Community Members Invited to Travel to Nicaragua to Provide Health Services

Tompkins Cortland Community College is sponsoring a study trip to Nicaragua from February to April, 2008. The trip, which will involve delivering health care and education to remote jungle villages, is open to both TC3 students and community members.

TC3 nursing professor Donna Nielsen De Sutter is leading the trip, her 10th to Nicaragua over the past 11 years. Over the years, she has developed strong working relationships in the remote coastal town on Puerto Cabezas. She says a big part of the trip is exposure to different cultures. "The population of Puerto Cabezas consists of three cultural groups; the indigenous Miskito, the Creolos who immigrated from Jamaica, and the Mestizo. For each culture there is a different language," says Nielsen. "This trip will change your perspective on the world. You will never be the same after this trip."

Travelers will stay in a dormitory-like setting, complete with modern facilities. During the day, trips will be made to various remote jungle villages, delivering needed medical supplies and interacting with the villagers. "Each trip finds the locals anxiously awaiting the students and faculty," says Nielsen. "We work with the local health department leaders to offer clinics in remote areas that are not normally able to receive medical care."

The trip is open to students from any program as well as community members. The trip costs $2,500, including airfare, lodging, all transportation in Nicaragua, and most meals. For students looking to earn credit for the course, up to six credits are available through two separate classes, "International Health On-site in Nicaragua" and "Spanish Language and Culture in Nicaragua." Tuition fees are extra.

Anyone interested in more information can also contact Professor Donna Nielsen De Sutter by phone at 607.844.8222, Ext. 4280 or by E-mail.

For more information:
Donna Nielsen De Sutter
Nursing Professor
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Telephone: 607.844.8222, Ext. 4280
E-mail Professor Nielsen
Fax: 607.844.9665

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