Global Immersions and Jesuit Partnerships Enhance Loyola’s Curriculum

GOING GLOBAL

Global Immersions and Jesuit Partnerships Enhance Loyola’s Curriculum By Jim Muyo

Loyola students taking in the Aurora Borealis in Iceland on an immersion trip with theology teacher Tom Cendejas and Student Wellness Coordinator Natasha Hamlin.

AS JESUIT PARTNERSHIPS GROW across the globe, Loyola High students are able to participate in expanded learning opportunities locally and globally. Exchange programs and other shared learning experiences for Loyola students have been in place for many years. But, there is a new emphasis to build partnerships that will lead to learning opportunities as well as an extended sharing of ideas and best practices.

This push comes from a 2012 meeting, called by the late Jesuit Superior General Adolfo Nicolás, SJ. Then, nearly 500 educators from 304 Jesuit schools in 61 countries met at Boston College to discuss how the vast Jesuit network could be better utilized to share ideas, develop new programs and broaden the reach of Jesuit schools across the globe.

“This was the first time at the secondary school level that we had assembled Jesuit educators from around the world in one place since, I’ve been told, the early days of the Society (of Jesus),” said Loyola Principal Frank Kozakowski, who was one of the conference attendees. “It’s really building on the networks and strengths of what’s out there to enhance what we’re doing in our school. I would love to expose Loyola students to the global world through a Jesuit lens.”

That exposure has already started to happen at Loyola. Recent activities include an exchange with students at a fellow Jesuit school in Reims, France. Upcoming service and justice immersions are planned for Loyola students in Quito, Ecuador and Peru next year. But, the trips aren’t just about travel. There is a deeper purpose according to Dan O’Connell ’95, Loyola’s Assistant Principal for Faculty Development. “I think the trips open up and broaden students’ horizons to help see the interconnectivity of people and issues, to see that we are a global brotherhood and sisterhood,” says Dr. O’Connell. “Many of the issues and challenges that we’re facing are global ones. Take the environment. What we do here in Los Angeles can impact those around the world from a negative perspective or positive perspective. Many of the climate issues that we’re facing are impacting those on the margins the most. So, seeing the interconnectivity that exists in our world teaches that we’re not just here on an island in Los Angeles.” Dr. O’Connell continues, “Immersion and engagement with other cultures and other languages make for educating the whole person, so hopefully students will take what they’ve learned and put it in service to others.”

Not only will Loyola students put their learning in service to others, they will carry with them the understanding of the challenges members of other cultures routinely face—challenges that are often quite different from those Loyola students face in their own daily living. Loyola Director of Global Education Daniel Annarelli says that with more than 30 million alumni of Jesuit education worldwide along with Jesuit ministries, the Jesuits make up the largest institutional footprint and education system in the world. “If we’re not leveraging the collective power of our network, then we’re missing an opportunity,” says Mr. Annarelli. Dr. O’Connell agrees. “Having those connections and that understanding is really important for 21st century Jesuit education.”