Santa Clara University

The Immersion Process

Pre-Immersion

Once you have applied and been selected for an Immersion trip you will meet with your immersion group 4 times in the weeks leading up to the immersion. Participants commit to attending all of these meetings. During these meetings the group will get to know one another, you will learn more about the community you will be visiting, the current issues facing the community, history, and culture, and you will be given details on travel, packing lists, etc.

The Immersion

On your immersion you will be accompanied by a student Immersion Coordinator and/or an Immersion Companion (SCU faculty, staff, or graduate student). Your immersion group will be hosted by a local organization that will take care of the logistics for your stay. Each immersion varies in terms of what activities you will participate in so please be open and flexible. During your immersion you will have the opportunity engage in the local community and issues, as well as connect with the other immersion participants and reflect on the experience.

Post Immersion

While the trip component to the immersion experience has ended, the full experience is a journey that never truly ends. We see the immersion experience itself as just one aspect, and more as a starting point then the end goal. In light of this, participants commit to meeting at least 3 times upon their return from the trip to continue processing, sharing stories, and determining next steps in the immersion experience. Fellow trip companions, Ignatian staff members, and other members of the Santa Clara community are here as a resource to continue the immersion experience upon your return from the trip.

Student Immersion Coordinators

We encourage students who had meaningful immersion experiences and want to challenge themselves to consider becoming an Immersion Coordinator. Click here for more information about this exciting position.