Student Activities
Alternate Spring Break

Thank you for your interest in Student Activities first Alternative Spring Break trip taking place from March 21-26. The group will travel to the El Paso, Texas border and cross into Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. There is space for ten (10) students.  Cost of trip is free however each participant will be expected to fundraise $200 for the projects at the border.  There will be opportunities for group fundraising.  Also participants will also need to complete a service project prior to leaving. Because we will be crossing the border, appropriate travel documentation will be needed. All transportation is provided once we arrive in Texas.  All meals and lodging are also provided.

This trip is not a service project but an immersion trip. You will be exposed to real life conditions of people who live on the border and their life realities. Some topics that will be covered are immigration, border control, the global market, sweat shops, and the relationship between Mexico and the United States. In El Paso, we will be staying at the Women’s Intercultural Center.  If conditions allow, in Juarez, we will be staying with local families. If we decide not to spend nights in Juarez, we will stay with families near the Center for a night or two. For more information you can check out the website (BAE link) http://www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/

Upon returning to campus, the group will be required to create a service project of their choosing. It may range from raising money for the center down in Texas or for a similar one up here to a clothing drive for families we stay with.  In addition to the service project, students will be required to plan and participate in one of three presentations to the NEIU community of the topics of immigration, global business, and education and how what you learned on the trip has influenced your views.

Quick Facts to Know:

1. All participants must have/obtain a passport or other traveling documentation.
2. Students will be provided with meals, housing, and transportation during trip
3. No alcohol or drugs will be permitted.
4. Students will be expected to fully participate in all activities.  There may be some light physical work. You will also be asked to reflect on each day’s activities, keep a journal and share personal experiences.
5. Students should be prepared for the elements of South Texas.
6. The group will leave Sunday, March 21st and will return to on Friday, March 26^th.
7. Group will be required to plan a service project based on the trip to be done once return to NEIU.
8. Students will be required to participate in one of three presentations on what they learned on trip to members of the NEIU community.

 Requirements:

Fill out [application] and attend group interview (dates TBA)

• Must be able to obtain traveling documents to enter Mexico and USA
• Sign NEIU travel paperwork and waiver
• Have a minimum 2.00/4.00 GPA
• Be an enrolled NEIU student
• Attend all the pre-trip orientation sessions
• Participate in the mandatory fundraiser
• Plan and participate in service project
• Plan and participate in presentation to NEIU community