FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an immersion experience sponsored by John Carroll University?

An opportunity to spend time away from John Carroll doing community service and learning about the challenges that people face in other parts of our country and world. Students will be challenged to develop themselves in five different areas:

• EDUCATION - Examining economic, historic, and socio-political issues that face people & the environment globally
• SOCIAL JUSTICE - Discover social justice and social action efforts with the goal of eliminating injustice for all
• SPIRITUALITY - Explore the role of faith and spirituality in service and social action
• SERVICE - Recognizing the importance of meeting immediate needs of people & the environment through service
• COMMUNITY - Engage in sustainable relationships with people, communities, institutions and the environment
  

How does John Carroll identify sites/locations for the "Immersion" program?

JCU's Campus Ministry and Center for Service and Social Action Office work with partner organizations in each of the locations that we host immersion experiences. Each organization has some component of hosting immersion groups in their mission or organizational objectives. The partnering organization offers our students professionals and volunteers trained in hosting groups, understanding the safety and security procedures of the lodging and site locations, an understanding of the local culture, and personal relationships and contacts with knowledgeable experts in the region.

What are the living conditions like for each experience?

While conditions differ from experience to experience, in general students are asked to live simply during their experience. Participants are provided with packing list prior to their experience to ensure that they have the proper items to live simply but comfortably.

• FOOD - Groups will prepare and cook most meals and individuals will take on responsibility for specific chores to help the group live from day to day. Depending on the location, groups may prepare their own meals or have food prepared for them. Participants will always have simple but sufficient meals. Any special dietary needs can be met.
• LODGING - Groups will stay in retreat centers, volunteer houses or churches, depending on the trip. Participants will generally sleep in shared rooms or dorm style sleeping spaces. Some experiences require students to bring a sleeping bag and floor mat. Group safety is always the primary concern; activities, lodging, meals and other activities will always be planned with this in mind.
• TRAVEL - Transportation for each experience is dependent on each site. In general, groups will travel by minivan, 10 passenger van, or micro bus while at their site area. Groups going to destinations more than approximately 10 hours by vehicle will travel to their site via airplane. International experiences usually require one full day of travel each way, with a connecting flight in one of the larger U.S. airports (Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Newark, etc.) before arriving in their destination.
  

What commitments does an immersion experience participant make?

• Complete required financial payments for the experience
• Participate in pre-trip meetings (times & dates will be determined by the groups)
• Participate in the pre-trip and post-trip retreats or processing sessions
• Participate in post-trip activities organized by the group
• Students will actively participate in the entire immersion trip, will refrain from the use of alcohol or illegal drugs and respect the judgment of the JCU staff in regards to safety and adherence to university policies

How much do immersion experiences cost?

Each trip has a different price based on the travel, lodging and programming costs. In general, domestic experiences range from $125 to $600. International experiences cost $900. Students are required to have medical insurance for the time period of the trip. Travel insurance is included in the price of all international trips. All experiences have been created to provide a safe high-quality experience for each participant. All trip prices have been significantly subsidized by John Carroll University.

How can I pay for an immersion experience?

Students/parents paying out-of-pocket for a trip are a last resort. Students can participate in fundraisers organized through the "Immersion" program. In addition, participants will ask those they have personal connections with (family, friends, former teachers, church/parish, etc.) for financial assistance, in addition the group will develop ways to fundraise collectively. Any money raised by individuals above-and-beyond their costs can be applied to another participant who is in need. Any money raised beyond the groups needs will be donated to agencies the group will come in contact with during their experience.

Are there guidelines bringing electronics? (i.e. i-Pods, digital cameras, etc.)

Yes. Because immersion participants will be visiting communities facing varying levels of economic poverty, participants are asked to be very conscious of what items they bring into that community. For example, in Nicaragua it is possible for a student to have an electronic item that is worth more than entire monthly wage of a Nicaraguan worker. In general, we ask that students not bring i-Pods, MP3 players, etc.

These items can detract from the experience of "immersion" and also often hinder the ability of the student group to develop in their sense of community. Digital cameras, video cameras, and voice recorders, depending on the destination, can be brought. However, special care and understanding that there is always a risk by bring any of these items must be understood.

Are the policies for student conduct different during an immersion experience?

No. The same policies that apply to students on campus according to the Community Standards Manual are in place for immersion experiences. Students violating a university regulation or local law risk termination of their experience immediately, at the student's expense (i.e. transportation home, etc.).

Is drinking permitted during an immersion experience?

No, the consumption of alcohol is not permitted during immersion experiences, even if a student is of legal age in the state or country the group is visiting. By refraining from drinking, students are able to focus most clearly on the experience at hand and developing positive relationships with their JCU group members. Drinking can become a road block to building community between students and can hinder the relationships John Carroll has established with its partnering agencies.  

How are students selected for these experiences?

Students must complete a written application that includes brief essay questions and have two simple recommendation forms filled out. In addition, each student applying will participate in an interview with "Immersion" representatives. Selection will be based on a student’s willingness to participate in community service, examine social justice issues, live in and develop community, discuss the experience in relationship to their own spirituality and values, and commit to continued development from their experience. 

SPECIFIC TO INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES:

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. Information regarding passports can be found at the U.S. State Department Web Page: http://travel.state.gov/

Are immunizations required?

For your safety, we strongly recommend visiting a medical professional with "international travel – travel clinic" training and receiving any immunizations suggested by the physician.  Immunizations are paid for by the participant.

Do I need to speak Spanish to participate in an experience in a Latin American country? (ie. Ecuador, Honduras, 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.

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.

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 (Campus Ministry – contact Chris Kerr at ckerr@jcu.edu or Ctr. for Service and Social Action – contact Tracee Patterson at tpatterson@jcu.edu).

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.