The Nogales, Mexico trip is “Education” Immersion based.

Trip Destination: U.S. and Mexico border region between Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.
Trip Dates:  Approximately 7, 8 or 9 days toward the end of winter break 2010-11.
Coordinating Organizations: Boston College Campus Ministry, in collaboration with BorderLinks, an organization that has hosted Boston College delegations for many years (www.borderlinks.org).

NOTE: The Nogales, Mexico program, including its trip, is separate and distinct from the Agua Prieta, Mexico program, which is also coordinated by BorderLinks.

Trip Itinerary:  Immigration and issues related to the border between the U.S. and Mexico have inspired heated debate throughout the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and beyond, as so many people from Latin American countries have fled or attempted to flee from situations of extreme poverty, lack of opportunity, and war and oppression.  BorderLinks designs this trip’s itinerary and coordinates each day’s activities, which include meetings with representatives from various organizations and individuals involved with immigration, human rights, and education, as well as with representatives – including border patrol – of the U.S. and Mexican governments. 

While learning about macro-level social, economic and political issues from various perspectives, participants have the opportunity to learn first hand about the joys and struggles of people profoundly impacted by policies and situations they can’t control.  Participants visit the people who live as “squatters” in colonia communities and who work in maquiladoras, many of which are U.S. manufacturing companies that locate just across the border to take advantage lower tax rates, cheaper labor, and less rigorous environmental standards.  The experience includes overnight stays with families living in a squatter community near the border.

Exploring Faith:  Prayer, reflection, journaling, and sharing with each other 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 Catholicism, 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 to explore 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 an Arrupe 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.

Time Commitment:  Participation in an Arrupe program involves a year-long commitment which includes preparation for and follow up after a trip.  This commitment involves participating in weekly team 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 4-5 hours a week, with retreats and the point drive week adding additional hours.  (Please note the “important dates” associated with the program.)

Language Proficiency: Although being able to speak Spanish is useful while on the trip, participants do not need to be able to speak any language other than English to participate.

Health and Safety: Before applying for an Arrupe program, each participant and her/his family need to be aware that there are several 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 destinations, the Center for Disease Control’s assessment of traveling to these destinations (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx), and consider your own physical and psychological/mental/emotional health before applying.  Should one participate in a program, one will need to continue to check these websites for updates, as these assessments may change before a trip departs.