Casa Bayanihan is a semester-long, alternative study abroad program that offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the reality of the Philippines. The program is rooted in four components, or pillars: accompaniment, academics, community, and spirituality. Beginning with sustained accompaniment of the poor, Casa Bayanihan integrates praxis experience with rigorous academic reflection, and supports this reflection through a carefully structured web of spiritual and communal support. This then facilitates the transformation needed to develop a "well-educated solidarity."
A significant aspect of your Casa experience will include field placement or what we refer to as praxis site. In the praxis site, you will be placed within a small community where you will accompany and develop unique relationships with the local Filipino people. Learning amidst the gritty reality of these poor communities will be one of the most important aspects of your immersion experience.
For more information, please contact Fr. Mark Ravizza, SJ at mravizza@usfca.edu or Heidi Kallen, at hkallen@usfca.edu, or email um@usfca.edu.
Painting the neighborhood park with children from the De la Costa neighborhood, Casa Bayanihan students' community extends to the neighborhood where they live.
Children from praxis site, Gawad Kalinga Tribu, accompany students as they rest, play, talk and share stories.
A breathtaking view awaits students after a long hike on the volcano, Mt. Pinatubo.
Fishfolk in the community of Barangay Uno work to make their daily catch and teach students the reality of their lives during a week-long immersion near the ocean.
Students enjoy the beauty of the fishing village of Barangay Uno and their time together.
Casa students at low tide in the fishing village.
After hiking through the dust left from the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, students are ready to swim in Mt. Pinatubo's crater lake.
Children listen attentively during class at praxis site, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (House Without Steps), which empowers people with disabilities to have dignified work.
One of the entryways into learning about the Filipino reality is through knowing the children. Here, the children of praxis site, Kapit Bisig, invite students into their homes.
The neighborhood children relax and color in the park, where students play with them each week.
Teresa Cariño, USF class of 2013, reflects on her experience here.
For more information, check out the Official Casa Bayanihan website: Santa Clara University-Casa Bayanihan
