Asbury Students Complete Travel Course to the Border

April 10, 2024

Over spring break, Assistant Professor of Political Science & History Dr. Glenn Harden led students to the U.S.-Mexico Border at Del Rio, Texas, and Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico.

“On the trip, we met migrants, Border Patrol, and U.S. humanitarian workers, activists, and residents who live and work at the border,” said Harden, who teaches the PS 353: The Border class. “One key purpose of the class is to appreciate the challenges of migrating, of guarding the border, and of living near the border. This year, we heard stories of violence and poverty that are driving some people to leave their home countries and attempt to enter the U.S. We also heard testimonies of Christian transformation from former cartel members who are now engaged in ministry in Mexico.”

Students share their perspectives from the trip.

“For me, it was very valuable to learn and understand more about the lived experience of the migrants on the border, rather than just reading about it in a book,” said Danylo Mykhaliuk ’25. “I think that the trip is valuable for anybody who is interested in humanitarian work in immigration or even for those who just want to be informed citizens aware of the needs and struggles of the most vulnerable around them.”

“In the seminar, we learned about immigration policies and different biblical and political views, but when we actually went to Mexico, we learned about the people, faces, and stories behind it all,” said Laura Price ’25. “There were several opportunities to speak with individual migrants and to hear about their journey to the Border and their reasons for leaving/coming.”

Harden recommends the class and trip (which counts as a Cross-Cultural Engagement) to students.

“This trip helps students better understand what is happening at the U.S. border and in the U.S. immigration system,” Harden said. “It also helps them grow in self-confidence. I ask each student to do something in the class that requires courage. This is different for each student. For example, it was an act of courage for some students simply to go on the trip.”

Asbury recently announced new programs for undergraduate students.

As part of a renewed Political Science major, the Asbury University Social Science & History Department this fall will launch two new minors: Human Trafficking Studies and Pre-Law. These new programs allow students to customize their Political Science degree and minor based on their interests with electives in various areas including business, equine, computer science, and more.

The Asbury University Social Science & History Department currently offers four majors (History, Political Science, Social Studies Grades 8-12, and Sociology) and three minors (History, Political Science, and Sociology). Learn more: www.asbury.edu/academics/departments/social-science-history/.