GATE (Global Awareness Through Experience)

Cultural Immersion Trips

Since 1982 GATE's immersion program has offered a rich tradition of reality tours to Latin America and Eastern Europe. GATE's experienced staff believes that global solidarity is built on people-to-people experiences and connects participants with the marginalized who, though struggling, find hope in their reality.

GATE offers the opportunity to learn from the poor, as well as, from social analysts, teachers, theologians and economists. Through lectures and visits in the communities, mutual learning happens.

Mexico City and Chiapas Immersion visiting CODIMUJ, an indigenous women's initiative.

Customized programs for your group

GATE provides several programs each year for seminaries, universities, parish and youth groups, as well as other interest groups. Contact us at the GATE office and we will help you arrange a time and design a program to fit your group.

Locations

Guatemala

March 12-22, 2008 Holy Week FULL

Meet the beautiful indigenous peoples of Guatemala. Explore human rights issues and an active resistance that stretches across centuries, as well as the implications of a more recent development, CAFTA, and immigration issues. Special guest presenter, Julia Esquivel--poet, theologian, and human rights advocate--shares her spiritual wisdom. The Holy Week tour is highlighted by amazing and inspiring street processions in Antigua.

El Salvador

November 29- December 9, 2008

Visit the sites where Oscar Romero, this six Jesuits and their co-workers, and the four North American church women were killed. Take part in spirited dialogue with people in grass roots movements, religious leaders, staff at the U.S. embassy and those who experience a young democracy facing global challenges. Learn how trade agreements affect immigration and the poor. Enjoy this beautiful and diverse country.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Travel to southern Mexico and find an exciting land that encompasses a variety of ethnic cultures, unique cuisine and famous style of pottery and weaving. Oaxaca is a poor state and you will learn something of the problems it faces in education, agriculture, and immigration, especially as they touch the lives of indigenous women. Visit impressive museums and churches as well as ancient ruins (among them, the ancient Zapotec capital).

Mexico

Experience the vibrant cosmopolitan flavor of Mexico City while walking through its history and understanding its modern challenges. Then travel north to a rural town that provides a wholly different experience in the State of Guanajuato. These two dynamic components offer insight into the reality of Mexico today. This program includes a stop at the shrine of Guadalupe and a visit to the historic central square.

Mexico City/Chiapas

May 21-31, 2008

Learn what life is like in Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, a city with an exciting history and many modern challenges. Then fly to Chiapas, a center of indigenous culture, and the peaceful colonial city of San Cristobal de Las Casas. Meet with indigenous leaders and human rights workers who offer alternative models for respecting differences. Experience the natural beauty of one of Mexico's most beautiful states. These two dynamic components offer insight into the reality of Mexico today.

Eastern Europe

September 24-October 7, 2008

Explore age-old Eastern Europe, starting in Prague, the jewel city of Central Bohemia. In Brno, discover the challenges of a country strategically located at the threshold of the East and West. Travel to the Polish cities of Krakow and Czestochowa. Meet people who represent a cross-section of the political, religious and economic sectors of Czech and Polish society. Experience Auschwitz.

Venezuela FULL

April 4-14, 2008

Participate in this opportunity to visit a people and country where cooperatives abound, education is a priority and health care is available to those in need. Visit with government representatives and church leaders. See the processing of cacao. Contrast the frenzy of Caracas with the calm of the countryside. Meet with ordinary people who have opted for a different economic model, reap the fruits of their labors, and find hope in unexpected places.

GATE Retreat

Welcome one and all! Give yourself a gift with this retreat opportunity.

GATE Renewal

Welcome one and all to another GATE reunion. Sign up early for this renewal opportunity!

Introducing Kirkridge

The Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center focuses on social justice issues.