Santa Clara University

 

                     Testimonials from Participants

 

Below are the thoughts from past participants of the El Salvador Business Immersion Program, reflecting on what their experience in this program has meant to them.

 

“Throughout winter quarter, I studied El Salvador’s problems with the thought that I was going down to provide answers to their struggle, and to change their lives.  I was wrong.  Through the people we talked to and the places we visited, I learned that I was the one that was there to learn, and it was the Salvadorans that were going to change my life. Today I have been able to see how the education I received in the classrooms of Santa Clara has the potential to affect and improve lives of those less fortunate around the world.”

             - Brian Belcher, Class of 2009

 

 

 

“This experience in El Salvador has enabled me to understand the true power of my business education in a Jesuit context. We saw how decisions made at corporate headquarters in the U.S. do ultimately impact the humble families living in rural Salvadoran villages, so we must not underestimate the underlying effects of our decisions. [The El Salvador Immersion Program helped me see that] our business knowledge, Jesuit values, and individual talents have the potential to enact change against injustice.”

             - Ashley Gardner, Class of 2009

 

“[Through this experience, I have come to understand] that our world is more connected with countries like El Salvador than we realize. What I see from this situation is that as business students and part of the up & coming generation, this awareness should give us a new found sense of responsibility to adhere to ethical standards and humanitarian values. When we as individuals enter the business world, hopefully we can have the potential to help generate a positive change.”

             - Jordann Hallstrom, Class of 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Having this real-world experience gave me a chance to utilize my business skills and education outside of any context that I was used to which was an invaluable learning experience for me.  This experience provided an educational opportunity that cannot be captured in any classroom.  It has changed the way I think about the world, changed the way I think about business, and has helped prepare me to be a more competent, conscientious, and compassionate individual as I move into the business world beyond Santa Clara University."  

            - Robert Harding, Class of 2009

 

 

 

 

 

"The home stay experience was probably the most powerful and most life-changing part of the immersion trip. I not only could speak to [the Salvadorans] and listen to their stories, but I was also able to live [with them] for a few days. This was an incredible eye-opening experience. I [have come] back from this trip with three things: greater awareness, a greater appreciation for all that I’m so fortunate to have, and I have also learned the importance of giving from the heart."

            - Patty Hua, Class of 2008

 

 

 

 

"We didn’t go to El Salvador and build a house, a water system, donate tons of money, etc. Instead, however, we learned [the Salvadoran’s] story and had the direct contact necessary to let the “gritty reality of their world into our lives” (as Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach might say). We followed the Salvadoran example and the entire trip became a matter of solidaridad, solidarity. This is exactly the type of encounter we, as future leaders of the world need to experience.  Thank you, El Salvador, for saving me…for showing me the importance of solidarity, sharing in one’s struggle, and being conscious of our globalized world in every decision I make. "

            - Jodi Montoya, Class of 2011

 

 

 

"The people of El Salvador gave us so much more than we gave them. They taught us that sometimes an open heart and hope can be stronger than anything else. I now feel that I will question more things that I learn in my classes.  [In the Business Immersion experience] I had an amazing opportunity to learn about a new culture, and I only want to learn more. This trip also motivated me to do better in school, and take full advantage of my education. It really made me realize what an amazing opportunity it is to attend a university like Santa Clara."

             - Alexandra O’Leary, Class of 2009