On Wednesday, April 19th, the newest group of Bucknellians attending the abroad program BU in the Caribbean met for a pre-trip discussion and overview. Professors Hiram Smith, Rafe Dalleo, Trace Coats and Michelle Lauver met with the students to discuss how to prepare for departure and what to expect during their three week stay on the islands of Puerto Rico and Antigua. The program hopes to give students an understanding of the Caribbean’s cultural and geographic diversity.
The meeting started with basic overview of how the program will run, and where the students will be staying. It then ventured into how students should pack and what would be appropriate to bring. They discussed luggage sizes and storage (and made sure that people knew they should leave room in their suite cases to bring back gifts from their time abroad!). They also did a quick overview of currency in the Caribbean, and made sure the students knew the difference between the Caribbean dollar and the US dollar. They also went over quick facts students should know about their stay, ranging from nice restaurants near their hotel to the fact that Antigua has banned the use of plastic bags. The professors then went over required readings that needed to be completed before their arrival, including “The Caribbean: A regional overview” by Franklin Knight and Colin Palmer, Daughters of the Stone by Dahlma Llanos Figueroa, and Tide Running by Oonya Kempadoo.
Finally, Professor Trace Coats discussed safety and health precautions with the students before their arrival. While this trip is meant to be fun and give students key insights on life in the Caribbean, it is important for students to always be aware of their surroundings and how they can avoid any dangerous situations. Professor Coats asks that all students make sure they are always with a group of people, to identify a landmark near their hotel in case they ever get lost and need to find their way back, and asks students to avoid wearing clothing that will identify students as outsiders (like a Bucknell t-shirt). Professor Coats also advises students to make sure they are up to date with any vaccinations to ensure a safe and healthy trip ahead!
After the meeting ended, I asked students what they were most excited about and why they decided to take part in this program. Brylee Tereska (’26) conveyed, “I am particularly interested in this study abroad program because of the beautiful location and the fact that two professors from two different disciplines are coming together to teach a course. I am most excited to learn about and witness different cultures firsthand in the Caribbean!” Catarina Barros (’24) exclaims, “The first thing that drew me to the program was the fact that we’re going to Puerto Rico, and since I’m a Spanish major I figured interacting with people there would be a great way to practice my Spanish outside of the classroom. After looking into the program, I saw it as an opportunity to immerse myself into the rich culture and community the Caribbean has to offer and to study the history that drove the remarkable countries of Puerto Rico and Antigua to become the melting pots of diverse cultures and languages they are today. I am most excited to immerse myself into a new set of cultures, values, and beliefs and learn how these were shaped by the history of the respective regions. I am also excited to gain a new sense of appreciation for Caribbean literature, music, and art in a way that is only possible by being immersed within the environment that inspired them.” John Kirincich (’26) explains, “I was drawn to Bucknell in the Caribbean because I have never been there, and I want to learn more about the culture and history. I also want to meet new people and hopefully create meaningful experiences that I can apply to later. I am most excited to visit Puerto Rico. I have heard so many great things, and I really want to learn more about history.” As you can see, all the students are thrilled about the opportunity, and the Griot wishes them the best of luck and safe travels abroad!
– Taylor Collins