Eleven students from Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Social Work participated in an immersive faculty-led study abroad trip to Panama May 16-23.
Led by Drs. Jose Carbajal, associate professor of social work and Master of Social Work program director; Stephanie Washington, assistant professor of social work; and Emmerentie Oliphant, Buddy Zeagler Endowed Professor and director of the doctoral program, the experience provided students with opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world social service practices while engaging with nonprofit organizations, crisis response teams, community-based initiatives and diverse and Indigenous populations.
“The program enabled students to connect social work theories, values and ethical principles learned in the classroom to real-world settings, preparing them for their future careers in ways that extend beyond what can be accomplished through classroom instruction alone,” Carbajal said. “The personal and professional growth students experienced cannot be overstated. Through experiential learning, they developed valuable professional skills, enhanced their cultural awareness and strengthened their ability to engage effectively with diverse populations.”
During the trip, students worked with a nonprofit organization to support its future goals and services. They helped develop the agency’s strategic plan, assessed community needs and identified ways the organization could better serve the people in its community. Students also created a map of local resources and partnerships and gathered feedback through discussions in a Community Café, or a structured, informal community conversation. They used this information to identify community needs, strengths and priorities.
For Cheyenne Tonkin, a Doctor of Social Work candidate, interacting with the Indigenous community was a highlight of the experience.
“The most memorable moment of the trip was visiting the Indigenous community on our last full day,” Tonkin said. “After spending a week there and seeing cities and communities, it was so incredible to see that traditional peoples still live, work and thrive there as well. They were so kind and open, even though there was a language barrier, that it felt less like a field trip and more like just spending time with neighbors. I'm so glad we got to participate in that.”
According to Carbajal, the study abroad trip opened internship opportunities for social work students from various nonprofits in Panama.
For more information about SFA’s School of Social Work, visit sfasu.edu/socialwork.
