Stephanie – Guatemala

May 21, 2025

Hello! My name is Stephanie Batayiannis (she/her) and I am currently going into my senior year at East Carolina University (ECU) as a nursing major. At ECU and within the College of Nursing (CON) I love getting involved in campus organizations. I hold the position of treasurer in three CON affiliations including Student Leadership Council, Holistic Health Organization, and East Carolina Association of Student Nurses. I am the Class Representative for my 2026 Spring graduating cohort, a Pirate Nurse Ambassador and a student nurse mentor. I am a founding member of the Global Fellowship Program here at ECU as well as a global fellow mentor. A unique fact about me is I am an out-of-state, first-generation college student and one of the first nursing intended members in my family.

I will be studying abroad on the Perspectives in International Community Health program to Guatemala with the ECU College of Nursing. We will be traveling to numerous locations in Guatemala including Antigua, San Miguel, San Felipe, Ciudad Vieja, and Santiago Atitlan. This trip is a 3-week language and cultural immersion program. We will be volunteering in a nutrition rehabilitation center, with local doctors in clinics, and other health tasks in public schools and community centers for women and children. We will be providing education on handwashing, safe drinking water, oral hygiene, nutrition, family planning, menstrual cycles and breast cancer awareness. I will be living with a host family, which will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of their cultural background, particularly the rich traditions of the Mayan culture. I’ll explore this through field visits to coffee plantations, excursions to the world’s largest Mayan market, and by participating in daily activities and events with my Guatemalan host family.

As an aspiring nurse, I am most looking forward to learning Spanish to help me build stronger connections with my current and future patients. I am also excited to immerse myself in a new culture and gain greater cultural competency, which is essential in providing respectful and effective care. I look forward to learning from the local community while exploring how to integrate my healthcare experience with their cultural and spiritual practices.

I am very excited to share my experiences with you while I am studying abroad in Guatemala, and I could not be more thankful to East Carolina University, Office of Global Affairs, and the College of Nursing for this opportunity.

June 2, 2025

Hola! I arrived in Guatemala yesterday, June 1st, and the experience so far has been both energizing and eye-opening. The day began early with a 3:30 AM arrival at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. From there, I flew to Miami and then continued to Guatemala City, landing at 12:15 PM local time (2:15 PM Eastern Standard Time).

Upon arrival, the local staff warmly welcomed us. We will be collaborating them with during our time here. We then boarded a bus for a scenic two-hour drive to Antigua Guatemala. During the ride, we met several of our Spanish instructors and began our full immersion experience, communicating exclusively in Spanish (or, in my case, Spanglish!).

Antigua immediately captured my attention with its vibrant colors, colonial architecture, and breathtaking natural surroundings. The city is framed by mountains and volcanoes. Three of them in Guatemala are currently active. The landscape is unlike anything I have seen back home.

We soon arrived at the home of our host family, where we were warmly welcomed. The house is beautiful and noticeably different from typical homes in the United States. The architecture embraces openness and nature, with windows that open directly to the outdoors and stairs that lead to a second-floor terrace adorned with plants and a small garden. It’s a peaceful, inviting space that already feels like a home away from home.

Today marked the beginning of our formal language instruction. We have one-on-one Spanish lessons five days a week, each lasting four hours. During our first class, we received handmade dolls with our names on them. Single mothers created these gifts. Many of whom are survivors of domestic violence, who are working to build sustainable businesses. It was a powerful and meaningful gesture that underscored the deep sense of community and resilience here.

After class, we spent the afternoon exploring more of Antigua. We visited local markets, which were full of energy and color. Vendors offered everything from handcrafted souvenirs and textiles to fresh fruits, meats, and traditional foods. It was a great opportunity to interact with both locals. A fun fact is bargaining at markets in Guatemala is very normal and expected.

Later, we visited a local church. It was a reflection of Guatemala’s strong Catholic heritage. The country observes many religious festivals throughout the year, many of which are rooted in centuries-old traditions. Experiencing this aspect of Guatemalan culture firsthand added a new layer to my understanding of the region’s identity.

We wrapped up the day at a cozy café, where I had an unforgettable slice of strawberry cheesecake and a cup of Guatemala’s rich coffee. It was the perfect end to an already unforgettable day.

Although it’s only my second day here, I’ve already learned so much. I’ve learned more about the Spanish language, Guatemalan culture, and the warmth of the people who live here. It’s humbling to witness a way of life so different from my own and to be welcomed into it so generously. I’m looking forward to deepening these connections and continuing this journey of cultural and personal discovery.

More updates to come as the adventure unfolds!

