In early May of this year, 12 Lasell students traveled to the country of Antigua as part of the University’s Shoulder to Shoulder international service-learning program. This was the first cohort to travel to the Caribbean country since January of 2020 due to the pandemic. The trip offered University staff an opportunity to rekindle relationships with local educators they’ve been unable to see for four years and establish a partnership with two new schools.

Under the guidance of education professors Liz Hartmann and Amy Maynard, Lasell students spent the Spring semester preparing for their time in Antigua. Together they learned about the island nation’s culture, prepared lesson plans, and engaged with the Antigua-based teachers that they would collaborate with throughout the trip. Once they arrived in Antigua, the Lasell students quickly learned how to adapt their lesson plans to best meet the local students’ needs and prepare new curricula.

Each Lasell student was assigned an Antiguan teaching partner who they spent five days working with in an assigned classroom. In addition to education majors, participating Lasell students included psychology and fashion design majors. The Lasell undergrads worked with local children and teens, from first graders through high school students, joining them in the classroom for lessons, lunch, music, and other activities.

While in Antigua, the Lasell students were able to explore the beautiful country, visit some famous landmarks and experience the culture firsthand. Their excursions included a visit to Shirley Heights - an historic military compound that is part of a World Heritage Site - during its famous BBQ Sunday sunset celebration.

The next Shoulder to Shoulder trip to Antigua will take place in January of 2025 and applications are now open.