12 teams of Lauder students participated in a new program in Central America called “Culture Quest.” This student-lead, 10-day, self-guided cultural immersion experience consisted of 4-person teams who “ raced” from Tikal, Guatemala to Panama City, Panama using only public transportation. Along with required readings and lectures on the region’s history and current events, course participants had to compete in a scavenger-hunt style contest by collecting points for activities such as interviewing local government officials, attending a local wedding, visiting a land-fill, learning a local musical instrument or advising small local businesses. The Lauder students journey through this region presented a unique way to experience multiple foreign cultures in a short period of time while allowing them to refine their leadership and team-building skills. Lauder Culture Quest took place from May 19- 31. It ended in Panama City with a tour of the Panama Canal expansion work sites in Gatun, Colon and later the students enjoyed an interesting lecture about Panama’s economy from the Harari family; Max, Max Raymond, and Jack. The day ended with a surprise visit from boxer Roberto Duran.
The Joseph H. Lauder Institute
256 South 37th street
2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6330