Faculty & Staff Global Immersions
Program History
Faculty and Staff Global Immersions began in January 2006 when university leadership (Presidents Council and Council of Deans) traveled in two groups to El Salvador and Peru for interaction with representatives of local academic, political, and religious communities. The trips brought into sharper focus a broad set of questions about how Loyola understands its responsibilities and opportunities in the contemporary world and how, in light of these responsibilities and opportunities, it prepares and supports its own personnel for leadership of the academic community.
Building on the 2006 immersions for university leaders, University Mission and Ministry partnered with International Programs to broaden the program for 2007. Forty-eight university faculty and staff were divided into four groups for visits to Mexico, East Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Vice presidents and deans nominated colleagues for the trips. Of the 166 persons nominated, nearly 100 attended preliminary information sessions and submitted letters of interest. With a view towards creating a mix of departments, schools, divisions, gender, and faculty and staff, four groups of approximately 10 persons each were chosen to participate in each trip.
The immersions continued in the summer of 2008 with trips to Peru, East Africa, and Vietnam. Be sure to check out the photos and experiences of these groups!
Description of Programs
Stay tuned for 2009 trips!
Note:
Each of these trips will go to destinations where climate and elevation could pose some health related challenges to persons who are not in good health. Prudence suggests that each participant consult with their own physician to determine the likelihood that these conditions will not pose any undue stress.
In preparation for each immersion, you will be invited to participate in several preparatory sessions. We expect all participants to join these sessions, as important and specific information about each trip and its purpose will be offered. On your return from these trips, you will be expected to attend follow-up reflection sessions.
Health and Safety
If you have been accepted for an immersion trip, please review the State Department and Center for Disease Control websites (see Descriptions of Programs) for the country you will be visiting.
- Health and Safety tips (for Study Abroad students, but much of it applies to Immersions)
- Minimizing Jetlag
- State Department travel tips
- Transportation Security Administration current airline regulations
We recommend making an appointment to receive suggested innoculations and medications. Northwestern Memorial Hospital Travel Clinic
201 E. Huron, 9th Floor, Suite 240
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 926-3155
Participant Requirements
- You must have completed three or more years of employment at Loyola to apply for a Faculty and Staff Global Immersion trip.
- If you have attended a previous immersion trip you are not eligible to apply again.
How to apply
- Deans and vice presidents can nominate faculty and staff from their departments.
- All faculty and staff are invited to self-nominate. Look for notices in Inside Loyola.
- Attend an information session.
- Complete an application and write a two-page letter discussing your interest in a particular trip and how it will enrich your life and development as a Loyola University Chicago employee. E-mail your application and letter to Lovielyn Yamamura in the Office for International Programs.
- Participants will be notified by email when decisions have been made.