
This course will not be offered in 2019.
Alternative Spring Break: Interdisciplinary Sciences Immersion, Guatemala
Program details and application here
Course Credit: 3 Units Sci 596
Dates: March 23 – 31, 2018, 9 days
Price: $2,460
Prerequisites: None
Priority Registration to Sciences majors.
Program Snapshot
This is a service learning course designed to introduce the cultural, environmental, health, astronomical and geological issues of Guatemala to students while they help in rural areas to improve primary school infrastructure and teach a lesson to local children. While experiencing the distinct beauty of Guatemala’s towns, villages, rain forests, agriculture, skyline and geological landscapes, and learning about regional history, culture, and sustainability efforts, students will do work that strengthens communities and families. Several pre and post program class meetings are required as part of this program.
Location
Guatemala is the gateway to Central America and is a land filled with heart, wisdom, and opportunity for human development at all socioeconomic levels.
Faculty Leader: Dr. Estralita Martin

Dr. Estralita Martin, Assistant Dean of SDSU College of Sciences
Dr. Estralita Martin is the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, College of Sciences at SDSU as well as the Director of CASA: Center for the Advancement of Students in Academia. Over the past 15 summers, Dr. Martin has taken students abroad to Ghana with The Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training (MHIRT) Program. 2016 will be Dr. Martin’s third time with students studying abroad in Guatemala, where she has developed a great love for the country and a strong working relationship with SDSU’s on-location partners in Guatemala.
Dr. Martin obtained her B.S. degree from Oberlin College in biology and physical education, her M.S. degree in biology from Atlanta University, and her Ph.D. in biology with an emphasis in cell and developmental biology from the University of California at Berkeley. At SDSU, she has become a faculty advisor to several of the student organizations on campus.
Included in Program Fee
- Accommodations at local hotel
- 3 Meals a day, including snacks and water
- Airport transfers
- Transportation in-country
- Roundtrip flight from Guatemala City to Tikal
- Excursions
- Service Projects
Not Included in Program Fee
- International airfare
- Passport and visa fees
- Food and meals purchased from outside vendors
- Personal Expenses
More information and Application here.