For Liv Ziccardi ’28, the immersion program has become a meaningful part of her college experience. Ziccardi is currently co-leading an upcoming immersion trip to Washington, D.C., bringing her own experiences and insights to the leadership role after participating in a trip to El Salvador last year.

Ziccardi described her experience in El Salvador as transformative, shaping both her global awareness and her understanding of the United States.

“Being in El Salvador helped me see how different communities live and support one another,” Ziccardi said. “It made me reflect on the privileges and opportunities we have in America, but also the ways we can improve as a society.”

Immersion trips at John Carroll typically take place during academic breaks and center on themes such as economic justice, environmental sustainability and community development. Students spend time learning directly from local communities, participating in service and engaging in guided reflection sessions that connect their experiences to broader social issues.

For Ziccardi, witnessing daily life in El Salvador challenged many of her assumptions. She noted the strong sense of community she observed, as well as the resilience of individuals facing economic hardship. The experience encouraged her to think more critically about American culture, particularly regarding materialism, access to resources and civic responsibility.

“Seeing how people in El Salvador value relationships and community support changed my perspective,” she explained. “It made me think about what we prioritize in America and how we can learn from other cultures.”

Now, as co-leader of the upcoming Washington, D.C. immersion trip, Ziccardi hopes to help fellow students experience similar moments of reflection. The trip will focus on understanding social and political structures in the nation’s capital while engaging with organizations that address issues such as public policy, poverty and community advocacy.

By stepping into a leadership role, Ziccardi aims to create an environment where participants feel encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions and deepen their understanding of social justice.

“I want students to come back with a broader perspective of the world and a stronger sense of responsibility to their communities,” she said.

Programs like the immersion trips reflect John Carroll’s Jesuit mission of developing individuals committed to service and social awareness. Through direct engagement with diverse communities, whether abroad or within the United States, students like Ziccardi gain experiences that shape their personal growth and understanding of global citizenship.

“I hope these experiences inspire students to stay curious, stay compassionate and continue learning from the people and communities around them,” Ziccardi said.