Global Impact

The Benefits of Being Uncomfortable

For more than 100 years, Carolina’s Institute for the Study of the Americas (ISA), one of the first educational centers in the United States dedicated exclusively to the study of Latin America, has been dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s leaders.

For more than 100 years, Carolina’s Institute for the Study of the Americas (ISA), one of the first educational centers in the United States dedicated exclusively to the study of Latin America, has been dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s leaders.

Teaching and learning encompass more than transferring information in a classroom. They demand exploration, experience and engagement in new and different ways that enlighten both teacher and student. Preparing tomorrow’s leaders is not just about getting students out of their comfort zone, but rather expanding it.

And for more than 100 years, Carolina’s Institute for the Study of the AmericasOpens in new window (ISA), one of the first educational centers in the United States dedicated exclusively to the study of Latin America, has been dedicated to both. One of six global area studies centersOpens in new window at UNC, ISA is committed to the pursuit of knowledge of the Latin American experience in the Western Hemisphere, building upon a distinguished tradition of scholarly interest in Latin America, including Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Offering undergraduate and graduate programs as well as study abroad and global volunteer opportunities, the institute also collaborates with Duke University as part of the Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean StudiesOpens in new window.

The ISA’s director, Louis Pérez Jr., J. Carlyle Sitterson Professor of History and expert on all things Cuba, is passionate about his students, the ISA team and its programs, and the future.

Louis Pérez Jr., J. Carlyle Sitterson Professor of History and director of the Institute for the Study of Americas

“This is a transformative time not only for our state and nation but also for the world; it’s imperative that we don’t just take the pulse of today’s academic and public environments, but lead the conversation for the future,” Pérez said. “Our programs provide our students with the learning tools, network opportunities and preparation they need to embark on global opportunities, varied career paths or graduate work.”

Pérez said that immersion in Latin American studies is even more germane to North Carolina, as we have a significant and growing Latin community here. As this demographic grows, it is up to those in higher education to anticipate that growth and develop ways to serve these populations. “Latin America is steeped in history and tradition, both abroad and here at home,” Pérez said. “As we become more diverse, so must our environment; experiences and engagement are keys to achieving that.”

That goes for study abroad experiences as well. “Our students have many choices when it comes to study abroad, so it’s important that the experience coincide with our students’ needs and goals,” said Hannah Gill ’99 D.Phil. (Oxford University), associate director of ISA and director of the institute’s signature program, Latino Migration ProjectOpens in new window (LMP), a collaboration between ISA and the Center for Global InitiativesOpens in new window. “Often sparked by interaction with a faculty member, students studying abroad generally ground the experience in academics or service, but it also often includes a search for identity, heritage and belonging as well as a curiosity about their ancestry. Those motivators play a part in the direction we take.”

UNC students teach English in a middle school in Guanajuato.

Even more than teaching courses, advising, networking and program development, ISA staff live what they teach. Gill teaches a global service learning class, “Latin American Immigrant Perspectives: Ethnography in Action,” that travels to Guanajuato, Mexico, each year. Guanajuato Connections trains students to understand the contemporary and historical complexities of immigration through academic study, service-learning and global travel to the Mexican origin communities of immigrants settled in Chapel Hill. For nearly a decade, the LMP has fostered bi-national relationships with migrant families, secondary schools and foundations in Mexico, resulting in affordable and transformative educational programs on both sides of the border.

“We want each of these experiences to be truly transformative,” Pérez said. “We’ve had great success thus far, and 2018 was no exception. The research, outreach and education that comes from the LMP is eye-opening. When our students have that ‘ah-ha’ moment, then we have achieved our goals.”

ISA has even greater goals: to enable more students to have an “ah-ha” moment. Scholarship support for students to participate in LMP, Guanajuato courses and other Latin America immersion programs is needed.

Learn more about ISAOpens in new window, LMPOpens in new window, GuanajuatoOpens in new window and how you can supportOpens in new window these and other global initiatives.

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