Project Mexico (PMex)
Program Details and Schedule

Loyola’s International Immersion Programs, sponsored by the Center for Community Service and Justice, encourage applications from motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have a sincere desire to fulfill the programs’ mission statements, are willing to learn very basic Spanish, have a sincere commitment to social justice, and demonstrate maturity, emotional stability and a good sense of humor. 

Each team member is asked to leave her/his comfort zone to benefit from the concrete experience of living and working in solidarity with the materially poor of Mexico.  This immersion involves new foods, demanding physical labor, and a loss of modern comforts to which we have all grown accustomed.  Prior to the trip we focus both on raising funds to bring to the communities we visit, as well as raising our awareness of critical issues of justice and faith through preparation, education, and reflection. 

Participant Selection Criteria:

• Since the experience is enhanced by a strong, collaborative, and focused team, members are asked to be able to set aside approximately 10 hours per week in the semester leading up to the immersion, and 3-5 hours per week in the off-semester, to the team and the project.  We ask that all applicants consider and commit to this time component, being aware of the many other curricular and extra-curricular demands of Loyola.  Every applicant should therefore consider whether s/he can make Project Mexico a year-long priority and devote the dedication and time needed to meet the programs’ goals. 
  
• The team selection process endeavors to find a diverse and dedicated group who can share their varying beliefs and backgrounds to add to the team’s spirit.  Team members should be willing to assume leadership roles in facilitating reflections, organizing fundraisers, educating one another and the Loyola community, and various other responsibilities.  The application process aims to select a team with diverse experiences, motivations, and backgrounds.  Spanish fluency, international experience, and/or extensive service experience are not strict or exclusive requirements for acceptance.
  
• Applicants may choose to apply for one or the other of the two programs, or may choose to be considered for acceptance to either of the programs.  See application  for more information concerning this option.
  
• Student will be accepted to ONLY one Loyola immersion program per academic year. Therefore, participants who are accepted for the Project Mexico can not particpate in Encounter El Salvador, Campus Ministry/Jamaica Program, or Spring Break Outreach during the same academic year.
  
• Priority will be given to qualified applicants who have not participated in a Loyola International Immersion program (Jamaica, Encounter El Salvador).

Program Components and Responsibilities

1. Weekly 1 ½ hour evening meetings, beginning immediately upon selection of the team.
2. 6-8 additional hours per week for fundraising, individual readings and educational activities and committee meetings.
3. Saturday half day for Team building activity at the FAC.
4. Overnight (Friday pm-Saturday pm) in early November.
5. Auction responsibilities – night before and all day on auction day.
6. Send- off mass(optional) and dinner the evening before the trip, and participation during the 10 day trip to Mexico.
7. Post trip- reflection, sharing of experience with the campus and involvement in educational events regarding the social justice issues relevant to the trip. (Bringing Mexico Home).

Benefits for Participant

1. Life-altering international immersion experience with other Loyola students.
2. Team bonding and friendships that last a lifetime.
3. Opportunities to work closely with Mexican community members and hear their stories.
4. Significant experience to include in your resume.
5. Opportunities for in depth reflection, both personally and socially and insight into the issues of the border community.
6. Opportunity to come back and educate the rest of the campus and promote social justice.

Program Dates

Trip is December 31 -January 9, 2009

Team make-up

• 20 undergraduate students ( 2 student leaders: Cen-Bi Liu and Elizabeth Ferrara)
• 2 moderators (faculty/staff/administrators) -  Peter Paquette and Jennifer Rowley
• Program Coordinator – Andrea Goicochea      

Program Fees - $450*

$100 deposit upon acceptance to the team, and a balance of $350 to be paid by November 14, 2008.

Each team works as a group to raise between $15-20,000 to cover travel and program expenses and to bring funds (largely for construction projects, education, and development initiatives) to the communities with whom we will work and live. Do not let financial concerns inhibit you from applying to the programs!  Those for whom the individual contribution poses a problem are encouraged to speak with the coordinators.

* the increase in program fees is due to increases in program expenses and airline increases

Schedule

• Information Nights – September 8th & 9th at 7 PM. Location Cohn 33
• Applications Due – September 12 by 3:00pm – Online Applications cannot be considered without references on-line or delivered to CCSJ office by the deadline.
• Letters for first round of selection : To be picked up Monday , September 15^th. If selected sign up immediately for an interview time.
• Interviews: Monday(PM) Sept. 15^th , Tuesday, Sept. 16^th, Wednesday, Sept. 17^th .
• Team Decisions Letters Available: Friday, Sept. 19^th by noon.

Fall Semester:

Spring Semester:

• Post-trip reflection
• Team bi-weekly meetings to “Bring Mexico Home”- Thank You Slide Show, etc.
• Spring semester service and advocacy follow-up
• End of Year gathering and celebration

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