»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ

J-Term VISION Trips

In this two- to three-week trip abroad, you'll have the possibility to explore the world and see issues of social justice beyond our context. Serve more intentional time and immerse yourself in the culture and the situations of the place you're serving.

J-Term 2026 Program Timeline:

  • Program Applications:
    • Rolling application process from April 1, 2025 – October 10, 2025
      • First Round Review - Priority Application Period: Applications submitted by May 1, 2025, will be reviewed, and decisions will be communicated by May 16, 2025.
      • Second Round Review: Applications submitted after May 1 will be reviewed during the summer and early fall, with final decisions communicated by October 17, 2025.
      • Final Application Deadline: October 10, 2025, by 4 PM
  • Application Decisions: Will be communicated to applicants, along with scholarship information, by May 16, 2025, and October 17, 2025.

  • Participant Commitment:

    • A non-refundable $250 deposit is due by November 7, 2025.
    • All program participants are required to attend the large group orientation on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
  • Final Payment:

    • Charged to the student account in J-Term.
    • Participants will receive a program bill by December 1st. A $250 non-refundable deposit must be paid by November 7th, and/or the full program bill must be paid with Spring tuition.
    • All Flights need to be confirmed by November 17, 2025. Once flights are confirmed students students are responsible for the cost of VISION program if student cancellation is requested. All cancellations must be submitted in writing. The VISION program follows the Study Abroad Policy for Travel Risk Cancellations

 

How to Apply

J-Term 2026 applications will go live by April 1, 2025.

You will need a valid passport for all J-Term experiences for 2026.

Program Dates: January 6-13, 2026

Unidad Académica Campesina-Carmen Pampa, Bolivia

VISION students in Bolivia

  • Program Overview
  • Program Logistics
  • About Carmen Pampa Fun
  • Program Overview

    In partnership with the Unidad Académica Campesina-Carmen Pampa (UAC-CP), a distinguished »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ dedicated to providing higher education to marginalized populations in Bolivia, participants will:
    • Collaborate on Community Projects – Work alongside UAC-CP students and faculty on initiatives that address local needs, fostering mutual learning and impactful change.
    • Cultural Immersion – Experience daily life in Carmen Pampa, engaging with local traditions, languages, and customs to gain a profound appreciation of Bolivian culture.
    • Educational Exchange – Participate in academic discussions and workshops focusing on agronomy, nursing, education, ecotourism, and veterinary science—fields pivotal to regional development.

    Program Dates: January 6-13, 2026

    Embark on a transformative journey with the VISION J-Term 2026 program to the heart of Bolivia's rural Yungas region. Rooted in values of justice, solidarity, and reflection, VISION offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with local communities, learn from diverse perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development initiatives. Through immersive experiences, students explore the complexities of global issues while building relationships grounded in mutual respect and shared humanity.

    This VISION trip cost is projected to be $3,500.

    All inclusive: Flights, lodging, meals, transportation and experiences.

    We encourage all interested students to apply for the VISION program scholarships as part of the program application. Consideration will be given to applicants who exhibit substantial financial need as determined by the St. Thomas financial aid office.

    About Carmen Pampa Fund

    The Carmen Pampa Fund, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a non-profit organization that generates resources to support the growth and development of UAC-CP. Through education, the fund aims to transform the lives of Bolivians, empowering them to become agents of social and economic change. To learn more, visit the Carmen Pampa Fund website.
    Join us for VISION J-Term 2026 and be part of a journey that fosters cross-cultural connection, critical reflection, and a commitment to social justice.

    Program Overview

    Program Overview

    In partnership with the Unidad Académica Campesina-Carmen Pampa (UAC-CP), a distinguished »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ dedicated to providing higher education to marginalized populations in Bolivia, participants will:
    • Collaborate on Community Projects – Work alongside UAC-CP students and faculty on initiatives that address local needs, fostering mutual learning and impactful change.
    • Cultural Immersion – Experience daily life in Carmen Pampa, engaging with local traditions, languages, and customs to gain a profound appreciation of Bolivian culture.
    • Educational Exchange – Participate in academic discussions and workshops focusing on agronomy, nursing, education, ecotourism, and veterinary science—fields pivotal to regional development.

    Program Logistics

    Program Dates: January 6-13, 2026

    Embark on a transformative journey with the VISION J-Term 2026 program to the heart of Bolivia's rural Yungas region. Rooted in values of justice, solidarity, and reflection, VISION offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with local communities, learn from diverse perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development initiatives. Through immersive experiences, students explore the complexities of global issues while building relationships grounded in mutual respect and shared humanity.

