Tina Stavenhagen-Helgren

Biography

Learning about cross-cultural issues really intrigues me, especially when we discuss this live in a classroom setting. I enjoy incorporating innovative teaching and learning methods. Cultural immersion is key to beginning to grasp the behaviors and thinking patterns of other peoples, and I encourage students to expand their worldviews through travel along with reading and discussion. Having spent some time in countries including Germany, Haiti, and Guatemala has helped me stretch my worldview. My research and experience include immigration issues along the Texas-Mexican border and legal advocacy for Mayan refugees in Colorado. More recently I have studied Mayan immigrants on New York state dairy farms. 

I also enjoy traveling, conversing over coffee with people from different cultures, hiking, skiing, reading, and artwork. Let me know if you would like to join me on a study abroad adventure in Guatemala visiting Mayan villages and engaging in community projects!