pleased with this placement because despite the country’s lack of educational resources and policies, their children are bright and their human development growth is no reflection of this unfortunate fact.

While being placed there, I have encountered several students, but there is one student who stands out. He is a math genius, but he is not your typical two year old. Normally, when you give clay to a child of this age, they might attempt to eat the clay. However, this student is making numbers and giving himself math problems to solve with the clay. He faces many obstacles in his everyday environment, but his challenges don’t stop him from thriving. The autistic children of Trinidad are given alternatives such as life skills to improve their quality of life but in the states, there are policies in place for children with disabilities instead of the focus on life skills’ option to make them independent.

Overall, my experience in Trinidad and Tobago has been life-changing. It has made me aware and thankful of the little privileges I have as a U.S citizen.

As Dr. Daniels would ask, “Miss Curtis, have you immersed yourself in the literature?”

Well in this case, I can honestly say that I have truly immersed myself in the Trinidad and Tobago culture. I have tried every plate of food Dr. Gibson has made available and received lectures from not only the professors at UWI but the beautiful natives here. I attempted to play the steel pan and did a horrible job. I also danced to calypso music and participated in every excursion that turned out to be mini history lessons. I would like to thank everyone who donated to my cause to experience this life changing endeavor and special thanks to Dr. Gibson for pushing me to step outside of my comfort zone. It was a financial and mental struggle to get here, but I have arrived and will be departing from here with memories of an amazing experience!

Greetings from Trinidad and Tobago! My name is Vivia Johnson, and I am a graduating senior and psychology major at the “Unsinkable” Albany State University. I never imagined that I would be able to attend college or study abroad. This week has been jam packed with excursions, research, traveling and classes. I learned how to play the steel pan this week in my last cultural history session. The steel pan is an essential cultural staple that has its origin in Trinidad.

I also had the opportunity to visit the U.S. Embassy and to meet an amazing man who has been traveling and serving the United States in different countries. He has lived in Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and has finally found his spot in Trinidad. He loves what he does and it was truly a pleasure to have met the person who is attempting to address some of the issues that can potentially affect America.

Not only did I complete my cultural history course but I also submitted a very extensive social welfare paper based on my experiences and understanding of my service learning agency. I have truly fell in love with the children at St. Dominic's Children's Home (SDCH). I've been able to work in the Social Welfare Unit and the AEP (learning facility) lab with the children and I couldn't be happier. Next week, I should have the opportunity to shadow the overseer to court to see the process in which the children are actually placed at SDCH.

Lastly, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to the beautiful island of Tobago! The scenery of nature and the iridescent blue color that the water possesses in the beaches of Tobago was a wonderful sight that this city girl has yet to see in Miami. The next day, we went on a tour of the entire island and learned more about the history of Tobago which happens to be a total of 27 miles long.

As I sit here writing this blog to explain my once in a lifetime experience, I see how blessed I am. Never would I have ever thought this opportunity could be provided to me, but everything happens for a reason. I have the opportunity to experience a different culture and to broaden my understanding of different worldly issues that I never knew were as essential to humanity. I'm confident that this experience will help me in my journey to becoming an effective counselor in the future.

Salutations Ram Family!

I am Nikesia Patrick, a rising junior and psychology major at the “Unsinkable” Albany State University. My time here in Trinidad and Tobago has come to an end, and I will attempt to fill you in on this magnificent journey. I will start by urging everyone to apply for the Gilman International Scholarship.  If it wasn’t for Gilman and our Honors Program, I would not be able to write this blog for you all.

While in Trinidad, I was honored to be placed at Families in Action for my service learning agency. Families in Action (FIA) is a non-profit agency that supports the community through counseling, addiction support, youth education and domestic violence. FIA allowed me the opportunity to assist primary school students with their transition to secondary school and consult with a domestic violence coordinator to make plans for the victims. The workers at FIA are so impassioned and inspiring that they allowed me to see my true passion and to even narrow down my career goal.

Aside from service learning and cultural classes at UWI, I’ve participated in some amazing excursions. My favorite was the trip to Tobago. In Tobago, I experienced my first large boat ride, where I waded in the nylon pool located in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. We also visited Argyle Water Falls.

In reflecting on these moments, it amazes me how incredible the thought of participating in something like this could be to a person, and I am able to say I’ve done it. Studying abroad in Trinidad and Tobago has been nothing short of an amazing experience. I am only 20 years old and have had the opportunity to learn, lead and grow while out of the country. There is no doubt that I have become a better version of myself within 30 days!

Hello, my name is Asia Clemmons. I am a 21-year-old student at Albany State University, and I am studying social work. It has always been my passion to travel and study abroad, but I never knew that I would end up in Trinidad and Tobago. Today, here I am. I would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Irma Gibson for pushing me to have faith. If it wasn’t for her, I would not have made the “jump.” I would also like to give a special thanks to the Gilman Scholarship Program. I am beyond proud of myself and couldn’t thank Gilman and Dr. Gibson enough. While in Trinidad, I am tasked to complete service learning at an agency of my choice. We were given three options and brief descriptions of their work, and I chose St. Dominic's Children Home.

