INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES
Are there special requirements for the international experiences?
Are immunizations required?
Do I need to speak Spanish to participate in an experience in a Latin American country? (ie. Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico,or Nicaragua)
What are the risks of getting sick during an immersion experience in Latin America?
What happens if I become injured or sick during my experience?
Is there a greater risk to participating in an international immersion experience?
Are there special requirements for the international experiences?
Yes. Students will be required to have a passport and any necessary vaccinations. These costs are in addition to the cost of the trip. Information regarding immunizations will be provided to students traveling internationally. Click here to learn more about the process to attain a U.S. passport.
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Are immunizations required?
While no immunizations are required by law for the countries we visit, JCU strongly recommends receiving immunizations recommended by a medical professional. The Immersion Program will offer one to two opportunities per semester to receive immunizations from a medical professional at JCU’s Health Center. Click here to learn more about these sessions. Students may choose to visit their own doctor. All immunizations must be paid for by the student participant. For information about recommended immunizations visit the Center for Disease Control website at: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx
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Do I need to speak Spanish to participate in an experience in a Latin American country? (ie. Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico,or Nicaragua)
No. Spanish-to-English translators are provided for each experience to Latin America. Each year there are many students with minimal or no Spanish skills who participate in experiences to Latin America. However, a student's conversation and comprehension level in Spanish will have an impact on the type of experience they have.
Students with little or no Spanish skills will find more challenge in the humbling reality of not always understanding what someone is saying to them. Often, students with minimal Spanish skills return with a desire to learn another language (especially Spanish) or to enhance their skills. Students who speak more fluently will be challenged to grow in their skills and also provide assistance to others in the groups who are not as skilled.
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What are the risks of getting sick during an immersion experience in Latin America?
The risk is always present but because of careful planning and preparation by partner organizations it is very minimal. Each partnering organization has specific guidelines for the eating and preparation of food and drinks to minimize the risks of students becoming ill during their experience. In general, if students follow the guidelines of the partner organization, wash their hands regularly, and get adequate sleep, they do not have any problems. Students who do become ill often experience slight discomfort for a day or two and then are back to 100%. If students continue to have symptoms of concern it will be recommended that they see a doctor in country (with the assistance of the patterning organization) or visit a doctor upon returning home.
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What happens if I become injured or sick during my experience?
In each country our partnering organizations have reliable medical services that provide emergency medical care. Participants of Campus Ministry and Center for Service and Social Action experiences are also covered by a limited travel insurance policy that includes immediate medical evacuation to the United States if required. Details of this policy can be viewed by contacting the office administrating the immersion experience by contacting immersion@jcu.edu.
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Is there a greater risk to participating in an international immersion experience?
Just as with any travel (tourism, business, etc.) there are always risks. John Carroll University's Campus Ministry and Center for Service and Social Action offices take steps to reduce these risks when possible but can never totally eliminate these risks. During the history of John Carroll's immersion experience program (organized by Campus Ministry and the Center for Service and Social Action) hundreds of students have participated in international immersion experiences with no significant incidents, partially due to the careful selection and collaboration with reputable partnering organizations.
Most importantly, each individual student's actions play a large part in their safety and security. Students personally minimize their risks by following the guidelines and procedures established by John Carroll University and our partnering organizations.
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