    This VISION trip cost is projected to be $3,500.

    All inclusive: Flights, lodging, meals, transportation and experiences.

    We encourage all interested students to apply for the VISION program scholarships as part of the program application. Consideration will be given to applicants who exhibit substantial financial need as determined by the St. Thomas financial aid office.

    About Carmen Pampa Fun

    About Carmen Pampa Fund

    The Carmen Pampa Fund, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a non-profit organization that generates resources to support the growth and development of UAC-CP. Through education, the fund aims to transform the lives of Bolivians, empowering them to become agents of social and economic change. To learn more, visit the Carmen Pampa Fund website.
    Join us for VISION J-Term 2026 and be part of a journey that fosters cross-cultural connection, critical reflection, and a commitment to social justice.

    Program Dates: January 12-21, 2026

    Centro Un Familia de Familias, Quito, Ecuador

    students in quito

  • Program Overview
  • Program Logistics
  • About The Center: A Family of Families
  • Program Overview

    In partnership with The Center: A Family of Families, a nonprofit organization in Quito dedicated to holistic family support, participants will:​
    • Collaborate on Community Projects: Work alongside The Center's staff on initiatives that address local needs, fostering mutual learning and impactful change.​
    • Cultural Immersion: Experience daily life in Quito, engaging with local traditions, languages, and customs to gain a profound appreciation of Ecuadorian culture.​
    • Educational Exchange: Participate in academic discussions and workshops focusing on education, health care, legal assistance, and technical training—fields pivotal to regional development.

    Join us for VISION J-Term 2026 and be part of a journey that fosters cross-cultural connection, critical reflection, and a commitment to social impact.

    Program Dates: January 12-21, 2026

    Embark on a transformative journey with VISION J-Term 2026 to Quito, Ecuador, a city rich in culture and history. This program offers students an immersive experience, engaging deeply with local communities and exploring the complexities of social justice, economic disparity, and educational sustainability.

    This VISION trip cost is projected to be $2,400.

    All inclusive: Flights, lodging, meals, transportation and experiences.

    We encourage all interested students to apply for the VISION program scholarships as part of the program application. Consideration will be given to applicants who exhibit substantial financial need as determined by the St. Thomas financial aid office.

    About The Center: A Family of Families

    Established over 60 years ago by Jesuit priest Father John Halligan, The Center: A Family of Families provides holistic care for children and their families in Quito.

    Their services include education, hot meals, health care, legal assistance, ministerial support, and technical training in various fields, all designed in response to the evolving needs of the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ.

    Program Overview

    Program Overview

    In partnership with The Center: A Family of Families, a nonprofit organization in Quito dedicated to holistic family support, participants will:​
    • Collaborate on Community Projects: Work alongside The Center's staff on initiatives that address local needs, fostering mutual learning and impactful change.​
    • Cultural Immersion: Experience daily life in Quito, engaging with local traditions, languages, and customs to gain a profound appreciation of Ecuadorian culture.​
    • Educational Exchange: Participate in academic discussions and workshops focusing on education, health care, legal assistance, and technical training—fields pivotal to regional development.

    Join us for VISION J-Term 2026 and be part of a journey that fosters cross-cultural connection, critical reflection, and a commitment to social impact.

    Program Logistics

    Program Dates: January 12-21, 2026

    Embark on a transformative journey with VISION J-Term 2026 to Quito, Ecuador, a city rich in culture and history. This program offers students an immersive experience, engaging deeply with local communities and exploring the complexities of social justice, economic disparity, and educational sustainability.

    This VISION trip cost is projected to be $2,400.

    All inclusive: Flights, lodging, meals, transportation and experiences.

    We encourage all interested students to apply for the VISION program scholarships as part of the program application. Consideration will be given to applicants who exhibit substantial financial need as determined by the St. Thomas financial aid office.

    About The Center: A Family of Families

    About The Center: A Family of Families

    Established over 60 years ago by Jesuit priest Father John Halligan, The Center: A Family of Families provides holistic care for children and their families in Quito.

    Their services include education, hot meals, health care, legal assistance, ministerial support, and technical training in various fields, all designed in response to the evolving needs of the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ.

