Enrollment is now open for 2025! Apply today to reserve your space.
7DAYS
Alongside our partner, Madres y Familias Deportadas en Acción, you will learn about the history of the U.S.-Mexico Border while exploring the issues of globalization, migration, and human rights across borders.
Alongside our partner, Madres y Familias Deportadas en Acción, you will learn about the history of the U.S.-Mexico Border while exploring the issues of globalization, migration, human rights across borders, race, and racism. This program will allow you to explore both sides of the border region, with three nights in Tijuana and three nights in San Diego.
Upon arriving in San Diego, you will cross the border into Tijuana and immerse yourself in the work of Madres y Familias Deportadas en Acción as they help people who have been recently deported or are seeking asylum. While in Tijuana, you will stay at a local hostel a few blocks away from the facilities of Madres y Familias Deportadas en Acción, which is just across the border from San Diego. In Tijuana, you will also work hands-on with other non-profit organizations supporting migrants, asylum seekers, and the recently deported.
After three days in Tijuana, you will return to San Diego, where you will explore Old Town and Chicano Park as you learn about the rich multicultural history of the area alongside border historians. You will also drive to the small California town of Jacumba to directly experience the harsh desert landscape migrants confront when attempting to cross the border. During the program, you will hear the personal stories of activists, historians, deportees, families separated by the border, and DACA recipients. Throughout the program, you will be encouraged to engage in deep discussions and critical reflection on the complex and, at times contradictory, perspectives you encounter from the diverse range of stakeholders you will meet.
*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.
Learn about the history of the border from historians and activists while visiting Old Town and Chicano Park.
Work with nonprofit organizations in Tijuana, Mexico supporting migrants, asylum seekers, and the recently deported.
Do a daytime hike of the border wall and learn about the border from multiple perspectives.
1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous
When we went to the border and touched the wall, I noticed that my view of immigration changed. I had heard so many stories about people trying to cross over into the US, but walking up to the border gave me a perspective that I had never thought I would feel at that moment.
During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting and processing your experience. The posts below are from past programs.
Tuition (students from partner schools): $2599
Tuition (students from non-partner schools):$2699
*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.
Students are responsible for booking their own flights to meet the group in San Diego. Once enrolled our admissions team will assist you in choosing the correct arrival and departure times.
SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students from all backgrounds. We will do all that we can financially to support students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application. Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.
For a full description of our Terms and Conditions please CLICK HERE.