June 9, 2025

Hello! The past few days have been incredibly busy and eye-opening. On Thursday, we began our work at Casa Jackson, a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for children suffering from malnutrition. In addition to providing medical and nutritional care, Casa Jackson also offers a free after-school program designed to keep kids engaged in positive activities and away from the streets.

During my first day, I had the opportunity to work in the kitchen. It was a hands-on experience where I learned about the meal preparation process and how staff coordinate with the in-house nutritionist to ensure every child receives proper nourishment. I even got to help make traditional foods like tortillas and tamales for the children and their mothers. It was both humbling and enriching to be part of something so essential.

On Friday, I spent more time one-on-one with the children and babies. I helped the older kids with crafts during their after-school activities and supported the younger ones with feeding, changing, and play. All crucial for reaching developmental milestones. This experience really brought to life what we learn in nursing school about the importance of nutrition in early childhood development. Globally, 1 in 3 people are malnourished, but seeing the long-term effects in person made it all feel very real.

Many of the children, ranging in age from 7 months to 10 years, had not yet reached typical developmental milestones. For instance, some were not able to hold their heads up at 6 months, sit independently at 8 months, crawl by 10 months, or walk by their first birthday. Many were significantly smaller than their age would suggest. Witnessing this made me realize just how much work is still needed in the field of global health.

Another surprising thing I learned about Guatemala is how easy it is to access antibiotics here, often without prescriptions. This has led to a rise in antibiotic-resistant infections, a growing global concern. Seeing the impact of limited resources and health literacy firsthand has changed the way I view public health issues.

Outside of work, I’ve also had the chance to explore some of Guatemala’s rich culture. Over the weekend, we visited a coffee plantation, a macadamia farm, experienced Mayan traditions, and toured the Iximche ruins. It’s been amazing to deepen my understanding of the local culture and history.

This trip has already been an unforgettable experience both personally and professionally. I’m looking forward to learning and growing even more in the days to come

One of the most unexpected lessons I’ve taken from this experience is how challenging it is to navigate daily life in a country where I don’t speak the language fluently. It’s made me think deeply about how many of our patients in the U.S. must feel isolated, confused, and vulnerable. Especially when trying to communicate during something as stressful as a hospital stay. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, patience, and accessible language services in healthcare.

¡Hola!
This week has been an incredible journey full of hands-on clinical experience, meaningful conversations, and cultural immersion. We had the opportunity to work at several different clinics, each offering a unique perspective on healthcare in Guatemala.

On Monday and Tuesday, we traveled to Hospitalito Atitlán in Santiago Atitlán. This nonprofit hospital serves as a critical resource for the local community, offering affordable and often free care. I had the chance to assist in the triage area, admitting patients, taking vital signs, and helping direct them to the appropriate departments. It was fascinating to observe how a hospital functions outside of the U.S. and to see how resourceful and community-driven the staff are. We also learned that the hospital recently opened its first nursing school, which is such an inspiring step forward for healthcare in the region. While we were there, we visited Lake Atitlán, a breathtaking body of water surrounded by mountains and vibrant towns. At 5,125 feet above sea level, the views were unforgettable.

Wednesday was a big day for us. We gave our first Charla (community health talk) at Corazón del Niño in San Pedro las Huertas. This organization provides essential services like food security, clothing, and healthcare access. My group presented on the importance of household and hand hygiene, and we were met with such appreciation and engagement. The organization even had us place our handprints on their wall, a symbol of the impact ECU College of Nursing students continue to make in the community.

On Thursday, we returned to work with Corazón del Niño at one of their free clinics. We helped with vitals, health assessments, patient education, and organized the waiting area to streamline patient flow. A nutritionist and pharmacy were also on-site. I spent the day educating patients about hygiene and nutrition; topics that are often taken for granted but can have a major impact on community health outcomes.

Friday was especially moving. We partnered with Pro-Chapina, another organization dedicated to serving women and children. I led a charla on family planning and birth control. It was during this experience that many women opened up to me about their personal experiences with the healthcare system in Guatemala. Several shared painful stories of mistreatment and procedures done without consent. It was heartbreaking to hear how dehumanizing their interactions with medical professionals had been. These conversations deeply affected me and made me reflect on the serious global gaps in health literacy, patient rights, and women’s healthcare.

What stood out most was the overwhelming gratitude from the women we spoke to. Many said they felt seen, heard, and supported for the first time in a long time. Several even told us that God is blessing us for being there.

This week reminded me why I chose nursing. It reignited my commitment to advocating for equitable care, not only in the U.S., but around the world. I hope to be a voice for those who feel voiceless and a part of the change that brings dignity and respect to every patient, everywhere.