Study Abroad

University of Denver International Service Learning Programs

International Service Learning (ISL) programs provide intercultural learning experiences that combine academic study with volunteer opportunities abroad. Open to undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline, these short-term, five credit programs are offered during summer or winter interterm.

Location

DU ISL programs are currently run in five countries on four continents:

Project Bosnia: Spend 8 weeks of your summer gaining professional work experience in a region of the world where much can be learned about conflict resolution, human rights, women's issues, trafficking, refugee return, and the democratization process in a post-war country. Or, develop the curriculum for and facilitate a DU initiated multi-ethnic summer school. DU students will teach Bosnian youth English, art, and sports in an effort to break down cultural barriers and build needed skills.

Project Dharamsala: Spend your winter interterm in Dharamsala, India, home of the Tibetan government in exile. Project Dharamsala will provide a foundational understanding of the history of Tibet and the issues facing the Tibetans in exile in Dharamsala. Service placements range from teaching children and adults English or computer skills to helping write documents and grants for Tibetan human rights organizations.

Project El Salvador: This winter interterm program will focus on El Salvador’s transition to democracy. A variety of themes will be explored, including education, development issues, environmental problems, gender roles, human rights, politics, and conflict resolution. The program will be based in San Salvador, with opportunities to explore and understand life in smaller, rural communities. The service experience will deepen and expand the students’ understanding of Salvadoran culture while serving community-identified needs in a collaborative manner.

Project South Africa: Spend a month of your summer engaging in a comparative study of the political, economic, and cultural elements that influence health care systems in the U.S. and South Africa. Service will concentrate on interaction with children and youth in Cape Town and in the Western Cape province, and will involve health education and promotion on topics such as HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition, substance abuse, and healthy lifestyles.

Project Thailand: Spend your winter interterm in Mae Hong Son, a province in Northern Thailand. Students will homestay with and work alongside the Karen people as they build and repair their old network of trails. Students will learn about the Karen’s culture, history and way of life. Students will also take a critical look at the opportunities for and impact of community based tourism in Northern Thailand.

Areas of Study

All DU ISL programs are inter-disciplinary and accept both graduate and undergraduate students from all academic disciplines. These programs require attendance at three to five academic sessions and an overnight retreat focusing on inter-cultural training and team building. While in-country, DU ISL programs invite local professionals and community leaders to speak to and dialogue with the student participants.

Activities

While the cultural excursions vary respectively from country to country, every program offers opportunities to visit and learn about the region’s most interesting sites and attractions. See Web site for country-specific excursions.

Accommodations

Lodging is included in the program fee and tuition costs. Students typically share a hostel or hotel room or an apartment with one to three other participants (depending on the program).

Academic Calendar

The programs are run during Winter Interterm or Summer Session.

Eligibility

The selection process is competitive and GPA is taken into consideration during this process. All applicants will be interviewed as part of the selection process.

Language of Instruction

No second language is required.

Web site

www.du.edu/intl/isl

Additional information

Flyer