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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 spring of 2008 with trips to Peru, East Africa, and Vietnam.  Be sure to check out the photos and experiences of these groups!

 White Pages 2008

Description of Programs

India (December 29, 2008-January 10, 2009)

This trip to India will focus on the Calcutta-Jamshedpur-Dehli corridor and include a number of Jesuit educational institutions, including XLRI, a leading Jesuit business school and new afilliate of our own School of Business Administration. The group will also visit SEEDS, the NGO supported by XLRI.  Shannon Green will lead this trip.

If you have been selected for this trip, the first pre-trip meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 10 at 4pm, Mundelein Center conference room 1111, LSC.

E. Africa (January 2-11, 2009)

The trip to E. Africa will focus on the work of Global Alliance for Africa in Nairobi, Kenya and Arusha, Tanzania.  A preliminary itinerary includes sites such as the St. Aloysius School in Kibera, the Nyambani Orphanage, and the Jesuit Novitiate in Arusha. Tom Durdak of Global Alliance for Africa is coordinating logistics.  Jennifer Clark will lead this trip.

If you have been selected for this trip, the first pre-trip meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 6 at 3:30pm, Office for International Programs, Sullivan 213, LSC.

 El Salvador (May 21-29, 2009)

Information about applying for the El Salvador trip will be forthcoming.

Note:

Each of these trips will go to destinations where climate and elevation could pose some health related challenges.  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.

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
  

      How to apply

      • You must have completed three or more years of employment at Loyola to apply for a Faculty and Staff Global Immersion trip.  Faculty and Staff who have participated on a previous trip are not eligible to apply.  Please check the official University Immersion Policy for more guidelines. 
      • Upcoming information sessions and application deadlines will be posted in Inside Loyola. 
      • Please complete an application and supervisor approval form 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.  Send your application materials to Diana Sanderson in the Office for International Programs, Sullivan Center Room 206, LSC by October 8, 2008. 
      • Please check that your passport is valid six months after your return from the trip and that you have extra blank pages.  If not, please begin the process of renewing your passport now.
      • Participants will be notified by email when decisions have been made.