An online learner shares how a week of service and cultural engagement fostered professional growth, meaningful connections and a deeper sense of purpose.
When I signed up for the Belize Global Education Experience, I knew it would be meaningful. What I did not fully understand was how much it would impact me personally, professionally and spiritually.
As an online student, I had not met anyone going on the trip beyond a few Zoom meetings. I had not even met my professor in person before we left. Walking into an experience like this can feel intimidating. It did not take long, though, for strangers to become teammates, friends and, by the end of the week, a family.
Learning and serving together
Our week began in San Ignacio, Belize, where we stayed at Hode’s Place and prepared for our time serving students at Mount Carmel Primary School in Benque. I had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible interdisciplinary team made up of students and professors from special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology.
Each discipline brought a different perspective. Together we were able to look at the whole child and support them in meaningful and functional ways.
During the mornings, we worked with special education students at Mount Carmel. In the afternoons, we provided therapy sessions for clients at Hode’s Place. One of the greatest blessings of the week was working with an individual who had survived a serious motorcycle accident. Our group quickly grew to care deeply for this person. While we were there to provide support, I believe we gained just as much from the experience as they did.
The week was full of learning beyond the clinical and classroom settings. We visited Cahal Pech, explored San Ignacio, and participated in Zumba at a local park. We also spent time at the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative, where we made pottery and corn tortillas from scratch. These experiences helped us better understand the culture, community and people we were serving.
By the final day, the teachers shared their gratitude for the work they had seen happening with their students. Their words were emotional and meaningful. It reminded me that even short-term service can have an impact when it is done with humility, respect and a willingness to learn.
After a week of service, documentation and late nights, we ended our trip with time in Caye Caulker. We snorkeled, swam with stingrays, jumped from the platform at The Split, sang karaoke and celebrated the hard work our team had put in throughout the week.
This trip reminded me that being an online student does not mean being disconnected. This experience helped me feel deeply connected to my university, my professors, my classmates and the mission of serving others.
As the oldest student in the group (and older than some of the professors), I was lovingly referred to as the group’s “mama.” That is something I will always treasure.
I came home from Belize with a full heart. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, to learn from other disciplines, to experience a beautiful culture and to see God’s work through the people around me.
This trip was more than a class requirement or a global education experience. It was a reminder of why I chose special education and why serving others matters.
Written by Jamie Frazer [Frazer graduated in May 2026 from CUW’s Bachelor of Arts in Cross Categorical Special Education (Online) program.]
About the Belize Global Education Experience
CUW’s School of Health Professions offers an interprofessional global education experience in Belize that brings together students and faculty from speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy and education. Through school- and community-based service, participants support children, adults, families and educators while gaining experience in interprofessional practice, cultural humility, clinical reasoning and servant leadership. The program helps students apply their skills while serving communities in a global setting.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.