San Diego Border

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San Diego is home to the most militarized, technologically advanced, and highly trafficked border in the entire world.

This rich trans-border culture, influenced by its proximity to the U.S./Mexico border, continues to develop a unique Chicano population and identity making up over one third of the city’s populace. This diverse cultural group has been underrepresented politically.

Through community-driven resilience it has survived and thrived. How can a group that has not only been underrepresented, but misunderstood, gain respect in light of the media’s outlook on issues involving immigration? How is a city so close to Mexico affected on a daily basis by legal and illegal immigration?

This program will explore the impact of living only 15 miles from the U.S./Mexico Border and the challenges faced by families, local farmers, businesses, and the large Chicano community.

Meet the Amigos Car Club, a grassroots organization that has curbed gang-violence in urban areas, visit with members of Friendship Park, the location where families meet to connect at the border, highlighting the extreme differences between life on two sides of a wall.

Journey into the two different sides to one centralized issue: the border. Hear from local activists who believe that reform is necessary to this humanitarian issue, while also hearing directly from the border patrol who man the border fence. Work with international refugee population on urban green restoration initiatives.

The border is not just a physical presence, but a mental one as well. Take the Chicano Park Mural tour, meet the Amigos Car Club, and hear from community development activists who fight daily to counter the media’s stereotypes of the Chicano community that has built a home and thriving culture in Barrio Logan.

As part of your immersion experience we’ve invited a nutrition expert from Tijuana, Mexico to join the group assisting with meal preparation, education, and cultural exchange. Enjoy traditional Mexican dishes prepared with a vegetarian nutritional model including fresh veggies, rice, legumes, soy, and other regional fare. Not to worry meat-eaters, we’ll still have chicken pozole and various tamales. Replenish with homemade agua frescas like, horchata, hibiscus, and tamarindo. For student groups, preparing food, eating together, cleaning up, and recycling are all part of the learning and immersion experience.

Via International has partnered with two local churches each in their own unique location in close proximity to our headquarters in Barrio Logan. Enjoy the laid back culture while living only blocks away from the ocean.

After arriving in San Diego, visitors will be welcomed by a traditional style lunch or dinner prepared by one of our promotora nutrition specialists . Next, volunteers will receive an orientation by Rigo Reyes, our Community Development Program Director, who will explain Via’s mission in San Diego and philosophy of community engagement. Volunteers will receive an overview of activities for the week and some background on the projects, people, and communities.

Villanova University

My experience at the US/ Mexico border challenged me in ways I never expected. I found it surprisingly difficult to stand against the wall separating the United States from Mexico. Even with the complex political issues and polarizing opinions surrounding immigration. I learned that the most important part of the debate to always keep in mind is the human dignity in every person, regardless of what side of the wall he or she grew up on.

Bridget Black, Political Science Major

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The Impact

The experience of an immersion program impacts post-travel

01

Discover the individual, cultural and political implications of the U.S./Mexico Border

03

Analyze different sociopolitical viewpoints ranging from Border Patrol Agents to local community activists

05

Participate in community-defined service projects supporting revitalization through art and providing aid to immigrants

02

Learn what it means to stand for community activism at the grassroots level

04

Understand the harsh realities affecting daily life in communities along the border

Interested in visiting this location?

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