Immersion is a powerful learning tool that surrounds a person with the culture and experience of another. It develops human relationships and creates understandings of solidarity and compassion between individuals and communities. Immersion moves people to confront essential questions of peace and justice, freedom, and the human condition.

St. Julie Billiart and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur model a commitment to education for life. Notre Dame women have “hearts as wide as the world”.

• God is good
• Honoring the dignity of each person
• Justice and peace, community service
• Value diversity and community
• Holistic learning—body, mind and spirit

NDSJ Justice Immersion Outcomes

• Education - Learn about the various contexts of a community (social, political, cultural, etc).
• Community - Develop relationships with students, adults and members of the community.
• Reflection - Reflect and discern personal discoveries about self, other and God.
• Action - Challenge self to live simply, stretch beyond comfort zones and value each person.
• Witness - Witness and advocate for justice and social change

Immersion Trips 2012-2013

Alternative Immersion Trips

• Santa Clara Valley Amigos: A community program that offers immersion experiences that are not connected to the Notre Dame Immersion Program.

Student Commitment Expectations:

Students are expected to have an open heart, minds and hands to the FULL process and experience, including simple living and prayer. Each student must be in good standing and up to date with all academic, service and discipline obligations. Each student should attend all pre-trip meetings and preparation gatherings and should complete paperwork by set deadlines. All immersion students should also participate in the Solidarity Dinner as well as post-trip advocacy and witness activities.

Parent Expectations:

Parents should be willing to support daughter with prayer and encouragement and willing to make the financial commitment and/or request supplemental Financial Aid. Parents should also complete paperwork by set deadlines and support the Solidarity Dinner.

Application and Registration Process:

• Applications will be completed online through September 2012. The online application is now closed. Students interested may contact Ms. Kuszmar to inquire about available placements.
  
• Committee reviews all applications. Priority will be given to first time participants, especially seniors. A lottery system will be used to determine trip placements when the interest is beyond trip capacity.
• Students are encouraged to apply for more than one immersion at a time, as it increases placement opportunity.
  
• All applicants will be notified about their placement in a trip by Friday, September 28th. Eligible students not placed on a trip will be on the waiting list.
  
  Once you receive your acceptance, to register for the immersion:
  
• Confirm placement with the Registration Form and a deposit paid online. If unable to accept placement for whatever reason, please contact Campus Ministry ASAP. Once the materials are received, a family is then financially responsible for the placement.

Financial Info:

• Costs are designed to cover the full experience— transportation, housing, all meals, trip leaders and additional program costs. The costs are reflective of “simple living” and cover basic living needs.
• Financial Aid Awards are available to cover partial need, depending on trip and need. Financial Aid Request forms are available in Campus Ministry. Submit the Financial Aid Request to the Campus Ministry office by the application deadline. Families will be informed of scholarship awards within one week of trip acceptance.