Hello everyone! My name is Anna Lavender and I will be the blog coordinator for the course, International Studies 239: Roatan: Ethical Engagement in a Changing World. I am a sociology major with a double minor in Spanish and women and gender studies. A few of my interests at Luther include playing the flute and piccolo in various band ensembles, being on the board for our Habitat for Humanity chapter, and working for the Center for Sustainable Communities here on campus. My combined interests of sociology and sustainable practices in different communities across the globe contributed to my decision to take this course, and I am beyond ecstatic to learn more about Roatan’s embodiment of these issues.

Roatan is an island off the coast of Honduras and although the island is only about 32 square miles, Roatan is home to the world’s second largest coral reef, a frequent destination for tourism, and home to around 50,000 people year round. I am so excited to start my journey to Roatan and find answers to questions I have about the island from experiential learning and application of my sociological skills.

The goal of the course is to evaluate and analyze the matters that arise on a colonized island with language barriers, widespread poverty, and environmental issues. Roatan has many resorts and tourist heavy attractions that affect many parts of island living. Internships will be open for students to engage in the community and see firsthand the sociological and ecological impacts of tourism, climate change, and colonialism.

On January 5th, my classmates and I will board a plane at the O’Hare Airport in Chicago and be on our way to Central America! After three and a half weeks of 85 degree weather, we will be back in the United States on January 30th.

After reading all that about the course, I’m sure you’re just as excited about J-term as I am! Stay tuned for more about my adventures in Roatan and here is my email if you have any questions or would like more information about our experience.