What are Immersion Trips?

Immersion trips are intensive service-learning experiences that allow students to learn more about a community, immerse themselves in the culture and social issues in that community, and grow as volunteers into active citizens.

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Mission

“Pop the College Bubble. Be Fully Present. Spread the Love.”

To extend opportunities for the Missouri State University community to learn about the importance of community engagement, immerse themselves in the culture and issues of others, and grow from “volunteers” into Active Citizens.  These programs seek to engage MSU to foster experiential learning opportunities that enhance the Missouri State Public Affairs Mission.

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Vision

Missouri State University students will be active citizens by engaging in positive social change in local, national, and global communities.

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History

Immersion Programs began in 2012 as a student-run initiative through Bear Breaks, a student organization whose mission it was to create service opportunities for other students. This student organization was advised by Community Involvement & Service Staff.  That year, two trips were planned to Memphis, TN and Chicago, IL.  Interest from students more than tripled by 2014, and the decision was made to incorporate Immersion Trips as official Missouri State University programs.  Leadership from Bear Breaks is essential to the planning and leading of these trips.

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Since the program began in 2012, students have travelled to various communities during Fall, Spring, and Summer breaks:

• Asheville, NC

• Atlanta, GA

• Bluefields, Jamaica

• Chicago, IL

• Dallas, TX

• Indianapolis, IN

• Little Rock, AR

• Monteverde, Costa Rica

• New Orleans, LA

• Springfield, MO