Questions? (212) 986-0989
"Becoming part of several sub-societies taught me things that I could never have learned if I had come only as a volunteer, or only as a student, or only as a traveler."
- Christine, Eastern College
"My Mexican family will always be a part of my life. From the day that I arrived in Mexico, my homestay family made their home mine, and did whatever they could to help me make the adjustment to Mexican culture. I was overjoyed with their hospitality. The family also played an integral role in my learning to speak Spanish because they never spoke to me in English. Through my homestay experience I was able to make the connection between what I read in a textbook and real life; I didn't just read about the struggle, I was a part of it."
- Tanikka, Saint Augustine's College
Ever since your child was born you've provided love, guidance, education, and financial support. You have tried to instill in them the values that will make their lives satisfying and productive. Now your son or daughter has expressed interest in living, studying and volunteering in a different culture, contributing their talent and energy to help make the lives of those in need a little easier.
IPSL programs, which unite study abroad with volunteer service, build upon students' desire not just to see the world, but act in it for the good of others. The programs provide students with cultural immersion, in-depth understanding of cultural and global issues, and an opportunity to make a difference in local communities around the world. Parents of previous students have told us time and time again how proud they are of the work their now-adult children have done in IPSL programs, the knowledge they acquired, the skills they developed, and the values they have chosen to govern their lives.
IPSL international service-learning programs unite academic study for credit with substantive volunteer service, creating a powerful dynamic between direct cultural exposure and academic learning. Interaction with the community teaches students how the culture functions. Time in the classroom teaches them why it functions as it does. By testing theory with practice, IPSL students find their learning takes on greater depth and meaning.
Each IPSL program is a little different, and we encourage you to explore the pages that describe the particular program in which your son/daughter wishes to participate. However, all IPSL programs do share some common features:
IPSL recognizes that students in a new environment and culture need the help and advice of those who know the local conditions best. IPSL students are provided with support from many people throughout the program, allowing them to gain independence step by step as they gain knowledge and familiarity with the culture.
All programs begin with a period of formal orientation in which students are taught practical skills such as how to use the telephone, do their banking, and use public transportation; how to remain healthy and safe; how to get health services, if needed; and how to recognize cultural signs and customs. They are taken or shown how to get to their service assignments and to the university, and are introduced to the many people who are available to help them: the resident IPSL Program Director, their service agency supervisor, the faculty and university support staff, the housing director and, in most programs, the host family.
In addition to advising them on cultural, academic, health and safety matters, Program Directors also provide friendship, advice, support and, when needed, help with any issues the students may face. All are professionals, fluent in English, and skilled in dealing with cross-cultural situations. The Program Director, the faculty, the agency supervisor and staff, and the host family for those living in homestays, are all there to help IPSL students adjust, enjoy, and make the most of their experience. Students are instructed to contact the Program Director first in the event of an emergency, then the IPSL staff in the New York office.
The staff of the IPSL office in New York also provides assistance to students before, during and after the program. Before departing, students are given detailed information to help prepare them for their experience as well as complete contact information, including home and cell phone numbers, of key staff members. Parents and students are welcome to contact the IPSL office at any time for assistance.
Student safety is of utmost importance to us. Our in-country staff will advise students on issues related to their safety, and give them guidelines about traveling within the city and countryside. It is important that students listen to and adhere to the safety recommendations. The Program Directors are well-informed on local and regional conditions, and will keep them apprised of any changes which might affect them. They are in regular contact with the New York office and are prompt in reporting any changes to us as well.
Helping students stay healthy during the program is a priority for us. Their health records are kept on file both in the New York office and with the resident Program Director. Before departure, students are sent health information about the program location, with advice on how to find out what immunizations are recommended, if any.
Each IPSL program site has excellent medical facilities and mental health support available. The resident Program Director will tell students about these facilities and resources, and how to make use of them should they need them. We encourage participants to inform us of any existing medical condition so that we may be sure that any required treatment can be provided.
IPSL works with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) to provide insurance and related assistance and claim-paying services to students participating in IPSL programs for the summer, semester or academic year. IPSL participants are automatically signed up for the coverage for the duration of their program; the cost is included in the program fee. Information about specific coverage will be sent to each student along with their pre-departure materials. (This applies to all programs except the Lakota Nation program.)
We encourage you to learn more about the International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership (IPSL) and our programs by exploring this website. Please feel free to call us at 212.986.0989 or email us with any questions or concerns you may have.
