Cedar Crest College’s Class of 2028 recently returned from the ninth annual Sophomore Year Expedition, a weeklong trip full of service, culture, learning, new experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime. The expedition program is a short-term study abroad opportunity for all eligible Cedar Crest sophomores, funded almost entirely by the college through an endowed fund. One hundred and four students traveled to Belize City, Belize, along with fifteen faculty/staff leaders.
Belize was selected as this year’s Expedition location for its rich cultural diversity—shaped by Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Maya communities—along with its wide range of academic learning opportunities, engaging activities, and meaningful service experiences.
“The decision of the SYE location is never an easy one because there are so many incredible places we could go!” says Lindsey Hutterer-Gallagher, Interim Director of Global Initiatives & International Programs. “Belize really stood out because it is full of educational richness, offering sophomores an immersive cultural and experiential learning environment that deepens global awareness, strengthens community connection, and brings classroom concepts to life in meaningful ways.”
The Expedition is a transformational experience to students, providing them opportunities to explore sites like the Green Iguana Conservation Project in San Ignacio, the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins, and the Community Baboon Sanctuary in Bermudian Landing.
For Nursing majors Stephanie Freire and Genesis Major, the iguana sanctuary visit stands out as a favorite moment.
“It was so meaningful and fun to learn about their conservatory work and just learn more about iguanas,” says Stephanie. “I could see how they genuinely care about doing rehabilitation work and care about the iguanas.”
For Genesis, seeing sustainability and rehabilitation in action at the sanctuary was impactful.
“We learned that they take in injured iguanas and nurse them back to health before releasing them back into the wild. We were shown how to properly hold them, and it was an amazing experience,” says Genesis.
Students could also participate in activities they may have never done before, such as a walking food tour in San Pedro, snorkeling with marine life, ziplining in the mountains, and cave tubing.
“One of my favorite parts of the trip was going snorkeling in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. I am not a good swimmer, but our tour guide made me feel super comfortable and safe. I was able to see amazing wildlife while also overcoming a fear of the ocean,” says Genesis.
In addition to exploration, the Expedition is rooted in providing students the opportunity to partake in meaningful service. While in Belize, Cedar Crest sophomores completed their service-learning/volunteer work at the Community Baboon Sanctuary, where their groups provided the following community service:
- Painted picnic tables at a nearby school
- Painted picnic tables and a playground at a local church
- Weeded a cricket field and fixed a fence
- Painted the Community Baboon Sanctuary building
Additionally, students had seven different course offerings they could choose from for this Expedition, spending the first half of the semester learning about their topic, then getting a chance to explore their topics in real life while on the trip before completing a final project.
After exploring a different country and culture, and experiencing new things, students return from the Expedition with a new perspective and memories of meaningful interactions that will last a lifetime.
“It was such an amazing time to be able to talk and learn more from all the lovely people who helped make our time special,” says Stephanie, reflecting on the meaningful interactions she had with guides, local workers, and performers while interviewing them for her project, a deep dive on Belize culture.
Through their immersive, service-based learning, students were able to gain a deeper connection to the communities they visited. Stephanie and Genesis reflect on how the experience has broadened their perspective on travel and cultural connection.
“My perspective on tourism and the way I travel has changed. Every time I travel, I always stick to the beach, tourist activities, and excursions. I think being on this trip has given me a special appreciation for service work and being intentional with my time…I think also just focusing on and appreciating things that help highlight and celebrate the culture of the places I go is so important,” says Stephanie.
“My perspective on Belize as a country changed completely. I went into the trip not knowing much about the country and left with so much knowledge of it,” explains Genesis. “It changed my perspective on how possible it is to be united as a country, because they have so many cultures such as Hispanic, Mayan, Taiwanese, Amish, and African, yet they all get along and come together, united as one; that was very inspiring to me. It also changed my perspective on travel as a whole. It made me realize that I would rather be immersed in the culture with the locals rather than just do ‘touristy’ things.”
As students return home, they carry with them not only new knowledge and experiences, but a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
“My Sophomore Expedition changed my life, and I will never forget the experiences I had,” says Genesis.
By Catherine Stroh