CWU is known for creating amazing opportunities for faculty and undergraduate student to learn and discover together. In 2011, a group of elementary education students travelled across the globe with their professor, Terry McCain, to teach English to Honduran children.  Mandie Dolezal, Kelly Gunnyon, Shelia Jones, Shannon O’Hara, and Stacey Niemi traveled to Honduras to complete their practicum.

The group traveled to Southwest School in La Esperanza, Intibucá to complete the three-week practicum. They spent five hours in school where the group observed, taught lessons, and learned strategies in teaching English to Spanish-speaking children who have no language support system in place other than school. The group also took part in community activities. The director of the school hosted the group at her guest home.

“This was a life changing experience. It made me appreciate what we have here [in the United States],” said Dolezal. “[In the Honduras] There are so many who live in poverty but they believe they have what they need and are very happy because they have lots of family support.”