Category: Caribbean

Submitted by Gabriela A. Rodriguez on the 2024 Winter HDFS program in Barbados …

I know this photo collage may seem like a lot in one – and to be fair, it is. However, I didn’t think one picture could show how the people of Barbados have captured my heart. I would once again like to give a special shout-out to our faculty director, Dr. Norma Gaines-Hanks (portrait picture on the right), who will be retiring after this session, for her hard work and dedication to her programs. More specifically, the Barbados HDFS service-learning program. 

Dr. Gaines-Hanks loves to travel, and she has been to a few different islands, but no matter what – she always returns to Barbados because it feels like home. After being here for three weeks, I can completely understand why. From the moment we landed, we were greeted with bright smiles that made us feel the warm Barbadian welcome. Everyone around us is super respectful and kind and gives off the peaceful vibes of the island. I have learned that trust and respect are some things that are automatically given to a person unless they have proven they do not deserve it. Unlike in the United States, it can take a while for a person to warm up to someone new, and it takes even more for that person to give you their trust and respect – especially if you are not in a position of power.  

 This was most evident in the primary school where I was placed for the month. The 16 students here are all placed at a primary school in Barbados, where we assist the teacher, teach lessons, educate the children on American culture, and develop personal bonds and friendships with the students and staff. In three of the photos, you will see two pictures of me interacting with some of the children at my school, and the other is one of the children of different ages interacting with the principal of the school (picture of the man with a red shirt). The picture is heartwarming to me because it is clear to see that they all have great relationships with their staff, and we are given that same grace and respect. All this to say, working with these children has given me an insider’s perspective on the type of people Bajans are. Alongside our placements, we have been fortunate enough to have been taught music and dance by some amazing professionals. Then, we attended a dinner at a place named Harbour Lights, where we saw in action the music and dances we learned as well as some more intricate traditional Bajan ways to celebrate. 

The final photo is of the man painting. It is one I wanted to include as well because he sits right in front of the main grocery store. He has his previous paintings out for people to buy as he works on a new one right in front of them. No one bothers him, and no one tries to remove him from the area because they know it is how he makes a living, and I have seen multiple people be entranced by his work. Myself included. (Submitted on January 26, 2024)

Submitted by Eddie Sollazzo on the 2024 Winter CIEG program in Barbados…

Following the winter holiday season, I was incredibly excited to embark on my study abroad session in Barbados. I got on my flight with two of my friends and landed in Barbados on January 2. Before arriving, our professor Dr. Puleo had told us that the sun was intense and as soon as I stepped off the plane, I knew exactly what “intense” meant. This study abroad program is centered around learning about coastal engineering, and we have the opportunity to stay at McGill University’s Bellairs research institute which is located right on the water. The area is so beautiful and convenient to be steps away from the beach. Geographically, the institute is located on the west side of the island facing the Caribbean Sea, which allows for calmer waves which are tame for swimming and other types of water activities like snorkling.

Our first night, we finally got to the Institute and everyone was starving. Right across the street was a small bar that looked very much like a local spot. A few of us from the group went up to the bar and asked if they served food. We were met with the kindest hospitality and a delicious warm meal. The bar owner Sue was so accommodating to our group, and we chatted with her all night. Coincidentally, this night was karaoke night as well…. needless to say the group tore the house down, sang and danced with Sue and a few other locals for a few hours before going to bed. It was amazing to start the trip meeting the people of Barbados and getting a real authentic experience our first night.

The rest of the week consisted of lots of morning runs and swims, as well as exploring the nearby area as best as we could. One morning after my run on the beach, I was amazed to see a man washing his three horses in the ocean. It felt like I was in a scene out of a movie. (Submitted on January 13, 2024)

Submitted by Brooke Gaenzle on the 2024 Winter CIEG program in Barbados…

This past week started with exploring the local area and diving into our classes, but soon things became a little chaotic when my phone broke! I’m not going to lie to you, a broken phone in a country you don’t know is not ideal. But it allowed for me to be able to travel to a nearby town and explore the stores, searching for a tech repair shop. I was welcomed by many employees who not only helped me on my phone-fixing journey, but also gave me lots of tips on where to visit.

I’ve learned a bit more about the coastal ecosystem and economy of Barbados as well. We had two guest speakers this week, who explained to us how Barbados relies on the coasts to generate money from tourism and fishing and how a major project is underway to develop a marine management plan. It’s so cool to learn more about Barbados and compare it to Delaware’s economy and lifestyle. One thing that was extremely interesting and very different from the United States is that all of Barbados’ beaches are privately owned but publicly used. This totally blew my mind because I could not imagine this working on the beaches near home, since private property is usually closed off.

