International Service Learning

Are you interested in giving back to an international community as you gain personal and professional experience while abroad? Do you recognize the benefit of personal growth through reflection and service? Do you have a passion for learning from people around the world? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should consider participating in International Service Learning through the Work Abroad Program.

Service Learning Definitions:

Service-learning combines service objectives with learning objectives with the intent that the activity change both the recipient and the provider of the service. This is accomplished by combining service tasks with structured opportunities that link the task to self-reflection, self-discovery, and the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills, and knowledge content. (http://www.servicelearning.org/what_is_service-learning/service-learning_is/index.php)

Service-learning is an educational experience that enhances classroom learning. It encompasses: (1) a service project that meets identified community needs, and (2) reflection and other assignments that promote greater student understanding of both the subject matter and themselves. (http://www.bentley.edu/service-learning/about-service-learning.cfm)

How to find an International Service Learning Opportunity:

Become a member of an international on-campus service related organization like Engineers without Borders or GT IDEA. You can learn more about on-campus service related organizations by contacting the Georgia Tech Office of Community Service at 141 Student Services, 353 Ferst Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30332-0285; Phone:404-894-2002
Apply for a program through a Third Party Organization. Click here for a list of participating Third Party Organizations

What are the requirements?

Eligibility:

Completion of 30 hours of academic coursework

Transfer students must complete one semester of full-time study at Georgia Tech

Acceptance into the Work Abroad Program

Have at least a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average

Be in good academic standing with Georgia Tech

Completion of a full course load during the term immediately preceding the work assignment

Receiving Internship Credit
In order to receive credit for your Work Abroad experience, you must:

Be registered in the appropriate (tuition-free) internship course

Complete the minimum required number of work weeks (a minimum of 16 weeks for the fall/spring and 6 -12 for the summer)

Complete a Work Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation at Georgia Tech

Submit an Assignment Record to the Division of Professional Practice during the first three weeks of the work term

Complete an online pre- and post-assessment

Complete the Work Abroad Assignments on the dedicated T-Square forum for your semester

Return a Student Performance Evaluation from your direct supervisor

Complete a work report after you finish your work experience

You will be considered enrolled at Georgia Tech full-time while working and the international co-op/internship course will appear on your transcript

I'm ready to apply

Contact the Work Abroad Program - workabroad@dopp.gatech.edu
- In the subject line of your email write "International Service Learning Application"
- Include your name, major, GT ID (the 90..#), year in school and the country/region of interest in the body of your email along with any other questions you may have.
An advisor will activate you into the Division Database - P2D2 - so you can complete the Work Abroad Application and upload your resume
Schedule an appointment with the appropriate advisor to discuss options
Once you receive an international service learning offer, schedule a final appointment with your advisor to complete all required paperwork and orientations
Enroll in the appropriate free audit course while abroad to maintain your student status.