    Program Dates: January 19-28, 2026

    Humanitarian Respire Center, U.S./Mexico Border

    students in texas, volunteering

  • Program Overview
  • Program Logistics
  • About the Humanitarian Respite Center
  • Program Overview

    In collaboration with the Humanitarian Respite Center (HRC) in McAllen, Texas, directed by Sister Norma Pimentel of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, participants will:​
    • Engage in Direct Service: Assist at the HRC, which provides essential services such as meals, legal information, temporary shelter, communication support, and medical supplies to recent immigrants determining their next steps within the U.S. ​
    • Participate in Educational Workshops: Attend sessions on immigration policies, the asylum process, and the socio-political factors influencing migration, facilitated by experts and advocates in the field.
    • Reflect on Social Impact: Engage in guided reflections to process experiences, discuss ethical considerations, and explore the role of faith and justice in addressing the challenges of migration and border dynamics.​

    Program Dates: January 19-28, 2026

    Embark on a transformative academic and service-learning experience exploring migration and social impact at the U.S.-Mexico border. Rooted in solidarity, human dignity, and reflection, this course combines classroom study with hands-on engagement, offering students a deeper understanding of migration, displacement, and social impact.

    LACS 297 is a collaborative partnership between the Office of Study Abroad and the VISION program. Students will spend the first part of January on campus in St. Paul, studying migration through historical, political, and social lenses. From January 19-28, they will travel to McAllen, Texas, for an immersive direct service-learning experience.

    This VISION trip cost is projected to be $2,500, plus the cost of the J-Term Class.

    For the McAllen U.S./Mexico Border experience, all students are invited to apply through the J-Term Study Abroad Application portal (link coming soon).

    All-inclusive: Flights, lodging, meals, transportation, and experiences.

    We encourage all interested students to apply for the VISION program scholarships as part of the program application. Consideration will be given to applicants who exhibit substantial financial need as determined by the St. Thomas financial aid office.

    About the Humanitarian Respite Center

    The Humanitarian Respite Center, led by Sister Norma Pimentel and Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, serves as a vital resource for migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. It provides meals, shelter, medical assistance, and legal resources, offering a place of dignity and care for individuals and families in transition.

    Program Overview

    Program Overview

    In collaboration with the Humanitarian Respite Center (HRC) in McAllen, Texas, directed by Sister Norma Pimentel of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, participants will:​
    • Engage in Direct Service: Assist at the HRC, which provides essential services such as meals, legal information, temporary shelter, communication support, and medical supplies to recent immigrants determining their next steps within the U.S. ​
    • Participate in Educational Workshops: Attend sessions on immigration policies, the asylum process, and the socio-political factors influencing migration, facilitated by experts and advocates in the field.
    • Reflect on Social Impact: Engage in guided reflections to process experiences, discuss ethical considerations, and explore the role of faith and justice in addressing the challenges of migration and border dynamics.​

    Program Logistics

    Program Dates: January 19-28, 2026

    Embark on a transformative academic and service-learning experience exploring migration and social impact at the U.S.-Mexico border. Rooted in solidarity, human dignity, and reflection, this course combines classroom study with hands-on engagement, offering students a deeper understanding of migration, displacement, and social impact.

    LACS 297 is a collaborative partnership between the Office of Study Abroad and the VISION program. Students will spend the first part of January on campus in St. Paul, studying migration through historical, political, and social lenses. From January 19-28, they will travel to McAllen, Texas, for an immersive direct service-learning experience.

    This VISION trip cost is projected to be $2,500, plus the cost of the J-Term Class.

    For the McAllen U.S./Mexico Border experience, all students are invited to apply through the J-Term Study Abroad Application portal (link coming soon).

    All-inclusive: Flights, lodging, meals, transportation, and experiences.

    We encourage all interested students to apply for the VISION program scholarships as part of the program application. Consideration will be given to applicants who exhibit substantial financial need as determined by the St. Thomas financial aid office.

    About the Humanitarian Respite Center

    About the Humanitarian Respite Center

    The Humanitarian Respite Center, led by Sister Norma Pimentel and Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, serves as a vital resource for migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. It provides meals, shelter, medical assistance, and legal resources, offering a place of dignity and care for individuals and families in transition.

    Contact Information

    You can direct any questions you might have to vision@stthomas.edu We will get back to you as quickly as possible!

    If you'd like to chat in person, we are located in the Center for the Common Good in ASC 207. You can walk in and ask the person at the front desk about VISION.

    We'd love to connect!