The Service & Justice Immersion Program at the Catholic University of America exists to create transformational relationships and build meaningful encounters that propel us to passionately work for the common good. By sharing in and learning from the lived experiences of our brothers and sisters around the world, we work to create bridges of solidarity between our campus and other communities both near and far. We are challenged to integrate the values of the Gospel and the social teachings of the Church into our lives and work to create a world that more tangibly reflects everyone's God-given human dignity.
Please direct all questions to Sr. Chirara Orsini at orsinich@cua.edu

  • History

    The Catholic University of America has a long history of sending students to walk with and learn from communities far from Washington, DC. The first trip occurred in 2001, when a group of students traveled to Guatemala to spend time in the local schools and farms. Since then, students have gone to the following locations:

    • Arizona
    • Belize
    • Camden
    • Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Ecuador
    • El Paso
    • Honduras
    • Jamaica
    • Los Angeles
    • New Mexico
    • New Orleans
    • New York City
    • Panama
    • Philadelphia
    • Tanzania
    • West Virginia

    Now, many years later, Catholic University sends over 100 students each year to encounter communities affected by poverty and marginalization. By walking with and learning from these communities, students learn not only about their struggles, but also about their incredible gifts and beauty. Many students have left transformed and inspired, and went on to live with greater commitment to sharing their faith and working for justice through service, whether it be in their own backyard or in places across the world. For more information about the Service & Justice Immersion Program, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.

  • Staff & Faculty Adviser Interest

    If you are a CUA staff or faculty member and are interested in being an advisor on a Service & Justice Immersion Trip, we're happy you're here! Staff advisors play an essential role in the program by walking with students before, during, and after the trip as they process the experience and integrate it into their lives. In order to be placed as an advisor for the current school year's immersion program (trips take place during Spring Break and in mid-May), please complete and submit this interest form by October. Forms are accepted on a rolling basis, and you will be contacted by a Campus Minister upon the submission of your form.

    Immersion Trip Advisor Expectations

    • Participate in several pre-trip formation meetings with students, as well as a staff training
    • Serve as an advisor to the student leader, as well as a support and guide to all student participants
    • Act as an official representative of the university, respond to emergency situations, etc.

    Please see the interest form for a comprehensive list of responsibilities.

    Why become an Immersion Trip Advisor?

    There are many reasons why CUA staff and faculty are drawn to becoming an immersion trip advisor, such as:
    • Act as an influential mentor to students as they embark on eye-opening experiences
    • Encounter and enter into relationship with marginalized individuals and communities both near and far
    • Be inspired by those working to create a more just and loving world
    • Model commitment to life-long learning, charity, and justice to our student body
    • All trip expenses are covered by Campus Ministry

  • Trip Types

    There are three different types of spring break trips: service, evangelization and immersion.

    On service trips, students will serve in the name of Jesus and bring Him to the poor or suffering through works of mercy, which show charity in action.

    Evangelization missions give students the chance to announce the Good News of the Gospel through works of evangelization such as retreats, catechesis, home visits, and street evangelization.

    Immersion trips are for students to be immersed in a new culture or worldview to learn about different topics or situations around the world and in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I apply?

    Applications will open near the end of September, and will close near the end of October. Please check back on this page during this time for a link to sign-up!

  • Where are the trips?

    Locations may change from year to year, please check back here when applications re-open in September.

  • How much money does an immersion trip cost?

    Currently, international Spring Break trips cost about $850, international summer trips cost about $1,000, and domestic trips cost between $200 and $500. This fee covers all room and board costs, transportation expenses, and any supplies or program costs required. All other expenses are the responsibility of each student.

  • Do I have to fundraise?

    Individual fundraising is the responsibility of each team member. Fundraising is done by asking for prayer and financial support from friends, family and/or your parish community. Individual funds raised are applied directly towards the student’s fee. Funds raised beyond the individual student fee are applied as a donation to the Service & Justice Immersion program, and are used for future student scholarships. Team fundraising is organized by the trip leaders and varies by group. Funds raised by team fundraising are used as donations to the communities we visit during the trips.

  • When do the trips occur?

    Campus Ministry organizes trips twice a year: during Spring Break and in May after graduation.

  • How long does a trip last?

    Spring Break trips last for the duration of the break (one week). Summer trips organized after graduation are two weeks long, departing campus on the Monday after graduation.

  • What happens during the trips?

    Each trip varies in the types of activities that occur, the people you meet, and the things you learn. The three different types of trips are service, immersion and evangelization.

  • What are the living arrangements?

    Living arrangements vary depending on the trip. Students will be staying in retreat houses, schools, hostels, or home-stays. Teams are housed separately by gender, and communal living is expected. Our living arrangements are usually similar to the living conditions of the communities we visit.

  • Do you have to be Catholic/religious to participate in the trips?

    Students do not have to be Catholic or religious to be a part of the Service & Justice Immersion Program. We hope that all students, regardless of faith background are interested in learning about how to better work for the common good! However, the trips are sponsored by the Office of Campus Ministry and there is a spiritual component to all of them. All team members are asked to be present for Sunday Mass during the trips and participate in nightly reflections/sharing.

  • What safety precautions are taken?

    The Office of Campus Ministry takes safety very seriously. All of the partners we work with on each of our trips have great reputations and have been hosting university groups for many years. On all trips, safety is a top priority.

    In addition, each international team is registered with the Department of State Overseas Travel Office. This registration alerts our local embassy that our group is in the country, where they are and how long they will be visiting. The registration also includes a list of the team members and their individual passport numbers. Other safety measures include registering and working with reputable organizations, having strict rules regarding team members visiting local communities, purchasing trip insurance and reminding the team members of pertinent safety precautions that need to be kept.

  • What are the medical requirements/vaccinations?

    Each student is encouraged to visit the Center for Disease Control website and decide for him/herself what vaccinations they would like to receive and what other medical precautions they would like to take. Each student is encouraged to consult his or her parents, guardians and/or doctor.

    If any student has a special medical condition or allergy, they are encouraged to talk with Office of Campus Ministry and the Office of Disability Services to see which immersion locations might best be able to accommodate their needs.

  • Does the trip require additional insurance?

    The only insurance a student needs is the health insurance required for them to be a student at CUA.

  • Are there professional staff members on the trips?

    One or two professional staff members who are employed by The Catholic University of America lead each trip. Normally, one is a member of the Office of Campus Ministry and the other is a staff or faculty member.

    If you are a CUA staff or faculty member and are interested in attending an immersion trip as an advisor, please fill out our interest form when it is posted. Interest forms are accepted on a rolling basis, and you will be contacted by a Campus Minister upon the submission of your form.

  • Are there leadership opportunities for students on the trip?

    Visiting another community or country provides many challenges. All students are encouraged to be open to the beliefs, cultures, and new experiences that they will have. This team experience provides leadership training that develops prospective leaders for future Campus Ministry activities and programs. Each team has at least one student leader who applies and is chosen during the spring semester of the previous school year.