It’s been so great being able to explore the coast myself and see the concepts I’m learning in class in the ocean that’s right behind us. Learning about how waves refract, shoal, and bend around break waters even helped me find better sweet spots while surfing! The biodiversity in the coral reef is so abundant as well. Through snorkeling, I’ve been able to see needlefish, white marlon, and schools of 100s of fish. You can also see all of the different types of corals and sea sponges. (Submitted on January 13, 2024)

Submitted by Gabriela A. Rodriguez on the 2024 Winter HDFS program in Barbados…

On January 3rd, 2024, I embarked on a new Study Abroad journey. The right way to bring in the new year. With new people in a different environment experiencing what they do day to day. The Barbados HDFS Service-Learning Study Abroad program has 16 students led by Dr. Norma Gaines-Hanks. Dr. Gaines-Hanks started the program in 2005, and we are fortunate enough to be here with her as her 10th and FINAL group. 

Upon arrival, we got a tour of the resort where we would be residing and then took some time to get settled. We then prepared to have dinner as a group for the first time and truly get comfortable with each other, which did not take long. As my roommate and I were on our way to dinner – we noticed our door wouldn’t open. We called the front desk, and they came to let us out. However, the manager wanted to see what the problem was and she accidentally locked herself inside with us! Thankfully, another student walked by and went to get help. So, that night at dinner, we had a great story to tell.

As a Winter Study Abroad Session, we are going to be on the island for a month. Most students may be skeptical about this because they may feel as if it is not enough time to see all they want and experience everything in such a short amount of time. However, I can say that as a World Scholar who has been abroad for a full semester – you definitely can. From the second day, we have been able to do something new. We took a trip to Harrison’s Cave, then drove to other parts of the island, ate at the local restaurants, booked our boat ride to experience swimming with turtles, stingrays, etc., and saw what the Bajan nightlife consisted of. I also appreciate the fact that since we are a smaller group, we all have been able to connect and go on trips as a whole outside of what the program has for us. 

Despite all those crazy back-and-forths, always in-the-go moments, I have still been able to reflect on my days here so far, and the pictures I have decided to submit are moments that I have felt pure Serenity. I don’t always like to take pictures of moments where I am reflecting, but in cases like these, I am thankful to have them because when I look back, I am taken to that moment, and I know I will never forget the feeling. (Submitted on January 12, 2024)

Submitted by Blake Robinson on the 2024 Winter HDFS program in Barbados…

On Sunday, January 7th, 2024, me and 15 of my peers on my Barbados trip went snorkeling. It was my first time ever swimming in the ocean other than just being on the shallow end and putting my feet in. On the boat, the captain made sure everyone was comfortable and offered snorkels and life vests and made so many funny jokes to keep everyone happy.

Experiencing snorkeling with turtles and fishes for the first time was a very captivating and exhilarating adventure. As I dove into the crystal-clear waters, a sense of anticipation and wonder took hold. The initial moments had me feeling a mix of excitement and a slight nervousness, as the underwater world unfolded before my eyes.

The sensation of weightlessness and the flow of the ocean created a soothing and immersive atmosphere. As colorful schools of fish gracefully darted around, and majestic turtles glided effortlessly through the water, I felt the vibrant marine life, coupled with the serene underwater environment, induced a feeling of awe and amazement. Overall, the experience was a feeling of joy, and fascination. (Submitted on January 12, 2024)

Submitted by Sarah D’Antonio on the 2024 Winter service-learning study abroad program in Barbados…

Participating in an international service-learning program isn’t just about community service. There is this common misconception that the sole purpose of a “mission” or “service” trip is to promote the welfare of others and make a difference in communities outside of our own. Yet, the definition of service goes way beyond compassion and empathy between cultures.

An organization’s commitment, or in our case, a university’s commitment to service-learning programs is intended to rid or reduce a divergence between cultures and communities different from what we know, but there is a duality that exists to accomplish this. The purpose of a service-learning experience needs to not only emphasize the service aspect but also prioritize learning.

During our first week here in Barbados, we were informed of this concept called the “missionary tendency”. The missionary tendency is when people volunteer to participate in service trips only with the intention to do good for others in the host country and fail to recognize the reciprocity in its purpose. It is important to realize that this experience not only includes impacting the community, but also learning something from those we are helping and taking home new perspectives and lessons to share with our own communities at home.

For this particular service-learning experience, we have made it our intention to learn lessons and new cultural perspectives to take home with us. However, this intention can only be achieved by fully immersing ourselves in Bajan culture and making meaningful connections with locals and the students we work with. The learning experience and what we take home with us is really what is going to make a difference and bridge existing divides between cultures. (Submitted on January 11, 2024)

Submitted by Michael Rimbey on the 2024 Winter HDFS program in Barbados…

During my 7 hours of being on different planes on the way to Barbados in early January, I couldn’t help but feel excited and also nervous for the journey that was ahead. I was not sure what to expect, but I understood that it would be a lot different than what I was used to. After meeting many different people this first week, I already feel comfortable and accepted being here in this new environment and am beyond excited for the rest of this journey abroad.

In this first week, we have done a lot of things to help us get accustomed to the island and see some of the great things this place has to offer. Such things included a bus tour around the island, a glass bottom boat excursion, a tour of Harrison’s Cave, and some placements in the local primary schools here. In these placements, we are assigned to a teacher or two, and we assist in teaching the kids their curriculum and also a little bit about where we are from and how it is different from here. The children in these primary schools, which are ages from 4 to 11, took no time in getting comfortable with us and just loved hanging out and being in our presence. It is an extremely heart-warming feeling to have them grab you by the arm and begin showing you around the school. For a lot of them, it was their first time meeting someone from the United States, and so I am doing my best to represent our country in a positive way. Helping out at these schools is a great way to immerse myself in their culture and understand what it is like to grow up and learn on the island. 

