Nursing and Pharmacy Global Health Immersion in Roatán Fall 2026

Who we are:

A group of 12 nursing students will be participating in a Global Health Immersion in Roatán, Honduras during Spring Break (February 27th – March 6th, 2027). Led by faculty members, we will work with to provide healthcare to people on the island at Clinica Esperanza and in the surrounding communities.

Why we're fundraising:

Our annual Spring Breakaway to Roatán is much more than a trip. It is an opportunity for students to learn, serve, and experience healthcare from a new perspective. Working alongside the dedicated staff at Clínica Esperanza, our students help provide direct patient care and participate in outreach and health education in neighboring communities. The clinic serves more than 140 patients each day and welcomes patients regardless of their ability to pay.

We are raising funds to help reduce the out-of-pocket costs of participating, especially the cost of airfare. By donating, you are helping remove a financial barrier that can prevent students from taking part in this life-changing experience. Your generosity gives students the opportunity to strengthen their clinical skills, build confidence as future healthcare professionals, and gain a broader understanding of health, healthcare access, and the communities they will one day serve.

We are so grateful for the relationship that we have built with Clinica Esperanza. The staff at the clinic are so welcoming and excited to teach our students every year. Last year, we brought Duquesne SON tee shirts for the staff – on the last day, the students and faculty had their Clinica Esperanza shirts on and the Clinic staff all had their DUSON shirts on! It was such a special moment and something that we were happy to be able to provide. 

The cultural experiences are so much fun! Every year, we attend mass on Sunday. We also do a sunset snorkel to enjoy the natural beauty of the island and the reef - it is a wonderful way to end the week!

Nursing students join a global health immersion in the Bay Islands, Roatán, where they work alongside local partners to address community healthcare needs. During Spring Break, students contribute their time, energy, and resources in support of clinic-based and community-focused initiatives. They partner with promotoras who help connect healthcare efforts with neighborhood priorities and assist with community education programs. Students also have opportunities to strengthen their Spanish skills, learn about local culture, and experience life within the community.

More than a service trip, this experience encourages students to learn from the people they serve. It provides opportunities to apply nursing knowledge, develop clinical and communication skills, and grow personally and professionally. As they build confidence as future healthcare professionals, they also gain a broader perspective on health, healthcare access, and the communities they serve. Students return to Duquesne with new skills, lasting connections, and a deeper understanding of global health. Through these experiences, they develop a broader worldview and a deeper appreciation for the importance of compassionate, culturally responsive care.

Follow us on Social Media: 

See your donation in action during our Spring Break week! We will share updates during our trip on social media:

 School of Nursing @dunursing 

School of Pharmacy @duquesnepharm

Questions? Contact Amber Kolesar, Duquesne University School of Nursing at 

kolesara@duq.edu