My first international excursion was to the beautiful countries of Guatemala and Belize on a study abroad trip. The International Classroom Initiative was founded by Professor Deborah Wagnon, Esquire to introduce students to the global entertainment industry. This year’s trip featured eight students from several disciplines at MTSU and the education centered on intellectual property through courses and seminars at Universidad Francisco Marroquín in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

During those sessions, we studied international trademark law as it relates to the music industry. Professor Wagnon’s seminar on the incredible A Star is Born series that helped us chart the intellectual property changes throughout the three films was the most impactful for me. That helped sparked my love for the intersection of film, movie, and law. While at UFM, we visited the Museo Ixchel, toured their film program, and watched the premiere of student-led films in their state-of-the-art facilities. The heart of Guatemala City offered many adventures by way of shopping and dining - from open air markets to rooftop bars to seven-story malls - and the best pastries I have ever tasted courtesy of San Martín.

Our time in Belize began with hiking the Mayan ruins at Tikal near the border and was an adventure from then on. After touring and attending University of Belize at Belmopan, we met the famous entrepreneur Marie Sharp and visited the factory and farm that produces the nation’s outstanding hot sauce. We also toured Belize’s National Assembly and the United States Embassy located in the capitol. My best friend Carlee and I stayed with the coolest family that made us feel welcomed and treated us to the best Belize had to offer. We were traveling too much to ever have a dull moment or a bad meal.

Academically, this trip covered a range of topics within the intellectual property subject. I wrote my final essay on the movie piracy industry in Belize. In my research, I learned that the issue stems from the lack of streaming services available and the fact that the nation boasts a single movie theatre located in the nation’s former capitol, Belize City. I applied the education about intellectual property disputes in films into a piece on why smaller nations like Belize often fall prey to piracy.

The highlight of our trip was the establishment of the International Classroom Initiative’s Ladyville Rehearsal Space. Not only did I get to watch some incredible audio engineering students - Kevin Janes, Christian Balderas, and Bishop Moore - set up this room from scratch, I also had the opportunity to do the marketing for the studio’s soft launch during our trip. Ideally, this space will become a hub for local talent and the up and coming music industry to hone their skills through practice and performance. 

Belize and Guatemala made for the perfect first international trip with a little bit of everything to offer. I will carry this experience with me and take this education into my next phase of life. I hope that the future holds many more opportunities for impactful adventures like this one.