One person I have connected with here is a man named David, who has lived in Barbados his whole life and makes most of his money by selling jewelry on the beach. After seeing him walk by a couple times, I decided to invite him over to our area and talk to him for a little bit. After having a conversation with him, I decided to help his cause and purchase a bracelet, made entirely out of coconuts. One thing I have noticed while being here is that everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming, just wanting you to have the best experience possible when visiting their homeland. I am excited to continue to embrace these new experiences during my time here and bring my knowledge back home to the United States. (Submitted on January 11, 2024)

Submitted by Taylor Donahue on the 2024 Winter CIEG program in Barbados…

The second week in Barbados allowed our group to explore more of the island and see some of the cool markets the town has to offer. We traveled to the Oistins fish market where their weekly fish fry was occurring. There was a lot of great food and we were able to talk to a lot of locals and other travelers in Barbados. We were also fortunate enough to have guest lecturers from the coastal planning and zoning departments of Barbados. They were very informative and showed us their plans on how to maintain healthy and happy coasts here.

The snorkeling and other animals here have been breathtaking. We have monkeys in our courtyard at Bellairs that have come out and play while we do our work. This has been oneof the best ways to take and break and soak in all the natural beauty we have here. One of the courses I’m taking here is coastal engineering, and it is amazing to see how research on this could help preserve this beautiful island. The appreciation for the beaches here inspires and motivates me to bring some of these practices back home. (Submitted on January 11, 2024)

Submitted by Olivia Sheetz on the 2024 Winter NURS program in the British Virgin Islands…

My first week abroad has been nothing short of remarkable. Throughout the first few days, I have been able to learn about the British Virgin Islands’ culture from the locals in addition to the environment around me. One thing in particular that has stood out to me is how much the terrain in the BVI varies from the terrain in Delaware. There are many mountains which makes transportation very difficult and dangerous. 

We are fortunate enough to have a taxi driver, Buckle, who is able to both safely navigate these mountains as well as answering any questions we have about a new culture. The roads are built into the mountains primarily from cement with little guardrails, road signs, or lights. They are exceptionally steep and have sharp curves. It is fascinating to see and hear how the people who live here navigate these roads. Something that stood out to me particularly was when I asked Buckle if there are many accidents here. He explained that if anything there are less accidents because the people here must drive more safely compared to regular roads. Something as simple as these differences emphasize how unique the culture in the British Virgin Islands is and further proves the simplicity and closeness of the community.

Submitted by Travis Johnson on the 2024 Winter HDFS program in Barbados…

The first week in Barbados was packed with lessons, excursions and experiences that helped familiarize the group with the island and its culture. The first day primarily consisted of travel, with students arriving in Bridgetown, Barbados from Baltimore, Boston, New York and Philadelphia. Dr. Gaines-Hanks, our program director greeted us at the airport upon arrival, and coordinated a bus ride to our place of residence for the trip from there. During our ride to the hotel, the group quickly began to realize the beauty of the island, with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea from the crests of the country’s rolling hills, and the palm tree lined streets. We ended the first day with a group dinner, and despite everyone’s long travel days, the group was energetic and excited for experience we were about to embark upon.

Over the next two days, the group began its program introduction, classes and reflections. Our first class focused on getting all of the students introduced to each other, as the group comprises of students from many different majors. The following day, our class focused more on the Bajan and Caribbean culture. A guest speaker taught us about the different types of Caribbean music, and how many concepts in the music are seen in genres around the world, such as polyrhythms and use of call and response. After learning the components of Caribbean music, we learned two popular Bajan songs. To close out the third day, we traveled to Bridgetown to have a very nice dinner with two representatives from the US Embassy in Barbados, who welcomed us to the country, and shared stories from their careers before answering our questions and sharing dinner with us.

The first week also consisted of some excursions and activities that allowed us to experience some of the recreational opportunities the island has to offer. On the first full day, Dr. Gaines-Hanks took us for a walking tour of our local community, Holetown, stopping by various points of interest in the community such as the grocery store, popular restaurants, the beach, and an
outdoor mall. The next day, our group spent time on the beach, enjoying the calm water of the Caribbean and local foods such as fish cakes, and later spent time with members of the other UD Study Abroad group that is also in Barbados for the winter. To end our week, the group went out on a boat tour and snorkeling, seeing countless fish and turtles, and even an old
shipwreck. The first week in Barbados allowed for us to get familiar with the Island and experience its beauty, but we also learned a lot about the culture. From things like our music history lesson, to simply noticing that everyone here says hello in passing and treats your like family, we are beginning to understand the culture which we are in. As the first week comes to a close, we will begin preparing for the beginning of our teaching placements next week. (Submitted on January 9, 2024)