Stories

Sixty SCU students spent Spring Break '16 on immersion trips in Appalachia, Arizona Border, Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, and Puebla, Mexico. Hosted by community-based organizations, students were able to enter into these communities as learners. The experiences were short, but intensive and students returned to campus with knowledge of real challenges faced by communities and a desire to do something meaningful. Keep an eye out for social actions projects that will connect the SCU campus with most pressing issues faced in these North American communities.

Engaging with the local community of San Jerónimo Tecuanipan was an eye opening experience to poverty and wealth inequality. I highly recommend this Immersion trip to anyone looking to expand their horizons to something beyond the Santa Clara University bubble. - Manuel Sanchez

Puebla immersion was an experience full of vibrancy and color. We became a part of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Puebla and of the families in which we were adopted into. It was an experience full of new discoveries about a different culture as well as new discoveries about ourselves. - Sammi Bennett

Many of the issues are thrown around, especially in politics and the upcoming election. However, during my trip to the Arizona-Mexico border to study immigration issues, I had the opportunity to face first-hand the important issues facing this nation. I heard from those directly affected and took part in activities I never would have had the chance to. My immersion trip truly was an invaluable enhancement to my Jesuit education. - Eoin Lyons