St. Dominic's Children Home

This agency houses and cares for children from age five to 6 and up to age 18. These individuals have been abused or neglected in some way and had no secure placement. It started in 1871, known as "Belmont Orphanage. St. Dominic's believes “it takes a village to raise a child.” The campus is so beautiful. There is housing for males only. Some of the boys have their own rooms because of traumas they've faced. Other rooms have two beds in each. The facility is operated by nuns. On campus, some of the children are home schooled. Not only are they taught academics, they are taught to cook and farm also. One of the employees mentioned that school isn't for everyone, but that they still must prepare the students for income. They were so respectful and pure. We all had an opportunity to visit the three service learning agencies. Additionally, every day we will either be on the University of West Indies’ campus or interning at our service learning agency.

One of my most memorable moments happened during orientation at the Families in Action Agency, which addresses addiction. The Addiction department speaks for itself. The gentleman over this department was AMAZING. He is a recovering addict of 35 years. He said that he wanted to continue this program until the day he is laid to rest. He mentioned his love for educating addicts and staying with them on their journey. His favorite part is letting them know they are not alone because HE has been there. This gentleman said something that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

"The song you keep singing, is MY song…..I wrote those lyrics."

-Vincent Best.

What he meant was when his clients defend their issues and tell their “sob” stories, it’s not that he isn't empathizing but he doesn’t show pity. He believes it’s not an excuse, and yes it may take some time, but don't use a story as a crutch. It made me think, when children believe that just because they didn't grow up with a mother or father that they were set up for failure. That's NO excuse. So what? My father nor my mother raised me and my future is in my hands. I am in another country embracing culture and attending the University of West Indies. Anything is possible with hard work and perseverance!

Greeting and salutations! My name is Tamia Hurst, and I am a rising junior currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in social work the “Unsinkable” Albany State University. Since I was a little girl, I have always had big dreams of traveling the world. In the eighth grade, I learned about study abroad, and I planned to take advantage of the beautiful twin-island of Trinidad and Tobago. opportunity in the future.  Thanks to my parents and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, I was finally granted the opportunity. I am pleased to share my global experience with you from the

While studying abroad in Trinidad and Tobago, we were given the opportunity to complete service learning at an agency of our choice. I chose an agency called Families in Action. During my service learning experience, I was given the opportunity to talk to students at local elementary schools about my high school experience and encourage them as they make the transition from primary school (elementary- middle school) to secondary school (high school). I found it very cool to make an impact on lives in a totally different country. If they don’t remember anything else about me, they will remember the “little gal with the pretty little American accent,” (as they called me) encouraging them and saying that there is nothing to be afraid of and to never give up; the sky is the limit.

One experience that I really enjoyed so far was learning to play happy birthday on the steelpan in Dr. Matthew’s class. The Steelpan is a musical instrument that originated from Trinidad and Tobago between the 1880s- and 1937. Because I have always had a special love for music, learning to play the steelpan was pretty easy to me. It was all about memorization and balancing the straight sticks between my fingers.

Overall, I encourage everyone to study abroad. I am very blessed to have been granted the opportunity. It provides the opportunity to touch a life outside of your country.

Greetings from the Caribbean islands! My name is Sharmaine Mathis, and I’m a 23-year-old, first generation, African-American, undergraduate student. I am a senior psychology major. I was raised by a single mother, living in project apartments in a small rural town called Cuthbert, Georgia with little hope of ever acquiring substantial wealth, success, knowledge or adventure in my hometown. I, however, naturally inherited a strong sense of intrinsic motivation, which has guided me toward a very rare opportunity to study abroad in Trinidad and Tobago!

Trinidadians have a history of taking what they are given, which sometimes isn’t very much or something from the earth, and making the best of it. They even started their own economy using the fields rich with fruits and vegetables. These people are not dependents! Nothing was ever just handed to them, and I admire them so much for that.

A small zip lining trip is what allowed me to reflect on not just nature itself, but the nature of this country. We, the U.S., might be technologically advanced, but I’m a bit afraid of what would happen if all of that was taken away. We would definitely have to get the Trinidadians on the phone to help us, and I would be delighted to make the first call! Until then, I hope you’re having as much fun as I am. Although this study abroad endeavor entails a lot of hard work, there is a lesson to be learned and a teaching moment in every experience!

I am Cindreka D. Marshall, a Ph.D. student at Clark Atlanta University. I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. I have been practicing a little over 14 years in the field of social work. My specialty is medical social work.

This summer semester, I am attending Albany State University as a transient student. It is kind of “bitter sweet” because I am an alumna of ASU. I am also excited to experience this life changing endeavor with my Ph.D. cohort. When I started the Ph.D. program at Clark Atlanta University, my classmates and I made a promise to travel every summer after the completion of a full year. This summer is extra special because of the credits we are obtaining from the courses that we are matriculating.

