Contributed/ETSU

From January 10 to 17, 40 ETSU students, including 14 Quillen Honors Scholars, participated in a trip to Panama as part of the Global Brigades Program. The experience was one of service and education, highlighting ETSU’s commitment to global engagement.

Dr. Karla Leybold, director of the Quillen Honors Scholars Program, works with high-achieving students to support programs and opportunities like Global Brigades.

“Global Brigades is an international nonprofit organization that partners with universities to implement sustainable, community‑led development initiatives focused on health, economic development, clean water and education,” Leybold said.

The trip to Panama represented months of hard work, planning and fundraising by the ETSU Global Brigades chapter.  Leybold especially noted the dedication of the student members of the ETSU chapter of Global Brigades International, especially the chapter president Armita Kordamiri, who brings “compassion, curiosity and purpose” to her work.

Dedication from Kordamiri and many others paid off. The trip to Panama was a success in multiple ways. Students served through public health initiatives such as medical outreach, health education and patient support.

Participants also gained a deeper understanding and cultural appreciation as they traveled in Panama.

“Students participated in cultural exchange activities, learned about Panamanian history and daily life and engaged in guided reflections on global health systems and inequities,” Leybold said.

She went on to explain that the experience’s balance of service, learning and intercultural understanding contributed to student growth and service outcomes.

“From a faculty perspective, my favorite aspect was witnessing students’ growth in confidence, empathy and cultural awareness,” Leybold said. “Students supported one another, stepped into leadership roles and developed a deeper understanding of their responsibilities as future professionals and global citizens.”

“Their efforts help raise awareness of global health challenges while also inspiring other students to pursue high‑impact educational opportunities that broaden their perspectives and prepare them to contribute thoughtfully to their communities and professions,” she said.

ETSU equips students to apply education to opportunities that foster growth and serve others. The Global Brigades Chapter at the university exhibits this, with dedicated students investing time and energy into forming connections, serving others and expanding their own horizons.

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