EduVenture - Mexico

By Jenn Rozendal
CBN.com

CBN.com -- Looking for an outdoor adventure education experience? According to EduVenture, it really does make all the difference where you SIT in class.

Canyoneering, horseback riding, missions, and cultural adaptation are all key elements to EduVenture Mexico, a study abroad program designed for Christian outdoor enthusiasts interested in spiritual growth. For a semester, college students immerse themselves in a culture contrary to that of America, choosing to forgo the amenities they are so accustomed to in exchange for three months of intense, experiential education.

“The program is intentionally very rustic,” says Tim Trezise, Site Director for EduVenture-Mexico. “ Students aren’t to get too comfortable with amenities and instead learn what it means to live in a community.”

Each student is allowed to bring only what can fit inside a large camping backpack, a medium size suitcase or duffel bag, and a small day pack. The dorms at Huapoca (pronounced wa-poke-a) Ranch are 30 foot by 30 foot, single-story, adobe structures that operate on 12 volt batteries, recharged by solar panels.

This 18,000 acre cattle ranch EduVenture Mexico calls home is located in a remote area six hours northwest of Chihuahua , Mexico , and is surrounded by mountains, canyons, and streams -- ideal for such an experiential education program.

Many of the classes taught use a hands-on method, in many cases utilizing the outdoor classroom. One such example for Physical Education is the week-long backpacking trip in the Sierra Madres mountains. There, students are taught outdoor survival skills such as starting a matchless fire, identifying stars, and leave-no-trace ethics.

“One of the most interesting things we learned was how to bust a fire,” says Heather Browne , EduVenture-Mexico Spring 2003 alum. “We took a carved out piece of cactus stalk about six inches in diameter and a dead animal bone, usually the ankle bone of a cow, and built a fire starter set. We had to start a fire each night if we wanted a hot meal; the instructors couldn’t help us.”

By integrating academics with physical challenges and cross cultural experiences, EduVenture harvests personal and spiritual growth unlike many other study abroad programs.

“I think one of the most important things I learned was that God provides strength,” says Heather. “We faced daily challenges that tested us both physically and emotionally. Striving to keep a positive attitude and learning how to find contentment in the moment were the biggest lessons I took away.”

This personal and spiritual growth aspect is vital to EduVenture’s founder.

Birthed in 1997 as a graduate thesis project in Community Development, EduVenture emerged from Scotty Wisley’s fervent desire to return to his roots spent on the Indonesian mission field. Wisely’s aspiration was to expose college students to cross-cultural missions and community development. However, when 9/11 happened, EduVenture was forced to evacuate Indonesia , an entry point for God to open the doors in Mexico .

“Our host family is very missions-oriented and were excited to have us there,” says Tim. “They have not only opened their land to us, but have allowed us into their lives.”

Part of the community aspect that EduVenture stresses is complete immersion in the culture at hand. Students and staff pitch in for daily chores and learn skills needed to work on a cattle ranch. That investment of time and energy yields unbreakable relationships.

“Myself and the two other girls with me on EduVenture actually went back this semester to visit our host family,” says Heather. “The friendship didn’t end when we left the first time.”

EduVenture focuses primarily on discipling college students to grow in their love for Jesus and become socially active in applying their faith holistically no matter where they live.

“Our main thrust is to focus on ministry where we are, dig in deep with relationships, and be committed to the community we live in,” says Tim.

For more information, visit www.eduventure.net.