Student Stories from Barbados 2015

Interested in studying abroad in Barbados with HDFS? Read these stories of students who went in Winter 2015 to learn about the trip and service learning experiences.

Alyana Blythe, Human Services

Sharon Primary School

“One of my favorite memories from Study Abroad was working with the children at Sharon Primary School. They were so welcoming and willing to learn from me, just as much as I was learning from them. I think what makes this program unique is the service-learning aspect that you may not get with other study abroad programs. It was a continuous mutual learning experience from the locals and at my placement. I loved my study abroad experience in Barbados and anyone who takes part in the future I believe will feel the same way.”

Monique Harper, Human Services

West Terrace Primary School

“One of my favorite memories was interacting with the students at my placement. They were so bright and well mannered and treated me as though I was a part of their community. A lot of the Bajans that I interacted with found joy in the little things in life, like just being around good company, listening to music, and eating good food. They are the friendliest people I have ever met and I appreciate their outlook on life. They really helped me to reevaluate what is important in my life and why.”

Megan Lubin, Elementary Teacher Education

Lawrence T. Gay Memorial School

One of my favorite memories from Barbados is the last day of field placement. I was placed at Lawrence T. Gay Memorial School and worked with several teachers. Each teacher was extremely welcoming and generous to have me in their classroom, but one teacher stood out in my mind. Mrs. Field’s is a reception teacher who really took me under her wing. She is a mother, teacher, and role model. She welcomed me into her classroom with open arms and allowed me to teach various lessons to her students. She went above and beyond and brought me to a “traditional Bajan lunch” down the street to show me the Bajan culture. She had in-depth conversations about the Bajan government, school system, and family life with me. Because of the connection I formed with her, I chose to work with her for the last day of my placement.

Emily Ludwikowski, Criminal Justice

Sharon Primary School

“My most memorable moment from my journey in Barbados was teaching a math lesson in my service-learning placement at Sharon Primary School. It was a challenge to construct an activity and to gauge how the kids will respond but it is an opportunity I am glad to have been given. My advice to future students considering this program is to keep an open mind and to take advantage of every moment and opportunity in front of you and you won’t return home with any regrets. ”

Jaylen Wingfield, Human Services

Ministry of Health/HIV-Aids Consortium

“Working with Ms. Bernadette Joseph-Codrington was an amazing and memorable experience. While shadowing her I was able to observe the interaction between the client and the professional when a direct-client service was being provided. I was also able to sit and observe as Bernadette counseled and educated her clients on sexual health and safe sex practices, and even got a chance to lead a couple of counseling sessions myself. I have learned a great deal about the history of HIV on the island of Barbados and all of the programs and dynamics that are set in place to serve the island’s HIV positive population.”