IPSL Programs

 What is the International Partnership for Service-Learning™ and Leadership?

Founded in 1982, the International Partnership for Service-Learning™ and Leadership is a not-for-profit organization that administers educational undergraduate and graduate programs in 10 nations. It was the first organization in the U.S. to be devoted solely to the union of academic study and volunteer service to the community. Today it is the preeminent international organization of service-learning™.

 How are IPSL programs unique?

IPSL programs unite academic learning with volunteer service to the community. The studies are rigorous; the service is substantive. By integrating formal study with service to the local community in an intercultural/international setting, students find their learning takes on greater depth and meaning. Working among community people brings classroom lessons to life, while the formal study broadens the students' understanding of their surroundings and gives perspective to daily impressions.

 Where does IPSL have programs?

IPSL offers its core undergraduate programs in Latin Amercia, Western Europe, Africa, and SE Asia. Customized programs, specially arranged for gap year, college and university students, interested adults  and other groups by special arrangement.

 How many students have participated in IPSL programs?

Nearly 4,000 students from over 400 academic institutions in the U.S. and 25 other nations have participated in IPSL programs. Typically there are about 5-12 IPSL students on any particular program and term.

 What are the specifics of each program?

Programs vary; see individual program pages. The basic components of each program are:

• academic courses for college/university credit

• direct volunteer service to the community at an established local agency

• homestay with a local family

• excursions.

Service

 What type of service will I be doing? How much time will I spend volunteering?

The service work in each location varies. Some examples include serving at: schools, orphanages, healthcare institutions, recreational centers, and community development projects. You will work 10-20 hours per week. Because the service is substantive, you are often considered a member of the agency's staff. Examples are given on each program's page.

 How am I placed? Will I be in a group?

Your placement will be determined by your interests and skills (and, in some cases, language abilities), as well as by community needs. You will study with other service-learning™ students (often a mix of IPSL students, other international sstudents from other programs and  local  students), but in your service placement you will be either the only one or with at most two other students in order to maximize your contact with and contribution to the agency.

 How do I know I will be doing something useful to the community?

IPSL does not create its own service projects. Instead, IPSL students serve in established local agencies and ongoing community development projects, addressing needs identified by the local community and the particular agency. Year after year, agencies request IPSL students for the substantial help they give.

Credits

 Will I receive academic credit?

Yes. If you successfully complete the studies, a transcript will be issued from our fully accredited University partner campuses abroad where you will be studying and sent to your home college/university. Pre-approval by your home institution (registrar, student abroad office, academic advisotor department head) is recommended. IPSL can also provide a transcript of your courses taken abroad from our U.S. acadmic partner, Concordia University - Portland, Oregon.

 Will I get credit for my service?

You will not receive credit for the service alone, but rather through the courses to which the service is connected and the learning you demonstrate. The servicce is the field work for the required IPSL Service-Learning™ seminar course which you will receive credit for.

Eligibility

 Are foreign language skills required to participate?

Foreign language skills may be required for some programs. Generally summer programs have no requirement but some semester programs do. It will facilitate your effectiveness at the service agency if you have some beginning language skills. Students are given a placement exam upon arrival in order to be placed in the appropriate level of foreign language couse. See individual program descriptions for more information on language requirements. The academics at some program sites are toaught in English (aside from the language course) and at other program sites they are taught in the language of the country.

Who can participate?

Most IPSL students are undergraduate college students. Some are recent high school graduates, gap-year students or college graduates; a few are graduate students and mid-career professionals. Students from any nation are welcome to apply. Participants must be 18 years of age at the start of the program and have a high school diploma.

 What are the requirements to participate?

Students must be fluent in English. If English is not your first language, you must have a TOEFL score of 550-600 (paper test) or 230 (computer test) or a score of 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Test System). Applications are evaluated as they are received. We look for students who demonstrate maturity, intellectual motivation, and a desire to serve. Some programs do have specific GPA requirements; see individual program pages for details. Some programs do have academic pre-requisites as well.

Application

 How do I apply?

You may apply by selecting the "Apply Now" button on the right navigation bar.

 When are applications due?

IPSL operates on a rolling admissions basis. Early application is encouraged and you will be notified of acceptance within approximately two weeks of our receipt of your completed application and accompanying documents. The application deadline for all programs is listed under the Undergrad tab within  each program location and term. Late applications may be accepted if space is still available in the program AND the securring of a VISA is still possible.

Financial Aid

 How does financial aid work?

Federal (and other) financial aid may be applied to the program fees through your home institution if you are a U.S. citizen. Consult a financial aid advisor at your home institution.

 Are scholarships available?

Yes, for eligible applicants. See the Financial Aid button on the right Navigation Bar.