Immersion Experiences

Learn about another culture, spend time with people different from yourself, and discover your place in the world. Immersion trips are offered during January’s intersession and March’s spring break.

EL SALVADOR: January 14 – 22
This immersion into the reality of El Salvador focuses on an intensive consideration of the country’s history of violence (including the 12 year civil war which needed in 1992) as well as the current challenges facing developing nations in Latin America and around the globe. While in El Salvador, the USD delegation will be hosted by Christians for Peace in El Salvador.

USD students will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of professors, social workers, educators, politicians, clergy, and other experts who will explain both the history and the current national reality of El Salvador.

The group will also have the opportunity to live with campesino (farming) families, most of whom are a part of the world’s 3 billion people who live on less than $2 a day. The USD students will accompany them in all aspects of their daily lives: visiting and working in the corn fields, learning to make tortillas by hand, sharing meals, playing soccer, attending a worship service, and engaging in ongoing conversation and relationship-building.

To apply for the El Salvador immersion experience, contact the Romero Center at x4897.

NICARAGUA: January 13 – 21
Nicaragua is one of the world’s most dynamic and fascinating countries, a land in which incredible natural beauty and rich resources interface with desperate poverty.  While in Nicaragua, the USD delegation will be hosted by the Center for Global Education.

During the week, USD students will consider the impact of globalization including its impact on coffee production, sustainable agriculture, and indigenous cultures. The immersion participants will also learn about the educational and health care needs of the community and witness the role of faith and religion in the lives of ordinary people.

The USD students will live simply, build community, and be in relationship with the Nicaraguan people while reflecting on the presence of Christ in their joys and struggles.

To apply for the Nicaragua immersion experience, contact the Romero Center at x4897.

Tijuana Spring Breakthrough: March 6 – 12
Spend your spring break doing something meaningful! The Tijuana Spring Breakthrough is an extended encounter with the people of Tijuana. Through service activities, cultural experiences, and educational workshops, USD students learn about the city located less than 25 miles south of campus. Migration, global economics, trade, sustainability, poverty, and community development will be considered while engaging in a variety of service projects.

The immersion experience is designed to foster the development of relationships with the people of Tijuana and to deepen the participants’ understanding of the intricacies of the US/Mexico border region.

To apply for the Tijuana Spring Breakthrough, contact the Romero Center at x4897.

APPALACHIA, WEST VIRGINIA: March 7 – 13
Appalachia is one of the most impoverished regions of the United States and very often overlooked, even forgotten. Many of the people who live in the area are faced with acute difficulties related to lack of education, health care, and other vital services and resources. Many of them rely on the fading coal-mining industry which requires work that is incredibly dangerous and which involves serious long term health risks.

The USD group will spend time on a farm in a retreat like setting considering the reality of the region as well as reflecting on the relationships they develop with the residents of the area.

To apply for the Appalachia immersion experience, contact the Romero Center at x4897.