Santa Clara University

No Reservations

by Connie McDermott
Mother of Elizabeth McDermott, Fall 2003

Hi Parents,
My daughter Elizabeth studied in El Salvador in the Fall of 2003. Before she left I had great reservations about sending her off to a country I knew so little about but the thing that reassured me the most were the letters from other parents who had visited. Therefore, I wanted to tell you a little about my visit.

My husband was not able to get away from work so I traveled alone to El Salvador. My daughter met me at the airport and the next four days were quite an experience. First of all, the CASA has a driver whom the students may call when they need a ride. He is very good to the students and arranges to drop them off and pick them up at an arranged time. I stayed at a hotel within walking distance from the CASA. The CASA itself is a wonderful home, more like an old convent. The students cared for one another and always traveled as a group. Each house has cooks and the students eat very good meals every day. The streets around the CASA are very safe but the students know not to go anywhere alone. Kevin and Trena have very strict rules and the students know to follow them.

I went to class one day with the students. The University of Central America is a Jesuit institution and the teachers involved with the CASA students are exceptional. They have been there a long time and so they are able to give the students insight into the struggles of the country and lead them in thoughts for change.

The people of El Salvador were wonderful. They greatly appreciate the work the students do in their villages and even though their living conditions were very meager they were happy - a great life lesson for our American children. It is a beautiful country with lush vegetation but the poverty is shocking.

The college students were energizing, they were deeply involved in understanding the culture and working to make change happen but at the same time they enjoyed being with the other students. They became great friends after living so closely for a semester. After seeing El Salvador and the CASA first hand I had no reservations when my daughter asked to return this summer to complete research for her Senior Thesis.

If your son or daughter is interested I would encourage them. It will be an enriching and life changing experience, and if you get a chance I would definitely recommend visiting.
Please feel free to e-mail me if you would like.
Sincerely,
Connie McDermott (Mcdermott1@aol.com)