international summer immersions 2013

Participating in a Cross-Cultural Summer Immersion through the Center for Social Concern is a unique way to expand your education beyond the classroom, 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 and to come to a better understanding of Global Solidarity as God’s children.

Heard about Cross-Cultural Summer Immersions, but aren't sure if it's the thing for you? Come and hear firsthand about student experiences in India, Guatemala, Zambia and Cameroon. The two symposiums, October 1st and 2nd at 6pm in ArtStreet Studio B, will provide you with the interesting adventures of many of our students this summer and how you can be involved in the future.

Trips for the summer of 2013:

BANGALORE, INDIA
There will be a cross-cultural immersion to India in the summer of 2014. If you are interested in going to India this summer, please look into the study abroad through the Center for International Programs.

QUETZALTENANGO, GUATEMALA
Departs May 10, 2013 (Minimum 4 weeks stay)
Students and a reflection leader spend time learning the Spanish language while immersing themselves in the culture of Guatemala in Quetzaltenango, also known 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, involving one-on-one study, for approximately five hours 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. Credit hours in Spanish can be earned through the Department of Languages. Estimated program cost (including room and board) for 6 weeks is $2200. Each additional week is around $250. Airfare is anywhere between $600-$1000

LUSAKA and LUBWE, ZAMBIA
June 3-July 18, 2013
This group will begin their Zambian experience with the Marianists and aspirants in the capital city of Lusaka. There, students will learn about the country, city life and work side by side in various schools and social services with the Marianists. Participants will then travel to Lubwe, Zambia, a rural village in the Northern Province of the country. Students will work on specified sustainable projects that have been identified by the community. These projects in the past have included a sports league, creating a library, teaching in schools, and working in the hospital and with home-based care. Tourist excursions include trips to Victoria Falls and surrounding areas of Livingstone. Estimated cost is $1050 for program (including room and board) and $2500-$2800 for airfare.

KUMBA, CAMEROON
June 24-July 22, 2013
Students and trip leaders 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 two weeks of the trip in the town of Kumba, home for the students while in Cameroon. . Estimated cost is $1500 for program (including room and board) and $2800 for airfare.

General Information

APPLICATION:
Applications for Summer 2013 are due November 14, 2012. They will be available on the Center for International Programs' Studio Abroad page. Go to http://udayton.studioabroad.com/ and click on “search programs.” Apply online!

COST:
A preliminary deposit of $500 will be due with your application. The remaining cost of the trip will be due in mid-April 2013. Partial scholarships may be available for those who need them. Some grants are available on campus for such experiences. Groups are encouraged to work together to help raise funds. Additional costs include a valid passport (with at least 6 months validation remaining on it), supplies, vaccinations, and possible other preparatory items, if needed.

COURSE:
Summer Immersion participants are required to attend the Cross-Cultural Immersion preparation class (1 mini-course credit) on Wednesdays from 7-9 pm starting in February 2013. Participants are also expected to turn in a final reflection paper and attend a re-entry class in the Fall Semester following their Immersion experience.

CONTACT:
If you have any questions contact Mary Niebler at 937-229-2012 or e-mail at mniebler1@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.