COR 375 with Mark Edwards

• $500 for those with full CCS benefit
• $1,900 for those with half CCS benefit
• $3,300 for those with no CCS benefit

This Cross Cultural experience features a three week study tour of the USA and Mexico border with focus on Hispanic culture and immigration issues.

Learning Activities may include:

Economics

Understand the economic challenges for recent immigrant families to the U.S.A and tour some of the leading growth industries in McAllen, Texas. Meet with businesses in McAllen, Texas including the McAllen Economic Development Cooperative, Japanese businesses, and representatives of trade and entrepreneurship.

Education

Hear lectures on intercultural communication, regional politics and economics, local ministry and more by leading professors in the region. Visits schools and local universities. Examine the educational opportunities available to young people of all backgrounds in Texas.

Family

Possible home stays with local church families to experience Hispanic family culture to understand the family values immigrants bring to American culture. Spanish language lessons will precede your family home stay.

Government

Visit the international bridge at McAllen and Matamoros, Mexico. Tour a border facility and discuss border control issues with both border control agents, ICE and more. Understand the issues of “Stay in Mexico” policy and more. Interview recent immigrants and NGO’s working with the humanitarian relief in “colonias” and encampments on the Mexican side of the border. Possible tour of the USA consulate in Matamoros, Mexico, the longest running US Consulate in American history and dialogue with consulate officials about immigration policies. Dialogue with McAllen’s mayor, Javier Villalobos.

Religion

Worship with Hispanic brothers and sisters in their worship contexts. Better understand the Catholic church traditions of the majority of Hispanic people. Possible tour of Islamic mosques and Hindu temples in the area to gain insight into the diversity of religion in the USA.

Other highlights may include:

Visit the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas and learn about the history of Mexican/American regional dynamics. Experience San Antonio’s Riverwalk and the 1300 mile King Ranch to experience Texas life. Dialogue with Doctors without Borders and others providing relief to migrant communities along the border.

Travel Information

Departure Dates

This trip will fly to Texas with possible departure dates before New Year’s Day. Students should not make irreversible plans until their departure date is confirmed by the CCS office in fall 2022.

Health & Safety

This experience, like all CCS experiences is subject to political and safety realities at the time of departure and is not guaranteed. CCS options can by physically and emotionally intense and stretching. All participants should consult the disclosures on the Physical Hardships of CCS. No Immunizations are required for this trip.

Trip Costs

CCS program costs do not include the $150 study away fee.

CCS trips are not guaranteed and are subject to change.