The Global Border Crossing course is centered around the meaning of “justice across borders,” and “global border crossing”, with a specific focus on the historical and contemporary relationship between the U.S. and México. We will deepen this understanding through a comparative perspective, examining other borders and communities, both globally and locally, while also exploring what it means to live in transnational communities. Students will also take an active look at their own roles in building connections for social change across borders, while also critically examining the meaning of “global citizenship” and how their own identities and social locations impact working for that change. With a service-learning trip to Tijuana, México acting as a central “text” of the course, participants will come to understand the unique culture and circumstances that arise out of the U.S./México border region.

Prior to the service-learning and immersion trip, through weekly classes participants will learn about the history, culture, socio-economic, and geo-political aspects of the U.S./México border. With themes such as the creation and maintenance of global inequality, national security enforcement measures, and transnational families, students will develop a broadened perspective of the historical and contemporary realities of life on/around the U.S./México border.

During break, our group will embark on a service-learning trip to Tijuana, where we will be working with Esperanza International, a local community development organization. Our group will be arriving to and departing from San Diego, CA, which will allow us to explore some of our course’s themes on the U.S. side of the border, while also requiring us to physically cross the U.S./México border, to literally experience border crossing. We will then join the community of Esperanza International, and their Tijuana-based sister organization (Fundación Esperanza de México), where we will spend the duration of the program. Supported by international volunteer groups, Esperanza works with local community members and volunteers to build new homes and empower communities. Our students will be working with homeowners to build/rebuild their homes, while simultaneously learning about the complex facets of transnational communities. Our group will be staying in Esperanza’s Posada housing quarters, where we will be living simply and in community with each other for the week. Through this experience, our students will be practicing respect, understanding, and building relationships across borders.

Faculty Leader:

Emily Meehan emeehan3@providence.edu,

Kara Cebulko kcebulko@providence.edu

Prgram Dates: March 23 - 29/30, 2024

Course: GST 371: Global Border Crossing, 4 credits

Program Fee: $1,600. Please note that the program cost is subject to change for all students. Some financial aid will be available. 

Program Fee Includes: Boarding, local transportation, flight

Application deadline: December 1, 2023