Business Trip

Campus Ministry and the Busch School of Business have collaborated to provide students with the unique opportunity to travel to El Salvador to learn about ethically-minded business through a global and faith-based lens.

El Salvador is a small yet vibrant country on the Pacific coast of Central America. It has a rich and beautiful culture and history, but one that has also been plagued by poverty and violence in the recent past. Its history has also been closely intertwined with the economics, politics and people of the United States. El Salvador is also the first country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as a legal currency. The Catholic Church has been a great force for good in the country, and through the vibrant faith of its people and leaders, has fought for the rights of the poor and marginalized.

Through this experiential learning opportunity, students will discover what it means to create bridges of solidarity between our campus and other communities, near and far. There will be visits to martyr sites, grassroots organizations, small businesses, micro-loan lenders, as well as meetings with experts on history, economics, and current events. Students will experience meaningful encounters and explore ethically-minded business through a global lens, illuminated by the light of faith. There will also be several days spent in a rural community outside of the capital, being in home stays, and spending time with the community members.

We will be working with the organization CRISPAZ, based in San Salvador. To learn more about them visit their website here and here for more immersion FAQs.

Spanish speakers are encouraged to apply, though Spanish is not required.

Trip Highlights

• Spending several days in San Salvador, the political and business capital
• Staying with a host family in a rural community for several days
• Visiting multiple Catholic Churches and holy sites of modern-day martyrs
• Pilgrimage to Monsignor Oscar Romero's Crypt
• Meeting with Catholic Relief Services 
• Meeting with small business and nonprofit business owners who address the following topics
  • Development, Economy, and Politics
  • Rights of Workers in Sweatshops
  • Businesses run by people with disabilities
  • Fair Trade Businesses
  • Women's Empowerment and Working Rights 
  • Environmental Issues
  • Craft Artisans 
  • Migration and Refugee Aid

Please see here for the interest form.