Immersion Trips

This program explores the impact of living near the U.S./Mexico border and the challenges faced by families, farmers, businesses, and the Chicano community. Participate in community-driven initiatives, meet grassroots organizations, and join the border patrol on a tour to understand the realities and stereotypes of immigration in this critical area.

Fr. Augustus Tolton, born a slave near Hannibal, Missouri, became the first Black-identified Catholic priest in the U.S. Students will visit significant sites like his Baptism location, tomb, Lincoln's home and museum, Mark Twain's home, the Dred Scott trial site, Michael Brown's death site in Ferguson, and meet with current justice advocates.

In Memphis, the featured activities include the National Civil Rights Museum at the site of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination and a visit to St. Jude’s Hospital, both in the cradle of Rock and Soul.

This inspiring and transformational educational program offers local and visiting student and adult groups the opportunity to experience community-based, real-life learning. Hands-on learning, community dialogue, and volunteer service learning activities are offered in Santa Fe, New Mexico around the issues of Indigenous Spirituality, Catholic community, and ecological justice.

While in-country, Fairfield students will partner with the Working Boy's Center, a family-centered development program in Quito that provides education, vocational training, and life-skills development for working children and their families. Participants will engage in various programs and projects, including teaching, working in the workshop, dispensary, and soup kitchen, and helping build a house for a local family through the community-sponsored "minga" program.