By Margaret Schell

E ighteen Georgia College & State University students spent just over two weeks in May administering free healthcare to approximately 1,000 residents of San Ignacio, Belize — and gaining life-changing experiences in the process.

Through a unique study abroad program, students offered free health assessments, dental hygiene care, workshops on teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease-prevention, as well as First Aid, CPR and physical therapy clinics.

“Many of the residents hadn't received any health care until [this program],” said exercise science major Alexa Allen, a junior from Canton, Georgia. “It was eye-opening to see the small things we take for granted — like checking blood pressure — which was a big deal for them.”

Another exercise science junior, Brenna Gallman, of Jackson, Georgia, noted the opportunity the program provides to help Belizeans better understand their bodies.

“I got to interpret [their vitals] data, then educate residents on their results,” she said. “They were so grateful.”


Putting Their Skills to the Test

Dr. Kevin Hunt, professor of kinesiology and program coordinator for MAT Kinesiology, developed the Belize Study Abroad Program in 2015.

“Advanced degree programs are very competitive,” he said. “I wanted to give our students the experiences these competitive programs were seeking in applicants.”

The approached worked: For the past 10 years, Georgia College graduates of the Belize Study Abroad Program have a 100% acceptance rate into medical, occupational therapy, physician assistant and physical therapy school.

“Every student says their entire in-person interview for grad schools centered on their Belize experience,” Hunt said. “They believe that was the factor that got them into their school of choice.”

Students to Practitioners

Through the Belize Study Abroad Program, Hunt aims to prepare students to become real-world healthcare providers.

“I hope they learn independence, initiative and self-confidence,” he said, adding that the cultural context they receive is also invaluable. “I’d like to think the students learn more about who they are and want to be through this experience.”

Allen, who challenged herself in Belize to say “yes” to tasks that took her out of her comfort zone, is on the pre-professional track to become an occupational therapist.

Gallman, who is on the sports medicine track, said that working in a bilingual country taught her the value of adaptability.

“I’ll bring this experience into my profession,” she said. “This knowledge will help me with my duties, allowing me to give the best care possible to my patients while taking care of myself.”

Both students refer to the Belize Study Abroad Program as a “life-changing experience.”

“I gained valuable hands-on experience that's not available in the classroom,” Allen said. “This program was full of many amazing experiences and memories I'll never forget.”

“I saw the impact I made on these people,” Gallman said. “This experience helped me grow as a person and future healthcare professional. Our work truly changed the residents’ lives.”