Tennessee Tech students gain firsthand cultural insights through Los Angeles study-away experience
Twelve Tennessee Tech University students recently traveled to Los Angeles for an immersive study-away experience designed to deepen their understanding of Guatemalan culture and the broader Spanish-speaking community in the United States.
Organized by Tech's Office of Access, Belonging and Community Outreach, the trip was led by Assistant Professor of Spanish Joshua Martin, Director of Intercultural Affairs Charria Campbell and recruitment specialist Maria Baltazar.
Originally planned as a trip to Guatemala, the experience shifted to Los Angeles after travel concerns prompted organizers to seek an alternative destination.
“A growing number of the Spanish-speaking community in the Upper Cumberland area are from Guatemala, and so we wanted to make sure students had the opportunity to engage in experiential learning so that they could better appreciate and understand more about Guatemalan culture,” explained Martin. “We quickly pivoted to a ‘study away’ opportunity that would allow students to encounter similar experiences.”
Martin said Los Angeles proved to be a natural fit because of its vibrant Guatemalan community.
"Our students learned about Guatemalan cuisine, music, traditions, as well as the history of the Spanish-speaking community in Los Angeles and California more broadly," he said.
During their visit, students explored Olvera Street, the heart of historic downtown Los Angeles, visited Proyecto Pastoral, a community-based nonprofit organization in Boyle Heights, and attended a Mayan community dinner that introduced them to Guatemalan traditions, food and music.
For Penelope Ray, a visit to Olvera Street left a lasting impression.
"It used to be seen as a negative and dangerous place, but the Mexican American community transformed it into something beautiful to display their culture," she said. "I find it touching how much pride they have in their heritage and how kind they were to practice Spanish with me and share a glimpse of that heritage."
For students Edgar Aquilar Cruz and Daniel Ortiz González, the Mayan community dinner stood out as one of the trip's most memorable experiences.
"The overall energy and feeling that the night of the dinner pulled from me was just unmatched by any of the other visited places," said Aquilar Cruz.
Ortiz González added that learning about Guatemalan traditions and cuisine held special significance.
"It was especially meaningful because I wanted to learn more about Latin America, and as a Salvadoran, it's always a delight to hear from my neighboring country," he said.
Students said the experience broadened their perspectives and reinforced the importance of cultural understanding.
"I have learned to be more culturally aware and sensitive," said Ortiz González. "I never want to downplay anyone's culture; instead, I aim to embrace and respect each one. Moving forward, this mindset will remind me to stay open to different cultures and to encourage others to do the same."