Loyola University Chicago

International ABIs expose participants to a completely different way of living. Students encounter conditions they had only previously heard about. Interaction and immersion into the lives of those we are visiting is extremely important. This could mean learning about the effects of the Civil War in El Salvador, talking to an indigenous Guatemalan woman who makes handicrafts for a living, visiting a community development project or visiting children at local schools.

Besides forming lasting bonds and memories, the international ABI experience allows students to get a fuller vision of the world community. Countries are no longer places on a map or on the news, but places where friends continue to struggle and triumph with the particular challenges with which they are faced.

• About International ABIs
• Current International ABIs

   about International Alternative Break Immersions 

What is an international ABI?
International ABIs provide students the opportunity to do justice, build community, keep faith, and live simply with other Loyola students while serving (sharing work) and learning in communities outside the United States.

Who can apply for an international ABI?
The international immersion program is open to undergraduate students. Space is limited and preference is given to students with previous domestic ABI experience or equivalent experience in service work/cultural immersion.

When do international ABIs take place?
A winter break immersion to Mexico will take place January 8-17, 2010.  The U.S.-Mexico border immersion takes place May 17-23; all other international immersions are offered in the summer, May 17-26.

How can I apply?
Applications for 2010 international ABIs have been extended to Friday, October 23, 2009.  Apply here.

Are there any courses offered in conjunction with the ABI program?
Yes.  The following optional service learning course is offered in conjunction with participation in the international ABI program.  The course fulfills core value credit in civic engagement and leadership.

THEO 157: Human Rights in Latin America (Thurs 4:15-6:15)
Instructors: John Neafsey (Theology) & Patrick Eccles (Ministry)
Using a multi-disciplinary approach to prepare students for immersion in the realities of Latin America, this course will be offered in conjunction with the above immersions sponsored by Ministry. Through lecture and interdisciplinary readings, film and guest lectures, we will explore ongoing struggles for human rights in Latin America from a variety of perspectives, including liberation theology, history, politics, psychology, literature and culture. Special attention will be given to the human rights of children and rights of migrants. We will briefly examine the situation and history of military violence, impunity, use of torture and current conditions of violence against women. In addition, we will study social movements for economic and ecological justice and their calls for economic, social and cultural rights in the region. Permission of instructor is required when registering.

How can I get more information?
For more details please contact Patrick Eccles at peccles@luc.edu or 773-508-2205. 

How much does it cost to participate in an international ABI?
There is a cost for participation in the program. In recent years, the cost for a domestic immersion has been between $1000-$1500.  Financial assistance is available and fundraising ideas are given for each participant or ABI group to pursue on their own.

Can faculty, staff and graduate students go on immersions?
Faculty and staff may participate as university advisors with a role in leading the trip. Please contact Patrick Eccles (see contact info above) if you are interested in co-leading an immersion. Also, please be aware that the Office of Mission & Identity now offers service immersion trips exclusively for faculty and staff; please contact Megan Barry at mbarry1@luc.edu or 773-508-8592 for more information.

   International Alternative Break Immersion Destinations

Summer 2010: May 17-23/26

La Parroquia San Lucas Tolimán

Guatemala

Hosted by a parish in San Lucas Tolimán (a Catholic mission organization with ties to New Ulm, MN), participants will build relationships with North American volunteers and local residents. Learn about Guatemalan history, culture, and politics, along with introductions to current social issues and conditions. Participants will observe modern liberation theology in practice and find opportunities to share work among a variety of seasonal service projects addressing community needs for infrastructure and sustainability. This trip may involve travel to other rural villages surrounding Lake Atitlán as well as larger cities in the western highlands.

International Partners in Mission (IPM)

El Salvador

Become familiar with current social issues in El Salvador during 3-day home stays with families in Zaragosa, in an urban community outside of the country's capitol. Visit several sites in San Salvador, commemorating the deaths of Oscar Romero and four North American churchwomen, the six Jesuits and their colleagues at the Universidad Centro Americana (UCA). Learn about the history and social concerns of urban and rural El Salvador, including the work and origins of Christian Base Communities (CBEs) and cooperative movements.

Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development (CCIDD)

Cuernavaca, Mexico

CCIDD is a Christian, ecumenical, immersion/retreat center engaging participants in cross cultural experiences, spiritual reflection, and social analysis. Participants are given opportunities to work with urban and rural Mexicans striving for change, explore diverse communities and encounter God in the struggle for social justice in Latin America.

Annunciation House, U.S.-Mexico border

El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Annunciation House has been working in El Paso/Ciudad Juarez since 1978 operating houses of hospitality for migrants and refugees. Annunciation House is a Catholic organization that accompanies the migrant, homeless, and economically vulnerable peoples of the border region through hospitality, advocacy, and education. Participants will engage in the Border Awareness Experience (BAE) program. More than being an informational tour, the BAE seeks to immerse the participants in the border culture and realities of the many people and groups that live and work here. The food that you will eat and the conditions which you will live in are as much a part of the experience as the people and groups that you will meet.

Do Justice · Build Community · Keep Faith · Live Simply