Tijuana, Mexico
“Tijuana today is one of the fastest growing cities in Mexico with an average of 80,000 people moving to Tijuana
yearly. In terms of area, the city grows by approximately three hectares a day, mostly east and south as the city is
mostly built out to the beach already with the exception of some canyons. Along with settlements, big business
moves in providing supermarkets and retail to marginal areas, along with paved roads. The city experiences the
construction of 26,000 new settlements a year that has led to the unregulated, illegal squatter homes that takes place
in the hills and valleys of ever expanding Tijuana, most of these areas are yet to be served by city services, including
the addition of sidewalks, paving, streetlights, public transit and other services. However, as older and existing
squatters are brought into the city services, more marginal areas become occupied by squatters. Mexican cultural
attitudes towards the poor are more about tolerance and reluctant acceptance of the problems rather than forcing
them into situation where they cannot fend for themselves and/or incarceration.”-Wikipedia
Trip Location: Tijuana, Mexico
Trip Leaders: Mr. Josh Barnes & Mr. Matthew Pyrc, SJ
Dates: Sunday, May 29 - Saturday, June 4, 2016 (Conflict: SAT & Subject Test @ JHS)
Trip Cost (covers transportation, room and board…etc.): $1,100*
Additional Minimum Donation Amount to be raised by March 1, 2016: $300 (Students raise money to donate
towards the non-profit organizations that work with Jesuit High School on their trip. This amount is in addition to
the trip cost.)**
Trip Description: Jesuit High School students will spend a week volunteering with the organization Esperanza.
The actions of Esperanza International result in more than just the physical acts of home construction. Esperanza
focuses on creating a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship between volunteers from the United States and the
Esperanza communities in Mexico. Volunteers interact with the community in a variety of unique ways that build a
lasting impression of life in Mexico. Families make lunch for volunteers every workday, providing a shared meal
experience and a chance to participate in a little bit of daily life in the area. Volunteers also participate in a variety of
activities after the workday ranging from visiting health clinics or orphanages to going to facilities for those deported
from the U.S.
*Limited Financial Aid is available to students currently on Jesuit work study and in good standing with the school.
Indicate need for consideration on your application. **Donations are raised to support the 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.***To be
eligible for an Immersion, students must earn a passing grade in Christian Service junior year.