International Summer Immersions 2009
Participating in a Summer Immersion is a unique way to expand your education beyond the classroom and into a new culture, a new lifestyle, and a new way of thinking. Each trip offers a distinctive experience for students involving elements of cultural immersion, study of government, social services, religion, family life, economics and everyday life in the host country. Participants travel in a group with a reflection leader to help guide the group through the joys and struggles of encountering life outside your normal experience.
Applications for Summer 2009 are due Thursday, November 13, 2008.
Here are the following Immersions offered in Summer 2009:
Uxpanapa, Mexico (leaves mid-May, 2 weeks)
A group of 8 UD students will travel to southern Mexico with St. Mary’s University and Chaminade University students (the other Marianist Universities). They will be staying with host families, and will work daily, alongside Mexicans of about the same age with DECAMP. Some of the projects could include mixing cement or painting a new building, planting trees, etc.
DECAMP Ministries, in rural southern Mexico, is a rural development organization founded and run by a small community of Marianists. The ministries include parish ministry at 59 parishes, credit unions, a women’s craft and embroidery business, a cheese factory, a student dormitory for boys at Casa San Isidro Labrador, a butcher shop, and auto repair shop, and a small restaurant for the economic development of the people.
Bangalore, India- Second Summer Session
This year, there will not be a Summer Immersion to India, but rather, there will be a Study Abroad through. We will alternate a formal study abroad with a cross-cultural immersion each year. To find information on the Study Abroad to India, go to: http://international.udayton.edu/edabroad/programs/india.htm
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala- May-June (Min. 4 weeks)
Students and a reflection leader spend time learning the Spanish language while immersing themselves in the culture of Guatemala in Quetzaltenango, also know as Xela. Students on this immersion stay with host families while learning Spanish at a local language school. The language study on this trip is intensive, one on one study, for approximately 5 hour a day. Weekend excursions include trips to natural spas, volcanoes, and the beach. This experience offers a great combination of immersion and education, while reflecting on the differences between culture, religion, and politics of Guatemala and the United States.
Lubwe, Zambia- June – July (7 weeks)
Approximately 9 students and a trip leader travel to Lubwe, Zambia, a rural village in the Northern Province of the country. Students will be divided into project groups and will work on specified sustainable projects that have been identified by the community. This year's goals include projects in agricultural work, a micro-lending program with a women's group, continued development of the community library and sports league, etc. The group is hosted by a local branch of an International NGO as well as the local Sisters of Mercy. Tourist excursions include trips to Victoria Falls and Lusaka, the capital.
Kumba, Cameroon- late June-late July (4 Weeks)
Approximately 12 students, a reflection leader, and a faculty member travel to Cameroon to be fully immersed in this unique culture. Students stay with host families, which alone is a great way to see everyday life within the Cameroonian culture. Participants will also have first hand experience with various industries in the country, meet with political leaders, and learn while traveling through the countryside. According to areas of studies and interests, students will be placed in work sites for 2 weeks of the trip in the town of Kumba, home for the students while in Cameroon.
A preliminary deposit of $500 will be due with your application. The remaining cost of the trip will be due in April 2009 (costs vary per trip). Partial Scholarships are available for those who need them. Also, various grants are available on campus for such experiences
Summer Immersion participants are required to attend the Cross-Cultural Immersion class (1 mini-course credit) on Wednesdays from 7-9pm starting in February 2009.
Participants are also expected to turn in a final reflection paper after returning from the summer experience
All questions should be directed to Mary Niebler at x92012 or mary.niebler@notes.udayton.edu.
If you have something else in mind which is not offered and would like to work through Campus Ministry, please talk to Mary as well.
