SERVICE-LEARNING ABROAD For Students

University of Delaware Programs

In general, students interested in service-learning opportunities away from the UD campus, either in the US or abroad, will pursue them through academic programs sponsored by the Center for International Studies (CFIS).  Students on CFIS-sponsored service-learning abroad programs are eligible for Study Abroad scholarships and financial aid. 

Winter Session programs that have integrated service-learning include:

• Barbados where students assisted the Ministry of Health on AIDS/HIV related projects and served as classroom aides in nursery and primary schools; Fiji where students collected oral histories; and South Africa where students assisted in a Children’s Hospice and Tumelong Haven orphanage.

Additional information on University of Delaware Study Abroad programs can be found on the CFIS website: http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/default.asp

Service-Learning Abroad Forum

The Office of Service-Learning and the Center for International Studies, with support from the Alumni Association sponsors an annual forum for returning Service-Learning Abroad participants in late February. At the forum, representatives from each service-learning abroad program discuss their experiences working with communities abroad.  You may view previous programs below.

Spring 2009

Spring 2008

Spring 2007

Spring 2006

Spring 2005

Individual Projects

Occasionally, a student may wish to receive UD academic credit for service-learning while traveling alone (not as a member of a UD group).  In these cases, the University of Delaware has partnered with the volunteer organization Cross Cultural Solutions, one of the largest short-term international volunteer organizations in the world, and a recognized leader in the field.  Their mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding.

In addition to deciding on a program with Cross Cultural Solutions students work closely with a UD faculty member--it is expected that students will take at least one course on campus in preparation for travel, keep a reflective journal while at the service site, and integrate their reading with their actual experience through a paper on return.  The Office of Service Learning will review proposed projects.

Students on approved projects are eligible to apply for an Alumni Enrichment Award. For more information: http://www.udconnection.com/alumni-enrichment-awards