Guatemala - Spring Break 2009

Nineteen MBA students spent their Spring Break in Guatemala learning about coffee production from picking the beans all the way up to marketing the products. They spent time at free trade coffee companies as well as taking a trip to Lake Atitlan and climbing the Pacaya Volcano. Below are some observations from a few of the students.

"The MBA study abroad trip to Guatemala was a very unique and exciting experience. The entire trip was eye opening and allowed me to appreciate the opportunities that are afforded to us by living in the United States. By visiting the different coffee farms, I was able to understand the importance of the coffee industry to the economic sustainability of Guatemala. Participating in the trip gave me a different perspective now and will allow me to appreciate my cup of coffee every morning. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in learning more about Latin America and the challenges/opportunities this part of the world experiences."

Kelleigh Mills

Speeding through mountain passes, beautiful vistas of stunning lakes and live volcanoes, warm smiles from the kids playing soccer in the streets, the appealing scent of ground coffee and the wealth of history from the Mayans to the Spanish invaders and the more recent social turmoil, made the Guatemala trip for this year’s MBA study abroad program truly a worthwhile adventure.

From learning the ins and outs of coffee growing, becoming barista connoisseurs and certified adventure seekers the group enjoyed a wide and educational set of experiences. Getting up at the crack of dawn, to the aroma of fresh coffee, working hard in the fields, then zip lining across mountain valleys, finally to be treated to 5 star dining in a living 15th century museum gave us the claim to fame that there is no other way to spend a spring break.

Our sombreros go off to those that helped design, plan and implement such a fantastic adventure, Dr.s Shank and Ainscough, Chris Eaton (our “in the know” guy in Guatemala) and especially Jennifer Burns and Ryan Langan for creating a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience !

Alex Assouad

The study abroad program in Guatemala was an ideal mean to further understand Latin American culture. It helped us recognize the challenges the country is facing, the opportunities it holds for the development of the region, and the importance of favorable relationships with countries in Central and South America.

Due to the design of the course by USF Saint Petersburg and the organization executed by Bridge Builders in Guatemala, the program was a success. The visits to coffee farms, associations, cooperatives, government agencies and businesses allowed us to gain perspective on economic sustainability. Also, the touristic highlights of the colonial city of Antigua, crossing Lake Atitlan and climbing Picaya Volcano, complemented the program to make it an unforgettable experience.

I highly recommend the Guatemala excursion and praise USF St Petersburg and the College of Business for promoting their study abroad programs.

Andres Cordova