Chiapas Immersion Team

In Mexico, the wealthiest 10% of the population holds 41% of the wealth, while the poorest 10% holds 2% of the wealth (2008).  We will partner with Natik, an international non-profit organization who works with partners in the highland colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, the rural mountainous region around the Maya Tzotzil community of Zinacantan, and in the tropical lowland area of Palenque. Natik promotes economic empowerment and ecological awareness by way of the two dominant realities of indigenous life: artisan entrepreneurial efforts and agricultural production.  We will also partner with Rise-Now, a global non-profit committed to bringing people together to learn about sustainability and planting the seeds for others to do the same.  Websites: www.natik.org, www.rise-now.org .

Our time in Chiapas will include both cultural immersion and volunteering in a non-profit center which trains and supports Indigenous Mayan people living with disabilities as they learn artisan skills and produce beautiful products to help support their families.  A typical workday would be from approximately 9:00-4:00 with a cultural or educational presentation/experience in the afternoon or evening.  At the end of our week we expect to visit the Mayan ruins at Tonina (above right photo).  Mr. David Bischoff, one of our two faculty leaders, is a leading expert in Latino/Chicano, Mexican and Pre-Columbian art.  He will provide a wealth of cultural knowledge and insight.  Evening reflection time will be led by Mrs. Kelly Barnes, Director of Christian Service.  Both faculty members have experience leading this international immersion. It is not necessary that students have mastered the Spanish language to have a meaningful experience on this immersion.

*Donations are raised to support the above mentioned non-profit organization. However in the event that travel costs rise, a small portion of the donation may be used to cover those unforeseen expenses.*