We're purposeful about our approach to service-based work abroad. Our unique approach combines intentional pre-departure education, an emphasis on interprofessionalism and incorporation of alumni. You won’t travel simply to volunteer your time and services — you’ll learn what it means to make a genuine impact in communities around the world. While human development and progress is the end goal, our approach focuses on learning and working alongside citizens of the world in the spirit of solidarity, collaboration and reciprocity.
Before departing, you’ll spend a semester with the other students who will be traveling with you. Together, you’ll learn about the concepts of individual identity and community engagement, followed by country-specific culture, history and social structures. This pre-departure education is rich and multifaceted, combining documentaries and guest lectures; visits to museums and restaurants; immersive field trips to locations such as Spanish Harlem; and virtual conversations with leaders from our partner organizations in Nicaragua, Guatemala and Barbados.
Our interprofessional (IP) programs pool the diverse talents of students from all majors in an international context and enable them to work together toward the same greater goal. Occupational therapy and physical therapy students may provide care to families in Nicaragua — who then receive follow-ups from our nursing students based on the assessment briefing they received from the OT and PT students. Arts and sciences, education and engineering students may pool their talents to create and deliver STEM education programs in countries such as Guatemala.
Your experience continues once you’ve returned home. We provide forums for you to continue to engage, connect and reflect on your experience for years to come. You might even continue your service once you’ve graduated. Alumni have the opportunity to join future trips, providing current students with a network of support and a model of mentorship.
The number of students who participate in this transformative program continues to grow each year. Our approach works, and the results are incredibly valuable to your future. In engaging with and strengthening communities around the world, you prove to future employers that you possess intercultural awareness, and the ability to effectively communicate and work across cultural lines.
