2026 Immersion Experiences

Immersion Experiences are designed for all Gettysburg College students.

Center for Public Service

Women’s Rights and Islam in Morocco

Morocco is an Islamic country. Moving past the media headlines, this project will introduce participants to women and young people in Morocco to see what life for them is really like. We will meet women who work in Parliament, women spreading the concept of Islamic Feminism, and NGOs who work to support women in areas of employment and education. Participants will stay with homestay families allowing them to experience authentic home life and food while in Rabat. While the project is based in the capital city of Rabat, participants will take excursions to both Marrakesh and Casablanca.

Crossing Boarders: Understanding Immigration Between the U.S. and Mexico

This trip will focus on immigration and the realities of life on the border. Intending to dismantle the skewed perspectives about immigration presented by the media, participants will meet with border patrol, immigrants living in El Paso, people living in colonias on both sides of the border, human rights workers, and other leaders in immigration reform.

Patagonia Trekking Leadership Expedition Trekking Leadership Expedition

Join the Garthwait Leadership Center (GLC) for a January Leadership Expedition! We will be backpacking in the remote mountains of Northern Patagonia in the Aysén region of Chile. This rugged and wild landscape still carries roots and practices of the Gaucho Culture. Access through this unique area is possible through collaborations and permissions of multiple local private land owners. Unlike heavily traveled parts of Patagonia, this area offers space of true exploration. Once in the remote wilderness, our itinerary is flexible, allowing us to adapt to each day—shaping the best possible trip together

We will use this once in a life-time expedition to reflect on the nature of change and adaptability. We will alternate between pushing our limits, both physically and mentally, while also incorporating practices of awe, rest and reflection. This expedition allows individuals to reflect on the big questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? As a team, we will practice decision-making and collaboration while crossing the vast Patagonia wilderness with everything we need solely on our back.

This experience is made possible through various relationships with folks that call this region home. Mauricio, our local guide, will help us travel respectfully, connect with the community and discover hidden gems of his “backyard”.

What to expect

• Expect the unexpected: Expeditionary Learning puts the learner in uncomfortable, challenging conditions. It also exposes the learner to unexpected beauty, relationships, and experiences. We will be learning leadership skills for how to navigate situations when you don’t know what the next step will be. We will have an itinerary and it will change.
• Season and Weather: While it is winter in the United States, it will be Summer in South America! However, we will be in a mountainous region of Chile, which is known for extreme and rapid changes in weather. Prepare for day time highs in the 70s and nighttime lows in the 20s (-5 to 25 degree Celsius).
• Season and Weather: While it is winter in the United States, it will be Summer in South America! However, we will be in a mountainous region of Chile, which is known for extreme and rapid changes in weather. Prepare for day time highs in the 70s and nighttime lows in the 20s (-5 to 25 degree Celsius).
• Eligibility Criteria: We do require that participants have spent at minimum one night sleeping outdoors in a remote environment (or away from modern comforts). We offer free backpacking (November 7-9, 2025) and base-camp trips (September 26-28, 2025) this Fall if you need to have this experience. Other eligibility criteria include: Able to function with limited access to modern resources; able to operate in a communal setting, self-sufficiently, without external support; those with shoulder, wrist or back injuries should consult the trip leader and your physician before departing.

---

More information

For questions about a January Term immersion experience, please contact the coordinating program for that experience: Center for Public Service, Garthwait Leadership Center, Eisenhower Institute.