Service-Learning Program in Kingston, Jamaica

Study Abroad integrated with Volunteer Service Volunter in Jamaica, Volunteer Service Combined with Academic Study

Deeper, More Meaningful Study Abroad

Jamaica's famous beaches and resorts are only a part of the life and culture of this mountainous island nation. The people of Jamaica and their rich historical and cultural background are as varied as the geography. You will learn about the original Carib and Arawak Indian peoples, Spanish and British colonialism, the plantation period and economy, the achievement of independence in 1962, and Jamaica's efforts toward development in the contemporary world as the leader of the Caribbean community. Kingston, the national capital, is a vibrant, colorful, yet challenging city which displays in full Jamaica's connections by culture to Africa, by geography to the Americas, and by history to the British Commonwealth.

As an undergraduate, you will spend a semester in Kingston, living with a Jamaican family; studying Jamaican and Caribbean history, literature, and social issues; serving 15–20 hours per week meeting human needs in a local agency; and exploring Jamaica and Jamaican culture through field trips. Your volunteer service immerses you in the culture and deepens your understanding of Jamaican society in a way that goes beyond that experienced in traditional study abroad programs and by tourists.

IPSL also offers a graduate program at this location. For more information about the Masters Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies program, please click HERE

Program Facts

Language of Instruction

English

Affiliated institution:

University of Technology, Jamaica

Courses & Credits:

Introduction to Caribbean Literature | Credits: 3
Caribbean Sociology | Credits: 3
Profile of a Service Agency / Reflective and Literary Journal Writing | Credits: 3
Caribbean History | Credits: 3

Service Opportunities:

supervise recreation at the YMCA
serve as a teacher's aide in a primary school
work with at-risk adolescents
assist in health care, health education, or drug abuse programs
assist in an arts program, or community and economic development
help with women's projects
More...

Housing:

Homestay

Dates, Costs & Deadlines:

Summer 2009	06/02/2009 - 08/08/2009	$6,930	Application Due 03/15/2009
Fall 2009	08/23/2009 - 12/12/2009	$11,880	Application Due 06/01/2009
Spring 2010	01/13/2010 - 05/08/2010	$11,880	Application Due 12/01/2009
Summer 2010	TBD - TBD	TBD	Application Due 04/15/2010

Why IPSL?

Integrated study abroad experience
Make a difference to people in need
Full cultural immersion
Real cultural understanding
Meaningful growth and personal insight

Program Director(s):

Dr. Jennifer Hall

Eligibility:

The program welcomes students of any nation. TOEFL equivalent 550.

What's Included:

Fees include all instruction, including associated field trips; housing and most meals; service placement and supervision; health insurance; administrative fees; and pre-departure materials. Personal expenses not covered by fees include: airfare; books; lunches during the week; local transportation; and spending money.

Next >>

Go to Top