Immersion Trips: VISION
About the VISION Program
Whether you’re looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities, finding community, or reflecting on the connections among justice, service and spiritual life, you’ve come to the right place. The primary program we offer is called VISION, which involves immersive service-learning experiences domestically and abroad.
VISION works to effect positive social change in St. Thomas, national, and global communities. We believe this change can happen when there is an opportunity for a relationship between these communities. In VISION, we take up the challenge of traveling to sites across the United States, and Latin America.
We are generously taken in as guests by the communities that allow us to work, live, and learn with them. Since VISION began in 1987, we have seen the incredible power of this coming together.
VISION is a chance to explore the world as it currently operates while exploring yourself and the people you find yourself with.
Contact Information
All are welcome to stop by our office in the Anderson Student Center, 207.
In the event of an emergency, please contact Public Safety at (651) 962-5555.
Choosing the Timing of your Trip
Explore Program Options
J-Term Trips
Take the 10-15 days of J-Term to travel abroad and make a global impact.
Spring Break Trips
Over the week of spring break, travel within the United States to make an impact on a local level.
Program Components
VISION Immersion Experiences are rooted in four key themes and eight values that guide students through meaningful engagement with communities and social justice issues.
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Human Dignity (Dignity): We recognize the inherent worth of every person, ensuring that our partnerships uplift and respect local leaders and those we encounter. By prioritizing dignity, we approach communities as collaborators rather than recipients of aid, fostering mutual respect and shared learning.
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Relationships (Solidarity, Community, Presence): Authentic connections are central to VISION. Through solidarity, we walk alongside communities rather than working for them. By fostering community, we cultivate shared responsibility and belonging among participants and partners. Practicing presence means being fully engaged, listening deeply, and setting aside distractions to immerse ourselves in the experiences.
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Seeking Justice (Justice and Volunteering): Our work goes beyond short-term service; we aim to address systemic injustices. Justice invites students to explore the root causes of social issues and advocate for meaningful change. Volunteering is done with intentionality, ensuring that engagement is both impactful and beneficial for the communities we serve.
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Personal Encounter (Simplicity and Reflection): VISION encourages stepping away from excess and embracing simplicity, allowing students to live in solidarity with the communities they visit. Daily reflection provides space to process experiences, using Ignatian spirituality and group dialogue to deepen understanding and inspire action.
These four pillars and eight values shape VISION’s approach, ensuring that each immersion is a transformative journey of learning, justice, and connection.
- Definition: Recognizing the inherent worth of every person and community VISION engages with.
- Example: In Ecuador, students engage with Families for Working Families, ensuring their partnership respects and uplifts the dignity of local leaders and community members.
- Definition: Building genuine relationships with communities rather than viewing them as projects or problems to solve.
- Example: At the Humanitarian Respite Center in Texas, students work alongside local volunteers supporting migrants, emphasizing accompaniment over charity.
- Definition: Fostering a shared sense of belonging and responsibility among participants and partner organizations.
- Example: Students travel together, share responsibilities, and engage in daily reflections to build a strong, intentional community.
- Definition: Being fully engaged in the moment, without distractions, to listen and learn from the communities they serve.
- Example: During the VISION immersions, students disconnect from phones and fully immerse themselves in conversations with migrants and humanitarian workers.
- Definition: Addressing root causes of social issues and advocating for systemic change rather than just providing temporary relief.
- Example: After participating in a climate justice immersion, students return to campus and advocate for sustainable policies in university operations.
- Definition: Engaging in meaningful work that is mutually beneficial for both students and community partners.
- Example: In Quito, Ecuador, students partner with The Center for Working Families, supporting families experiencing housing insecurity and working on community-led projects while learning about the broader social and economic challenges facing the region.
- Definition: Practicing humility and detaching from excess to foster deeper awareness and gratitude.
- Example: During immersion experiences, students embrace simple living practices such as shared meals, minimal technology use, and sustainable travel.
- Definition: Taking intentional time to process experiences, emotions, and lessons learned.
- Example: Each evening, students engage in guided reflections, using Ignatian spirituality and group discussions to deepen their understanding of justice and faith.
Scholarships
We never want money to be an obstacle to participation in a program.
There are scholarships available that can cover a percentage of the total trip cost, based on financial need.
Scholarship applications should be submitted at the time you submit the program application.