Exploring Faith: Prayer, reflection, journaling, and conversation are core aspects of this experience before, during, and after the trip. While Arrupe programs are open to people of any faith tradition, they are influenced by the Jesuit Catholic tradition, and Catholic liturgies are a part of the experience. Each participant is expected to participate in this aspect of the experience, share about her/his faith, in all of its joys and struggles and questions, and to explore and discern how faith and the gifts they have been given, connect to living in solidarity with all people, especially those who experience marginalization.

Living Simply: During a trip, participants are expected to embrace “living simply.” Part of what this means is eating food that may not be familiar or plentiful, sleeping in beds or other places that are less comfortable than what might be accustomed to, getting dirty, bathing rarely, experiencing limited personal space, and possibly getting sick. Participants also may find themselves in situations that could instigate allergies, or not be able to accommodate dietary preferences, etc. Another aspect of the notion of “living simply” involves exploring our society’s and each of our own consumerist tendencies, and what this means regarding living a life with and for others.

Time Commitment: Participation in an Arrupe program involves a year-long commitment including preparation for and follow up after the immersion trip. This commitment involves participating in weekly Small Community meetings, a pre-trip and post-trip retreat, several presentations, a few Catholic liturgies, a number of fundraising events and activities, and pre-trip and post-trip social justice awareness-building and community service projects. Expect this commitment to be about 5 hours a week, with retreats and the point drive week requiring additional hours. (Please note the “important dates” associated with the program.)

Language Proficiency: Participants do not need to be able to speak any language other than English to participate.For trips that travel to Spanish-speaking countries, an Interpreter accompanies the delegation throughout the entire trip.

Safety & Health: Before applying for an Arrupe program, each potential participant and his/her family need to be aware that there are many health and safety risks associated with traveling to the destinations visited through this program. Please check the U.S. Department of State’s assessment of traveling to these destination space http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html, the Centers for Disease Control’s assessment of traveling to these destinations http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx, and consider your own physical and emotional/psychological/mental health before applying. Should you end up participating in an Arrupe program, you will need to continue to check these websites for updates, as these assessments may change before an Arrupe trip departs.

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please about the Travel Warning in El Salvador and in Puebla, Mexico