For years, Concordia students have traveled to Mexico to serve, learn and practice their calling.
Nursing students have assisted with patient care in local clinics. Physical and occupational therapy students have worked alongside providers to support rehabilitation efforts. Other students have participated in faculty-led study abroad courses and mission trips, gaining cultural insight while supporting community health initiatives. Faculty have supervised clinical and educational experiences in communities where access to care can be limited.
These trips are academic and clinical. They are rooted in service and grounded in Concordia’s Christ-centered mission. They are deeply relational.
In light of recent developments in Mexico, including increased violence in certain regions and updated travel advisories, Concordia University Wisconsin has canceled all upcoming Mexico-based clinical, service and study abroad experiences until further notice.
“After reviewing travel advisories, conditions in Baja California, and the recommendations of expert security analysts, we made the decision to suspend university-sponsored travel to Mexico for this year’s spring break,” said Dr. Michelle Reina, associate vice president for international affairs. “While we recognize the disappointment this brings to our students and the faculty who have planned for this experience, the unpredictable security environment requires us to prioritize their safety and well-being above all else.”
Caring for students, honoring responsibility
International clinical placements and faculty-led study abroad programs require careful oversight. When safety conditions change, the university must reassess.
Current guidance and on-the-ground realities no longer allow Concordia to provide the level of security required for clinical training and academic travel.
“Our first responsibility is the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Jessica Leiberg, dean of the School of Nursing. “As we evaluated the latest travel advisories, consulted with partners and assessed our ability to ensure appropriate supervision and security, it became clear that conditions have changed in ways we cannot responsibly mitigate. When we cannot guarantee the level of safety required for clinical education and faculty-led travel, we must pause. This decision reflects our commitment to act with caution, care and integrity.”
Leaders recognize the pause affects more than travel plans. For many students, these experiences fulfill clinical hours and academic requirements while offering exposure to global health care systems. Faculty are working to secure alternative clinical placements and study options so students remain on track for accreditation, licensure and graduation.
The communities we serve
The decision also affects long-standing partners in Mexico. In many cases, Concordia students provide supervised care, therapy services and educational support in communities with limited resources.
Those relationships are built on trust.
“We remain grateful for our partners and the individuals who have welcomed our students into their clinics, churches, classrooms and communities,” said Jill Krell, DNP, RN, associate professor of nursing. “These relationships are meaningful to us, and this decision does not diminish our commitment to the people we have served alongside. We continue to pray for protection, peace and stability in the communities affected by violence. We look forward to the day we can safely return and continue this work together.”
While travel is paused, Concordia’s commitment to those partnerships remains. University leaders are exploring ways to stay connected and monitor conditions in the months ahead.
The mission continues
Concordia prepares students to serve with competence and compassion, whether in health care, education, business or ministry. Global experiences are one expression of that mission, but not the only one.
Students registered for upcoming clinical, service and study abroad programs will receive direct communication about next steps, including financial considerations and alternative academic options.
“Our call to serve remains the same,” said Natalie Ross, assistant professor of nursing. “Concordia prepares students who serve with both competence and compassion, grounded in their faith and sense of vocation. That formation is not defined by one location. Wherever our students are placed, we remain committed to equipping them to care for others with excellence, integrity and Christ-centered purpose.”
For now, this pause is rooted in care and discernment. The Concordia community is invited to pray for peace in Mexico, for the safety of our partners and for wisdom in the months ahead.
Students will continue to learn. They will continue to serve. And they will be ready to step forward when the time is right.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.