4 STEPS TO APPLY FOR AN IMMERSION
The Immersion program will challenge you to be in solidarity with the people, culture, history, and social injustices of a specific region. Students will learn, create community, and immerse themselves for 7-10 days both domestically and abroad.
STEP 1: SIGN UP FOR AN INFO SESSION**
**The info session is a mandatory step in the process** Your application will not be considered for selection if you did not participate in one of the info session options. An Immersion is a big commitment with up to 10 meetings and we want you to know what you are signing up for.
All students who are thinking about applying must attend an info session. There is a lot involved in an Immersion experience and we want to make sure it's the right experience for you.
Info session dates:
3/1 @ 2pm in Campus Min. Conf Rm
3/15 @ 2pm in Campus Min. Conf Rm
3/16 @ 8pm in Jardine
If you miss these dates and still want to apply at email Jurell Sison at jsison@jcu.edu
Virtual Option (Coming Soon): If students cannot attend an in-person info session, students must watch this recorded video and email 5 key takeaways from the video. Email your 5 bullet points to immersion@jcu.edu.
Locations and Prices
January 2024
El Salvador, Jan. 6-14th, 2024 for $2300
El Paso, Texas - US/MX Border, Jan. 7-14th for $1900
*Community fundraising funds, financial aid, and full scholarship available, does not include passport or optional immunizations
Here is a brief snapshot of the entire commitment:
Preparation Work
7-8 Thursday night meetings (9-10:30pm)
Group Overnight retreat (24 hours)
Additional group meetings to build community
Commissioning Mass with your group (a one hour church service at St. Francis Chapel)
In-location Immersive Experience
7-10 day experience (domestic or international)
Continue to build relationships with host organizations, families and children whom we visit. Live in the community in which you serve!
Post-Immersion Work
Post-immersion retreat - Usually off campus on a Sunday 9-4pm. A great chance to catch up with your group casually and formally to talk about the big question "What now?"
Group Advocacy project/s - Each group will discuss, plan, and facilitate an advocacy project to raise awareness of the issues student's have learned about. The advocacy project is an opportunity to (1) amplify the voices of vulnerable communities, (2) to honor the relationships that students have made, (3) to continue learning and building community
*The info session is a mandatory step in the process. Your application will not be considered for selection if you did not participate in one of the info session options. We really want you to know what you are committing to.
STEP 2: APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM
Before you apply, review these important bullet points
You must be fully vaccinated to travel on our internationa immersions. Some exceptions are made for domestic experiences.
This is an application to the Immersion Program, not to just one trip specifically, though you can request a specific location. Student at not guaranteed a spot on this cycle, although one of our goals is to get all students on at least one immersion before they graduate.
You must be enrolled at JCU in the Spring semester to participate.
We are going to ask you to think about if you are mentally, spiritually, and physically able to commit to this Immersion process. These questions will be comprehensive. You'll see once you get to the application.
Applications are due March 20th by 11:59pm. Please contact immersion@jcu.edu with any questions. Thank you for your interest in immersions!
STEP 3: BRAINSTORM FUNDRAISING &APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIP
We get it. Immersions are expensive.
We work hard to make sure all students have access to these experiences. With some hard work and commitment, many students are able to pay for their entire experience with individual and community fundraising. Full scholarships and financial aid are also available. See application for more information.
We have three options for financial assistance...
Option 1: Financial Aid
Any student can request financial aid. Campus Ministry works with the Financial Aid office to identify three different levels of aid: high, medium, low. Depending on your financial status you will be gifted a certain amount of money.
Typical financial aid amounts for international trips:
High: $800
Medium: $500
Low: $200
Typical financial aid amounts for domestic trips:
High: $450
Medium: $300
Low: $100
Option 2: Scholarships
We have 2 full scholarships to give away for every Immersion Trip. You must demonstrate "high need" to be considered for the full scholarship. If you would like to be considered, you will be asked to write an additional essay on the regular application. The question is below. Do not worry about length--simply focus on the quality of your answer and focus on communicating your stories clearly.
ESSAY PROMPT: Why do you want to participate in the immersion program? How will receiving this full scholarship would make it possible to attend this immersion?
Option 3: Special Circumstance
In Campus Ministry, we never want finances to be the reason a student doesn't participate on an immersion. If you do not get a scholarship and the financial aid is not enough and you still have a deep desire to go, please book a meeting with to discuss some options. While this isn't the easiest option and it might require a lot of work, there are some creative ways we might be able to fund your trip. Please consider booking a meeting with us to let us know about your desire and to see if we can work something out. Please email immersion@jcu.edu to request a meeting with Anne, Jurell, or John.
STEP 4: WAIT
Once you have applied--the only thing left to do is wait.
Just remember that not everyone can get on an Immersion the first time they apply. Sometimes it takes a few cycles especially if if you are dead set on going on a specific immersion.
While we cannot guarantee that you will get placed on the immersion you want--we are able to say that we try hard to get every student on at least one immersion experience before they graduate. Please consider going into the process with an open mind. We allow students to submit their preference but that does not mean that will be the experience you receive.
The staff and leaders will have a big discernment meeting to discuss your interviews and applications and select the groups to the best of their abilities based off of your interests, group dynamics, talents, areas of study and expertise. Crafting each group is a delicate balance. We ask for your trust in this discernment process.
Once the groups have been selected, you will be notified by email and you will have 24 hours to accept your invitation.