VENAVER

VENAVER, “come and see,” are immersion trips that offer students, faculty and staff opportunities to participate in faith-based experiences in domestic and international communities. For each VENAVER experience, participants explore faith, community, service learning, social justice and simple living in a safe environment. Students of all faith traditions and backgrounds are invited to participate in VENAVER.

To apply for a VENAVER experience    Click Here

2019-20 VENAVER Experiences

NEW VENAVER Trip for 2020!

El Otro Lado—Tuscon, AZ
San Miguel High School
March 29-April 3, 2020
$700

Cost includes all food, transportation and additional costs at border. (Must have a valid passport).

El Otro Lado, which means “the other side," is a US/Mexico border immersion program hosted by San Miguel High School. This program provides SHC and other Lasallian students with the opportunity to explore the US/Mexico border and learn about the many complexities of immigration. Through this five-day immersion program students and participating staff members learn about, and experience in part, the hard journey our brothers and sisters that cross from “El Otro Lado” endure. In addition to informing participants of the hundreds of migrant deaths that occur in the Arizona desert, El Otro Lado allows students to interact with humanitarian aid groups, Border Patrol agents and those directly impacted by US immigration policy.

A typical El Otro Lado fosters community between San Miguel students and visiting schools by exposing participants to the variety of political and theological viewpoints that surround immigration and by encouraging participants to explore strategies of response. El Otro Lado students attend presentations by members of Southern Arizona’s humanitarian aid community, visit a US Border Patrol Station, clear belongings and refuse from migrant trails, see deportation proceedings, and volunteer with bi-national faith based organizations. 

Maximum of 10 spots available. Apply here.  

Puerto Rico Venaver 
May 27–June 5
This VENAVER immersion will take place over the summer to help rebuild homes that have been heavily affected by the recent earthquake and continuing hurricane restoration in Puerto Rico. There will be opportunities to visit historical sites in Puerto Rico and enjoy the many sights, sounds and beautiful people on the Island. For more information contact Instructor of Theology Ismael Ruiz in Room 102. The deadline for application is March 20. To apply, please fill out this form. Those selected for the trip will then be asked to make a deposit and attend a series of meetings to prepare for the immersion.

More trips will be posted soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do to participate in VENAVER?

All VENAVER experiences will have an application process. Look for the online application posted above and on Schoology for more information.

Who can participate in VENAVER?

All students are welcome to participate in VENAVER, however, some specific trips may have requirements or limitations dependent on the time of year and the nature of the trip. For example, some trips may require a passport and/or fluency in a language other than English.

Am I able to participate in VENAVER if I’m not sure that I/my family can afford the trip?

Yes! Still apply. Students can submit a funding request with their applications.

Does the deposit go towards the final cost of my trip?

Yes. The deposit goes towards the entire trip. For example, a trip may cost $500. After paying a deposit of $150, you would only have $350 left to pay on the trip.

What do the trip fees include?

The trip fee covers food, lodging, transportation, and any program fees associated with the specific experience.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact Assistant Director of Retreats Danny O’Regan.