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DACC ramps up international interests with new Voluntourism Program

The Doña Ana Community College Office of Community Education is continuing its service to southern New Mexico by creating an exciting opportunity for a "vacation with a purpose."

DACC Community Education and the Belize Field School out of the NMSU Office of Study Abroad teamed up to develop the Belize Literacy Program and EcoTour. The nine-day trip consists of visiting Mayan ruins, going on guided tours, snorkeling the coral reef and assisting teachers with a literary service project for school children in western Belize.

"It's travel with a service type of spin," DACC Community Education Director Kristian Chervenock said. "Kristi Drexler and I decided to partner up and put something together for individuals in the community to go out and volunteer."

Students from the Belize Field School look on as local Belizean guides from the National Reserve Park analyze the students' findings. The Coral Reef Ecology of Belize class used microscopes donated by the NMSU biology department. (Photo courtesy Ed Trujillo)

Drexler is the director of the Belize Field School that allows NMSU students to earn credits over their spring break by studying wildlife science, anthropology and biology through field work in Belize.

The Belize Literacy Program and EcoTour will return again in the summer, but not without a few changes first. The program proved to generate a lot of interest from community members, but like so many things in these tough economic times, it saw only a few participants who were able to fully commit financially.

Chervenock said he's not worried though. "It didn't go, but that's not surprising. It takes time to get the word out," Chervenock said. "The same thing happened with our wine appreciation course and now there's a waiting list for that class. When you start something, you just never know."

Chervenock said the office would attempt another trip a few more times over the coming semesters in hopes that adjusting the price would facilitate a better number of participants.

Changing the accommodations throughout the trip from resort-style lodging to backpacking and hostels would bring down the cost of the trip, making it more accessible to more people.

Chervenock said community education is moving in a lot of different directions and that he is excited to help establish those platforms.

"I think it shows this community is interested in moving into different areas like excursions and international travel."

In the past, the Community Education Office has organized trips south of the border to places like Casas Grandes and the Copper Canyon.

"We're busy planning a number of local expeditions that will highlight the geological and cultural richness that helps New Mexico to live up to its reputation as the Land of Enchantment," Chervenock said.

Trips to Chaco Canyon, the Bandelier cliff dwellings and Three Rivers have been done in the past and will continue to resurface, Chervenock said. Excursions like these are effective because they are fascinating, close and affordable.

When asked about the future of Voluntourism programs with community education, Chervenock said he feels the program has only scratched the surface.

"Our college and our community is eager to see more opportunities for individuals who are committed to giving back when they travel and we're delighted to help them realize their roles as global citizens," Chervenock said.

Written by Susan Prosoco.