Service-Learning Program in the Lakota Nation, South Dakota

Study Abroad integrated with Volunteer Service

Deeper, More Meaningful Study Abroad

Spend a semester living and serving on an American Indian reservation, studying the history, culture, and issues of the American Indians of the Great Plains and directly encountering the issues and concerns confronting this "culture within a culture."

In the first week of the program, you will be on the campus of South Dakota State University at Brookings for an intense orientation in Lakota/Dakota culture and to begin your academic work through classes, guest lectures and field trips. In the second week, you go on a van trip across the state with the American Indian program director as guide, visiting Reservations and important historic, geographic, and cultural sites.

You will then go to your service assignment for 10 weeks, continuing your academic study through weekly correspondence with your professors. The program director makes a mid-term visit to each student and keeps in touch weekly by phone and/or email. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to attend regional pow-wows or be introduced to other special aspects of the Lakota/Dakota heritage.

In the final week of the term, students return to South Dakota State University campus to review their final academic assignments, make a major presentation on their learning, and hear those of their fellow service-learning students.

Program Facts
Language of Instruction	English
Affiliated institution:	South Dakota State University
Courses & Credits:	The Lakota/Dakota Experience | Credits: 3 American Indian Studies | Credits: 12
Service Opportunities:	being a teacher's aide at an Indian school or Reservation Head Start program working as an advocate at a domestic abuse shelter providing programming at an after-school club for at-risk teens assisting with community and economic development working at a tribal radio station aiding in tribal historic preservation More...
Housing:	Homestay / Residence Hall
Dates, Costs & Deadlines:	Summer 2009 05/24/2009 - 08/22/2009 $11,660 Application Due 03/15/2009 Fall 2009 08/24/2009 - 11/20/2009 $11,660 Application Due 06/01/2009 Spring 2010 02/22/2010 - 05/21/2010 $11,660 Application Due 12/01/2009 Summer 2010 05/24/2010 - 08/20/2010 TBD Application Due 04/15/2010 Fall 2010 08/23/2010 - 11/19/2010 TBD Application Due 06/01/2010
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):	Mr. Valerian Three Irons
Eligibility:	The program welcomes students of any nation. TOEFL equivalent 550.
What's Included:	Fees include: all instruction; housing; most meals; books; service placement and supervision; administrative fees; field trips and pre-departure materials. Personal expenses not covered by fees include: travel to South Dakota; local transportation (bringing your own vehicle is recommended, though not required); and spending money.

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