Through our international immersion programs, we hope to have students encounter, share, and grow their perspective of the world and its inhabitants. Some of these encounters occur through direct service; some through learning engagements with government officials, NGO directors, survivors of war, migrants, teachers, doctors, lawyers, families, peers, and many others. Each Immersion is unique, and each student may gain something different. But our hope is to have students return from an international experience with new commitments to promoting global solidarity and the human dignity of all peoples—starting back here with our campus community. ...
At this point in U.S. history, exposure to and encounters with the global human family seems profoundly important. As leaders seek to degrade and sometimes vilify those from certain parts of the world for their own personal gain, it is my opinion and experience that building relationships with others is the primary way to seek peace and social justice. Hopefully such education of our students will break down barriers that lead to stereotyping, oppressive practice, and laws promoting American exceptionalism