Words cannot describe the experience here as a study abroad student at the University of West Indies. The culture, food, and service learning experiences are just a few of the life-changing indulgences.  Having an opportunity to examine the social systems here is mind blowing.  My area of study is social work, policy planning and administration. My cognate area is criminal justice. As a result, the first place that I toured was Maximum Penitentiary, which is a maximum-security prison here in Trinidad.  It is much different from the US where there is a difference between the prison and jail.  Here in Trinidad, the remanded are housed in the prison.  Remanded are individuals who have not been to court for a hearing to determine if they are guilty or not. One example of what I would call heart breaking is a gentleman who is charged with murder and has been in prison for 10 years waiting for his “fair hearing” or trial by a jury of his peers. This would be enough to break many, but several of the prisoners there have this same story but are patiently waiting for their day in court.

Often times we, Americans, think the U.S. is the only way or the best way, but I have seen some wonderful programs in the prison system as well as the education system here that will make one think there are better ways and our way is not the only way.

My next incredible experience was the tour of the Forensic Science Center, which is also housed under the Ministry of National Security. What I witnessed will never be forgotten! Everything from the ballistic testing of firearms to the laboratory testing of illegal substances, DNA and counterfeit documents. What has truly left a heartbreaking yet indelible impression in my memory is the witnessing of an autopsy. I, Dr. Gibson and one of my cohort members witnessed an autopsy of a domestic violence female victim and, although the circumstances were heartbreaking, the teaching moment from a social work and criminal justice perspective speaks volumes about the importance of the work that we all do in these professions.

I am so thankful to Dr. Irma Gibson for allowing me and my cohort to experience this and I look forward to the remainder of the study abroad experience. Trinidad completed, next stop Haiti for the second half of my trip where I will continue my global research of aspects of criminology in the Caribbean countries.

I am completing my social work Ph.D. degree at Clark Atlanta University. In my post-secondary career, there are many ambitions I have conquered and many experiences that I never thought possible. Studying abroad is one of those experiences. Study abroad never occurred to me when considering my collegiate goals, so when the opportunity to study abroad as a transient student at Albany State University in Trinidad and Tobago was brought to me, I immediately jumped on it.

My initial thought when exiting the Piarco International Airport was, “This is paradise.” Although considered a developing country, there is much beauty to behold in Trinidad. There is also a great show of pride when speaking to the Trinidadian people. In my short stay, I have immersed myself in things as best as I could with the small time I am allowed. The food, scenery, and experience has been amazing. Even in the less developed areas, the beauty has a purity, a rawness that shows it is not calculated. There are not many words to wholly encapsulate the magnificence.

I must mention the children I encountered while in Trinidad.  While working with the staff of the Families in Action, I was able to visit a primary (elementary) school in Trinidad. The children immediately flocked to me and my cohorts in a very innocent and loving way. The principal mentioned to us that the children are often clingy due to their absent parents and even traumatic backgrounds. One the facilitators we worked with told us many of the children would be lucky to complete secondary (high school) school due to lack of household income. It is heartbreaking to know that I will never see them again.

I also had the pleasure of meeting a two- year old genius.  One could question how a two-year-old could possibly be a genius when most toddlers that age are not even potty-trained.  Well, this young man (let’s call him Jason), can do basic addition and subtraction. HE LOVES MATH! He can count and is drawn to numbers.  He can answer the question of 6 – 3=, but cannot follow most social prompts. To be clear, Jason is autistic, but he is an extremely intelligent and bright young boy.  He is a child I will never forget.

In closing, my experience in Trinidad has been life-changing. It has fueled my desire to conduct research in developing countries and specifically people of African-descent.  This island country has won me over completely.  Trinidad has my heart forever.

Nine excited global ambassadors accompanied by me, an associate professor of social work, made history and became trailblazers as the first ASU study abroad group to include four graduate level students including three Clark Atlanta University Ph.D. students! The labor and the hard work that was expended toward planning was, at times, tedious but well worth the efforts. This year’s incredible group consists of five undergraduate students – three psychology majors and two social work majors – and four graduate social work students. This cohort consists of two first time flyers who fearlessly embraced the flight across the Atlantic. The ability to think big has led them to dream even bigger. This decision to venture outside of their comfort zone will forever change the course of their personal and professional lives. The lens through which they view the world, themselves and others will never be the same.

Since arriving, their schedule has been packed with orientations by the University of the West Indies (UWI) and exposure to educational experiences and lectures.  For the next 4 weeks, the world and the culture of sweet T and T will be their classroom and you will read about, sense, feel and experience their personal transformations and exposure to this amazing twin island nation that is full of diversity and opportunities for global consciousness, civic responsibility and self-awareness. “Trinidad and Tobago comprises a unique mix of races and cultures that can be traced back to Africa, India, Europe, the Middle East and China. The influences of the native American Indians are also prominent features of local culture.

“The islands' diversity is reflected in the different religions which also exist. Mosques, churches and Hindu temples stand peacefully side by side in Trinidad and Tobago. The largest religious groups are Christians, Hindus and Muslims. You are encouraged to follow the reflections of each student. Take advantage of this real world introduction to life in Trinidad and Tobago, “a melting pot of cultures.” This will be a true lesson in tolerance and the acceptance of differences.

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