Editor’s Note: In this article written by the School of Education & Human Services faculty, the professors reflected on highlights from Cornerstone University’s academic trip to Honduras this summer.
Cornerstone University’s Teacher Education Vision Trip was all we could have imagined and more! The experiential journey to the capital city of Tegucigalpa in Honduras offered a unique opportunity for our teacher education faculty and students to see firsthand the disparities within the educational landscape.
The Teacher Education Vision Trip to Honduras was not merely a journey of geographical exploration but a pursuit to see Christ at work in these spaces. It was an opportunity to help students and team members to deepen our academic scholarship, broaden our cultural understanding, and strengthen our Christian worldview.
Our first evening set the foundation for our trip as a local educator presented the “X-Ray of the Honduran Education System.” This seminar provided an in-depth analysis of the sociopolitical and economic factors that influence educational outcomes in Honduras.
We spent our first full day at the International School Tegucigalpa which is an accredited international Christian mission school. The school visit aided in our exploration of the integration of our Christian worldview. Three educators shared their unique perspectives about living and teaching in Honduras as Christian expats. It also allowed us to examine a deeper understanding of our vocation as educators called to serve locally and globally.
The next couple of days presented a strong contrast to the international school as we explored the Honduran public schools, Point Honduras centers, a special needs orphanage, and a small rural village called La Venta.
A student participant shared, “The integration of faith into each part of the trip, particularly while we experienced the contrast between the wealthy and the extremely poor in Honduras, was the highlight for me. Leaders shared powerful devotions and led discussions that allowed us to reflect on what God was revealing to each of us throughout the entire experience.”
Daily conversations with staff from Point Honduras and Inspirata allowed our team to hear how God is transforming the lives of Honduran children through education. We engaged with Honduran educators, exchanging ideas and best practices while fostering cross-cultural collaboration and mutual learning.
As another student shared, “I was inspired by the welcoming environment of the Honduran community and how so many individuals prioritize improving education for the young students. It changed my perspective on education and how I want to teach in the future.”
We are grateful for the support and partnership with Friendship Sports International and Inspirata Foundation Honduras with whom we collaborated to host this inspiring experience.
To discover more about Cornerstone’s growing teacher education programs, request information online or call the Admissions Office at 616.949.5300 to speak with an enrollment counselor today.