FAQ

Every day, you will visit either an organization or a community where you will engage in conversation and learn about how the local community is tackling a specific problem or challenge. Following the visit, you will have time for a Q&A, as well as time to socialize and share meals with local activists. Some days there will be time to sightsee and familiarize yourself with the local context.

At night we do group reflections, to help articulate your perceptions and feelings when faced with a different reality. The main idea is to empower immersion participants to let the reality of this world into their lives, so they can learn to feel it, think about it critically, respond to its suffering, and engage it constructively. 

Each Immersion centers around a specific topic.  Each is chosen for 3 main reasons:

1. The local problematic: we look for engaging topics that help students understand current global issues while also getting to know the Jesuits Mission. 
2. The work that is being done locally to tackle a specific problem/topic.
3. The host institution: taking advantage of the broad Jesuits Network, we look for host institutions that can host USF students safely, work closely with local communities and offer substantial context and guidance for USF students.

No, there is no language requirements for any of the immersions. All activities will be in English or with an English translator. 

Yes, there is a variety of funding and scholarships available.

The deadline to apply for Arrupe Immersions is September 1st. Apply here.

At Arrupe Immersions, we work every day to create meaningful experiences for USF Students. By focusing on the trip's topic instead of a location, we can make sure that the Immersion is the right one for you, as you will be involved 24-7 in said subject. 

Social Justice Immersions are organized and led by faculty and usually are for credit and last between 2-4 weeks (Usually in summer).

Arrupe Immersions are University Ministry-led, do not count for credit and happen during Winter and Spring Break.

Although both have a social justice aspect to them, Arrupe Immersions are anchored in daily reflections and introspection. 

No. Arrupe Immersions are not to be confused with volunteer or service trips. The key difference is that Arrupe Immersions focus on contact with communities, during your immersion you will have conversations with local leaders, activists, and people that are fighting against different forms of systemic oppression. The goal is to be in solidarity with marginalized communities and learn from the hard work they are doing to transform their reality. We do not pretend to fix their problems, nor are we there to "help", or teach them how to do things. 

The program cost covers everything during your immersion, it is design so you do not have to pay anything out of pocket during your experience:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Food (3 meals a day)
• Snacks and water as needed
• Visits
• Lessons
• Materials
• Insurance

The program fee does not cover flights.