by Kathleen Shrader

In March, just as Covid-19 was being declared a global pandemic, USF students had the privilege to travel to Puebla, Mexico, and spend time learning about immigration. Students were hosted by Universidad Ibero Puebla, a Jesuit University in Puebla.  Today, we checked in with our partners in Puebla and Ibero to see how they are doing through the pandemic and learn more about their experience, as well as to show our solidarity and show of community from afar. We wish the best for all of our global and local partners – and staying connected through the pandemic reminds us of our common ground and shared passion for making the world a more just place. 

Here’s what Ibero had to say regarding campus classes and programs – including the social services department which plans USF’s immersion:

Since mid-March, Ibero Puebla campus closed its doors to prevent infections from COVID-19. Five months later, courses have shifted to online sessions and all the scheduled events transferred to webinars and other virtual presentations. Coping and adjusting to this new normality as it is called, took a few months and so far, the pandemic has stoked stress on many levels.

The Intercultural Center for Reflection and Social Action (CIRAS in Spanish) transformed much of the work that takes place in this department. Many of the projects require in the field activities, one-on-one sessions, and many collective dynamics. By now, the social service practicum has converted into online projects and follow-up through different virtual resources. Unfortunately, not many of the regular nonprofit organizations can approach this type of collaboration and are now in the middle of making tough decisions regarding the continuity of their own projects. But on the other hand, the confinement provided resilience for many and allowed many new ideas to the surface – creating collaboration through new projects, and thinking ahead on community needs regarding preventive health and economic impact that will endure for the foreseeable future during the pandemic.

Definitely, we are all learning to adjust, but also we are hoping to provide new skills to our organizations but mostly to our students as they are facing new challenges through the unexpected, it takes time but also the courage to continue through a path that could strengthen us as a community.