The Jamaican Experience is a faith-based immersion sponsored by Loyola Campus Ministry that seeks to invite the Loyola Community to respond to the Gospel mandate to work for peace and justice in the world.  The Jamaican Experience allows participants to learn about the lives of and to be in solidarity with people who have been socially, economically, and/or politically marginalized.

Goals & Objectives: 
The Jamaican Experience seeks to offer the opportunity to:
 • Encounter the economically poor and marginalized of Jamaica through interpersonal dialogue and service.
 •  Reflect critically on issues of faith and justice.
 •  Learn about aspects of Jamaican culture through a series of speakers.
 •  Share individual skills, resources, and gifts for the purpose of creating a more just world.
 •  Nurture and challenge faith lives through worship and daily encounters with Jamaicans in an ecumenical setting.

Trip Destination: Mandeville, Jamaica
Trip Dates: January 9-15, 2012

Eligibility: This Application process is open to Loyola undergraduate and graduate students only.  We are limited to ten participants, making the application process very important.  We also hope to take a diverse group.  Priority will be given to those who have not had significant international travel or immersion experience. 

How to Apply:
-The application process has ended.
-Applications will be available ONLINE beginning in August.
-Q&A sessions are scheduled September 12 & 13 @ 6:30pm in Cohn Hall 33.  
-Completed applications are due ONLINE no later than 12 noon on September 22, 2011
-Interviews will take place September 22-26

Important Dates: 
-First meeting: Wednesday, October 3, 4:30-6:00pm @ Campus Ministry, Cohn Hall 33
-Weekly Meetings: Mondays 4:30-6:00pm


Program Costs/Fundraising:
-Program Fee is $200.  $100 deposit due upon acceptance to the team.  The balance will be due by November 21, 2011. 

-Each team works to raise between $5,000-$10,000 to cover travel and program expenses and to bring funds (largely for constrution projects, education and development initiatives) to the communities with whom we will work and live.  We fund-raise primarily through individual letter-writing solicitations.  Do not let financial concerns inhibit you from applying.  If the individual contribution poses a problem, we encourage you to speak with the CM coordinator. 

For more information please contact:
George Miller, Associate Director of Campus Ministry at gmiller@loyola.edu

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