Imagine yourself immersed in another culture and applying your academic background in a way that contributes to the community.  International service-learning adds a new twist to study abroad by including a significant volunteer experience.

The Gephardt Institute and the International and Area Studies Program have now sent two cohorts of undergraduate students on the International Service-Learning Program in Chile. 

Students stay with local families in Santiago while receiving intensive language instruction and learning about the country's social services system. They then observe staff and work at service sites aimed at helping women and children, the disabled community, and those living in underresourced neighborhoods. Students participate in verbal and written reflection to process their experience and also write a final paper synthesizing their service with their academic learning.

Upon return to campus in the fall, they build on their experience by doing a follow-up service project in the St. Louis community.

New for the 2010 program, Chile Program participants are required to enroll in a 1-credit course from March to May so that they are academically prepared for the service-learning experience. 

The deadline for the summer 2010 program will be in January. Please contact Program Manager Jenni Harping with questions.