Participants will gain a better understanding of themselves, their values, and the world in which we live. The issues examined in an Immersion trip may be just as prevalent in Minnesota as the trip destination site, but we leave the state to enable participants to gain a deeper, more challenged, perspective. The experiential nature of this program supplements that which is offered in the classroom. This program allows students the opportunity to listen to individuals who deal directly with these issues daily. It connects faces with stories, people with numbers.
Immersion is designed, led, and facilitated by students.
Two co-leaders work with a group of six participants per trip. The trips are designed and intended to provide an intensive, personal experience in the issues introduced and discussed during the project seminar. They involve meetings with community leaders, cultural activities, and possibly volunteer work. After the group returns to Minnesota, a reentry meeting and two post-trip seminars help participants focus their experiences into meaningful strategies for activism. Ultimately, we would like to see participants mobilized to work for social change.