News Article

Spring Break in Nicaragua More Than Just a Vacation for FSW Honors Students

Apr 21, 2016

APRIL 21, 2016 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – For many college students, Spring Break is a time to kick back, take a break from their studies and hit the beach. But this year, eight Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) students in Dr. Bruno Baltodano’s Comparative Politics class spent their Spring Break in Nicaragua, learning about Nicaraguan history and its political system.

Comparative Politics is an honors class at FSW that focuses on the political systems of various countries, with a strong focus on Latin America. This semester, the students’ main project for the class are case studies on various topics in Nicaraguan politics, which include political culture, gender equality, indigenous rights, indigenous participation in the government, and the Grand Canal project.

Having been born in Nicaragua, Dr. Baltodano was happy to introduce his students to his homeland. However, he didn’t anticipate the incredible access they would have once they arrived.

After an initial meeting fell through with Telemaco Talavera, the official governmental spokesperson for the Nicaragua Grand Canal project, the group’s guide secured another meeting for them, this time with Nicaraguan Vice President Omar Halleslevens. Given this incredible opportunity, the students did not hold back on their questions to him.

“We asked Vice President Halleslevens about the politics of the country and the impending Grand Canal project, which would have a negative impact on Nicaragua’s indigenous people,” said student Lovisa Carlson. “His answers definitely swayed toward the pro-government side.”

“Yes, it’s a developing democracy, but I believe there is still a lot of corruption within the current government,” Emily Casey added. “In my opinion, they have no unbiased news outlets. They are either pro- or anti-government.”

The group then had another surprise. Dr. Baltodano had set them up to meet with 1970s revolutionary leader Eden Pastora, and he personally invited them to his home.

“It was so surreal,” said Owen Dyches. “To have visited this man’s home, who was so important to the country’s political history and to get to know him personally and hear his stories. It was once-in-a-lifetime.”

The students also met with small business owners and co-op community groups where Val Velasquez took an interest in gender equality and wage gaps.

“We met with both male and female small business owners,” Velasquez said. “It was interesting to hear the differences in each. The testimonials from women about the wage gap challenges they face in their businesses and careers just showed that women experience much of the same inequality everywhere.”

It wasn’t all work for these students though. They did find some time to enjoy some Spring Break fun. They swam in what was once an old volcano crater, they toured a cathedral, and they even had a zip-line adventure. The main thing all of the students will remember were the people they met.

“I definitely plan to go back,” said Stephanie Bravo. “I’d like to volunteer and help the smaller communities and indigenous people.”

“Every person we met, from the kids who were in extreme poverty to very wealthy government officials, all had pride in being Nicaraguan,” said Eduardo Santana. “They all want to see their country improve rather than their own personal gain.”

In fact, the trip had such a profound impact on Owen Dyches that he decided to change his academic plan from marine biology to environmental law pertaining to Nicaragua.

And for Dr. Baltodano, there is no greater success.

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Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: April 21, 2016