Questions? (212) 986-0989
"When I tell people about my M.A. in International Service, many are excited that a program in nonprofit management and service-learning actually exists. I value every moment I spent in Kingston and London. Education abroad hits you from every angle. You can't not learn!"
- Karol, now working for the Make A Wish Foundation headquarters
The M.A. in International Service program integrates rigorous academic study with substantive volunteer service in two nations for one academic year, giving students opportunities to test theoretical knowledge through hands-on, practical experience in different cultures. The program is designed to prepare skilled professionals for careers delivering social services to communities on the local and international levels.
All students begin the program in a U.S. city for a week of orientation, workshops, and institutional visits. For the fall semester, you elect to study and serve in either Jamaica or Mexico. For the spring semester, all students study and serve in England. The program culminates in the preparation of a thesis. The M.A. degree is awarded by Roehampton University, London.
English language proficiency is required for the entire program; students choosing Mexico must also demonstrate Spanish language skill.
Though service is a required part of the program, academic credit is not given for the service. Rather, the service becomes an important resource for learning about the culture and its social institutions, and is used along with reading, class lectures, discussions, and other experiences in preparing the papers and assignments for the courses.
Program Facts |
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| Language of instruction: | English (and Spanish if in Mexico for fall semester) | ||
| Cooperating institutions: |
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| Dates & Deadlines: |
Applications are due January 15th. Applications received after this date will be considered at the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Committee. Please call before submitting a late application. |
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| Courses & Credits: |
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| Volunteer Service Opportunities: | A very wide range of service opportunities is available in the Fall and Spring. | ||
| Housing: | Homestay in Jamaica or Mexico; on-campus or off-campus housing in England |
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| Why IPSL? |
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| Program Directors: |
Mr. Bill Rushbrooke Dr. Jennifer Hall Dr. Jenny Iles Sr. Jose Luis Arreguin |
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| Eligibility: | The program welcomes students from any nation. Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree before entering the M.A. program, with a minimum of a 3.0 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent. The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) results are not required. In Jamaica and England, all academic courses are taught in English. Non-native English speakers must have English language skills equivalent to the IELTS (International English Language Test System) score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all bands) or a TOEFL score of 600 (paper test) or 250 (computer test), with a minimum of 4 on the writing test. In Mexico, courses are taught in both English and Spanish. To fulfill the academic requirements and be useful in the service assignment, students selecting Mexico for the first semester must have at least an intermediate level of Spanish, which usually means successful completion of at least 4 years of college- or university-level Spanish. Students applying to go to Mexico will have their Spanish language ability assessed. |
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| What's Included: | The program fees for the 2008-09 M.A. program are: $20,850 for Fall 2008 (including Orientation, room & basic board) and $16,050 for Spring 2009. Details. Most students are eligible for financial aid from government and/or private lenders. Some scholarships may be available. |
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