Service-Learning Trip FAQs | Moreau Center

Home >>
Moreau Center >>
Service-Learning Immersions >>
Service-Learning Trip FAQs

Moreau Center: Service-Learning Trip FAQs

If you're interested in participating in a service-learning trip, first read the Moreau Center Core Commitments to understand what our programs are all about.

How do I apply for a trip and who gets selected? Applications for our trips are posted on our website at the start of the academic year. The applications for Fall Break trips and Summer Immersions are usually due at the end of September. Applications for Winter and Spring Break trips are usually due at the end of October. Applicants should e-mail the completed word document, answering the supplemental questions for whichever trips he/she is interested in, to the coordinators of those trips.
The Urban Policy Plunge during winter break is traditionally first-come first-serve. All other trips usually have a selection process, including an individual or group interview, conducted by the student coordinators. Participants are selected in order to achieve a balanced, diverse range of ages, interest, personalities, and experiences. Your background will not necessarily make you "more qualified" for a trip, though we do seek participants who work and travel well with others and who will embrace the values of our programs (simplicity, solidarity, community, flexibility, respect, etc.)

Can I go on a trip with my friend? Our trips are community-oriented from the first fundraiser to the final drop-off back on campus. No special preference will be given to arrange for friends to participate in a trip together, as we've found that participants can experience the trip more fully and bond with the group better when they are more open to building new relationships. Of course, there's nothing wrong with knowing other people on your trip beforehand but one of the most rewarding aspects is coming home with a whole new group of friends! If you are selected to participate on the same trip as a close friend, you will be encouraged to spend most of your time branching out to others in the group.

What is the time commitment for a trip? Each trip has its own requirements. The commitment can be as low as 2-3 group meetings before/after the trip (for Rural, Environmental, or Urban Plunge). Collegiate Challenge traditionally has the next lowest time commitment, due to the minimal fundraising needed. Border, Alaska, Civil Rights, and Nicaragua trips will all have at least three Moreau Center seminars throughout the year on topics like Catholic Social Thought, solidarity, and values. These trips will additionally host their own educational seminars to prepare participants for the issues that will be encountered on the trip as well as group meetings (sometimes weekly) for fundraising. Meetings are always mandatory (exceptions are made for Fall study-abroad students). Civil Rights and Nicaragua Immersions have the greatest time commitment and begin meeting in the early Fall. The Civil Rights Immersion requires participation in a specific course Spring semester. Nicaragua has weekly two-hour meetings on top of fundraisers in the Spring.

How much does a trip cost? How do I pay for it? The Moreau Center's goal is to subsidize about 1/3 of the trip cost. 1/3 of the cost is paid by the student by making deposits throughout the year (scholarships and flexible payment plans can be established for those who need it). The final 1/3 of the cost is fundraised with a group-pot mentality, in reflection of the community-oriented nature of our trips, where all participants are expected to share the workload regardless of personal financial situations.
Below are the average student fees for each trip (varies each year):
Rural Plunge $200
Environmental Justice Trip $25
Urban Plunge $75
Collegiate Challenge $150
Border Trip $1000
Native Alaska Trip $1000
Nicaragua Immersion $2500
Civil Rights Immersion $1400
Participants who wish to discuss payment options and scholarships should schedule a meeting with the Moreau Center Director immediately upon being selected for a trip. Cost should never be a barrier to participating in our trips.

Are the trips religious? Applicants should know that the Moreau Center, in reflection of the mission of the University, approaches its programs from the standpoint of Catholic Social Thought. However, there is no requirement to identify with a specific religion in order to participate in any of our programs. In fact, we encourage open dialogue and aim to make people of all backgrounds feel welcome and accepted. The discussion of Catholic values and aspects of spiritual reflection will be present on most programs in order to facilitate each individual's own growth and reflection.

Serve Learn
Our Blog for Service-Learning Trips, Plunges, and Immersions