El Salvador Program

Spring Break Immersion Course

Program of Study

This course is an immersion into urban and rural El Salvador to develop an understanding of conditions there and efforts from the grassroots, churches, and human rights leaders to bring change to the Salvadoran people. This program offers one-credit through the Justice Education Program at Saint Mary's College.

In partnership with CRISPAZ, Christians for Peace in El Salvador, this class explores issues related to human rights, the role people of faith have played in working for peace and justice in El Salvador, and current political and social issues affecting El Salvador today. The immersion will be based in Sal Salvador, the capital city, with excursions to outlying villages. This program will be offered during the time of the 30th anniversary of the martyrdom of Archbishop Oscar Romero, who advocated strongly that the church of El Salvador needed to be a church that spoke and acted on behalf of the country's poor - our immersion will involve walking in his footsteps and hearing from those who continue to be influenced by his life and work. Our visit to El Salvador emphasizes listening to those working to bring change to their country and learning from their perspectives, and we will especially focus on the role of women in efforts to develop their communities.

The course will include reflection and discussion while in-country, as well as preparatory meetings and a post-trip debriefing.

When is the Program?
March 10-17, 2012

What is the Program Cost?
The base cost of the program is $2400, inclusive of all costs - including airfare and per diem lodging and food costs in country. Other sources of funding for the program will be explored, and it is our hope that students accepted as participants will play an active role in helping to
fundraise for the program.

When is the Deadline to Apply?
October 7, 2011

When Will I Know if I am Accepted?
October 14, 2011

To guarantee your participation a $500 deposit is due by November 18, 2011. You will be billed for the remainder next semester.

For more information contact:   

Co-Coordinators:
Jan Pilarski, Justice Education Program, jpilarski [at] saintmarys [dot] edu

Leonard Sanchez, Social Work Program, lsanchez [at] saintmarys [dot] edu