GUADALAJARA, MEXICO

Jesuit Dallas students will have the opportunity to experience Mexican culture, Spanish language, and the intersection of faith and justice in Guadalajara, Mexico. For over a decade, we have partnered with the Jesuit “Instituto de Ciencias” high school and we are excited to present this as a unique one-week travel opportunity for students in grades 10-12.

Students will only miss two days of classes in Dallas and half of Thanksgiving break, returning the day before Thanksgiving. Students who apply to attend the program in Mexico in November and also agree to host their “brother” from Mexico at Jesuit Dallas as a host family for three weeks in April will have priority in the application process. Priority placement is also offered to those students who hosted this past April. Basic conversational Spanish or current enrollment in Spanish is required. While in Guadalajara, the ten Jesuit students and three faculty members will also participate in two community service efforts. These programs, one at a hospital and one at a nursing home, will merit community service hours upon return to Dallas.

For three weeks in April, the students from Mexico will join us to experience life here at Jesuit. Each visiting student will reside with one of our students as a “member of the family,” participating in their host student’s classes, extracurricular opportunities, and community service.

Objectives:

• Students will more deeply understand and respect the linguistic, historical and cultural richness of Mexic
• Students understand the interrelatedness of faith and justice and arrive at this intersection with a humble reverence and respect for the stories of those who they meet, whether on campus, at a service agency, or with their host family
• Students develop the skills necessary to complete an internal inventory of their societal privileges and understand that this process should be ongoing
• Students discover how to become contemplatives in action, recognizing the inherent link between prayer and action in their encounters with others
• Students are able to examine the wisdom of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching through a new lens
• Students learn the skills necessary to reach beyond borders and form meaningful relationships with people from another cultural paradigm or community
• Students translate learning into action by developing the capacity to authentically and freely give of their passions and talents in a way that is responsible
• Students will be provided experiences that help them in their formation by developing their openness to growth, spirituality, physical fitness, and intellectual competence, all through experiencing the culture, history and beauty of Mexico

Overview:

• This program is available only to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are currently enrolled in Spanish or have the necessary conversational skills
• Students should be in the possession of a valid passport that does not expire in less than one year. If you do not have a current passport, please apply and select the expedited feature.
• Students will be responsible to fully participate in all dimensions of the experience including team meetings before travel, keeping a journal, group reflection, classroom time, and community service
• Program coordinator: Rich Perry – Community Service and Social Justice

Tentative Itinerary:

• Day 1: Departure, DFW Airport, 6pm, direct on American Airlines, meet new brothers and host families upon arrival at Guadalajara International Airport
• Day 2: Orientation, Campus Tour, Classes
• Day 3:  Morning Classes, Afternoon Nursing Home Service Program
• Days 4 and 5: Host Family Time: meeting extended family, touring the city, experiencing delicious food, rich culture, and fun family traditions
• Day 6: Classes and extracurricular options
• Day 7: Classes and hospital visitation service program
• Day 8: Morning classes and departure.

 

Questions? Contact Rich Perry: rperry@jesuitcp.org or 972-387-8700 ext. 402