Travel Opportunities for United Students, Alums, and Guests

Globalization on Our Doorstep (CS746 summer term 2012)

Palestine-Israel Global Justice Trip - June 18-July 2, 2012

South Africa Global Justice Trip - January 2013

Palestine-Israel Global Justice Trip
June 18-July 2, 2012

Co-leaders:
Dr. Eleazar S. Fernandez, professor of constructive theology, efernandez@unitedseminary.edu
Dr. Peter Makari, area executive, Middle East and Europe, Global Ministries, makarip@ucc.org

The Palestine-Israel Travel Seminar is an expression of the church’s commitment to the formation of seminary students, clergy, and lay leaders who embody a greater understanding of our global realities, the interconnections of our lives, and the mission of the global church. The trip provides an opportunity for participants to see closely the Israeli-Palestinian context and listen to people’s stories of survival, struggle, and hopes. Part of the trip will be to engage in conversations with individuals who have devoted themselves to the ministry of dialogue and peace-building. Moreover, there will be opportunities to visit holy sites that are central to the major religious faiths in the area.

Cost of the trip: $3,445.00 (This covers airfare, lodging, meals, and land transportation. Does not include audit fee for non-degree students and tuition for degree students.) In addition, there is a tuition fee for degree students.

Initial deposit was due by March 15, 2012
Initial deposit amount: $1,000.00
Pay to:
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
3000 Fifth St NW
New Brighton MN 55112-2598
Memo: Palestine-Israel Travel Seminar

Registration fee for non-degree participants: $235.00

Mandatory June 17 pre-departure orientation: Location to be determined

South Africa Global Justice Trip
January 2013

Chris Smith is planning a three-week trip to South Africa for January term 2013 with Professor Kim Vrudny, a United alum and professor at the University of St. Thomas.

The estimated price: $5,500.00

Tentative theme: Theological Reflection: AIDS, Apartheid, and the Arts of Resistance. The course will be offered through United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

2012 Summer Term Course
CS746 Globalization on Our Doorstep
Fee: $300.00
Regular session times: 8:30-11:45 AM
Scheduled dates:
May 30 and 31, 2012
June 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 14, 2012
June 1-3, 2012: Weekend in Southwestern Minnesota
June 10, 2012: Sunday with a faith community

For more information, please contact Eleazar Fernandez.

Trips offered in the past:

Chiapas Global Justice Trip
January 16-26, 2012

Faculty Trip Leader: Chris Smith
Assistant Leader: Don Christensen
In-country Trip Leader: Teresa Ortiz, a Twin Cities Mexican educator who lived and worked in Chiapas

Description: This trip will focus on the southern most state of Mexico - Chiapas. While there we will experience the pervasive strength of Mayan indigenous culture and spirituality. We will meet individuals and communities working for change and liberation: 1. The ongoing struggle for autonomy and liberation of the Zapatistas, 2. The active non-violence strategies of Las Abejas, and 3. The Liberation Theology influence of Bishop Samuel Ruiz who served the Diocese of San Cristobal for over 30 years. During our time in Chiapas we will visit co-operatives, ecological projects, and religious communities, worship in Acteal with Las Abejas, and spend time with some of the Zapatista leaders.

Guests welcome! This trip is open to United students first, and then we always welcome guests.