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The Program

The MFRP is a year-long, community-based research practicum on Latinx immigrants and social justice. Many students say it’s one of their most meaningful experiences in college.

In 2026-2027, we will partner with immigrant justice organizations in the US-Mexico border region to look at the theme of Reimagining Refuge. Students will be placed as interns with partner organizations. They will profile the organizations’ work to build alternatives to the current US immigration system. Partnerships are to be determined, but likely partners include Imperial Valley Equity and Justice, Espacio Migrante, NDLON, Majdal: The Arab Community Center of San Diego, American Friends Service Committee, among others.

The program satisfies practicum requirements for 6th (ELO), 7th (high impact), and 8th (Critical community engagement). It also makes up most of the UCSD Human Rights & Migration minor and counts toward the USP, Chicanx and Latinx Studies Studies, and Sociology majors. All costs are covered for you.

Requirements & Eligibility

Requirements: Required courses include:

  • Prerequisite (FALL 2026 or BEFORE): ONE course on migration, which may include the following. (If you’ve already taken one of these, you may skip the Fall course): POLI 150A, SOCI 125, SOCI 133, SOCI 163, SOCI 127, USP 136, USP 162, USP 193. You may also petition for another course to count.
  • WINTER 2027: USP 188/SOCI 188 (Fieldwork in Migrant Communities) – ** 8 units (note: this course counts for EIGHT units and fulfills Sociology, Chicanx/Latinx Studies, and USP methods requirements and counts for those majors)
  • SPRING 2027: (Optional) USP 188B (Research Analysis and Reporting)

In winter quarter, students must reserve all day each Friday in winter quarter for fieldwork in the San Diego region. There will also be an option for selected students to sign up for a placement in Tijuana, in which case students will need to spend overnights at a hotel (paid) in Tijuana. Due to the schedule and demands of fieldwork, we recommend a maximum of 1-2 other courses in winter. Most students also work paid jobs during the program.

Eligibility: To participate, students must speak at least proficient Spanish and commit to four courses (1 prerequisite, 2 winter, 1 spring). Priority goes to students in their 3rd year and up, and to those with a GPA above 3.0. We occasionally make exceptions to the Spanish and year/standing requirements for promising students.

We welcome DACA and undocumented students. If you are a student parent, please reach out to the director to make relevant scheduling accommodations.

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Deadline: Early admission is open to students who will be in their 3rd or 4th year as of Fall entering the program, speak proficient Spanish OR Arabic, and have a GPA above 3.0. Students who do not qualify for early admission may still apply for regular admission and will be notified by the end of September 2026, space dependent.

  • Priority Deadline for early admission: May 25, 2026
  • Deadline for early admission: September 1, 2026
  • Deadline for regular admission: September 15, 2026

To apply, please fill out this linked form and enroll in at least one prerequisite course for Fall 2026, if you have not already.

For more information please contact the program director, Dr. Abigail Andrews at alandrews AT ucsd DOT edu.