Aaron Lutz, son of Scott and Lani Shumaker, Bluffton, is participating in a cross-cultural experience in Guatemala, May 12-June 2.

Bluffton University students will explore the integration of ancient Mayan culture and modern life and learn about the nation~Ac^a'not^a"cs civil war by spending time in its capital, Guatemala City, and rural areas. They will experience bustling markets full of locally-made crafts, visit cooperatives and learn how the crafts are made, travel to ancient Mayan ruins, practice Spanish and learn to appreciate rural life and work during a home-stay.

Lutz is a junior at Bluffton, where he is majoring in recreation management. He is a graduate of Bluffton High School.

Sarah Moser, daughter of Dave and Jenny Moser, Bluffton, is also participating in a cross-cultural experience in Arizona, May 13-29. Bluffton University students will explore the rich past and thriving cultures of the Hopi, Navajo and Zuni who live in the canyons and on the mesas of the Southwest.

Students will learn about native Indian spiritual and cultural practices, how the Indians~Ac^a'not^a"c lives were shaped by conflict and discrimination and the challenges they face in preserving their cultures.

The trip includes service projects at the Hopi Mission School, a Navajo horse ranch and a Hopi dry-farm. Students will hike and camp in Canyon de Chelly for four days, exploring the Anasazi petro glyphs, cliff dwellings and historical sites with famous Navajo guides.

Moser is a sophomore at Bluffton, where she is majoring in art. She is a graduate of Pandora-Gilboa High School.

This experience will fulfill Bluffton~Ac^a'not^a"cs undergraduate cross-cultural requirement that must be completed before graduation. Students can either complete a cross-cultural experience or take six credit hours in one foreign language.