International Service Learning, Civic Engagement and Leadership Programs
Ivy Child International offers International Service Learning programs to combine academic training, community service and cultural immersion to give students a meaningful study and volunteer abroad experience.
The program is aimed at globalizing students’ educational, field and volunteer experiences through their participation in community-based, on-site research in various countries. Currently, the program is being offered in India.
International Service Learning programs in Kerala, India
Coconut trees along the river’s edge – a common sight in Kerala*
Ivy Child International is now accepting applications from students to study and volunteer abroad for alternative intersession and summer break. This is scheduled to take place in January 2013 with the summer program scheduled to take place from June through August 2013.
The program is to be held in the culturally rich and scenic state of Kerala, in the southernmost tip of India. Since Ivy Child has active programs running in two orphanages in the state, this program will assist in expanding and strengthening the needs assessment, intervention and evaluation required to impact the emotional, developmental and intellectual lives of those children. However, other similar organizations and agencies in need of our method and approach will also be carefully considered and vetted prior to student placement.
The focus of the four-credit program is leadership training in human service and international nonprofit management.
Program Curriculum
The core curriculum of the program consists of:
- Leadership in human service
- Positive psychology in organizations
- Applied positive psychology interventions
- Research method and evaluation
Students will study the applications of expert positive psychology practitioners, enabling them to design contextually appropriate application plans that can be used for the benefit of the target groups with whom they will work. In the process of applying these concepts and theories, students will not only deepen their understanding of psychology but also experience higher levels of positive emotion in their own lives.
The program encompasses a three-credit hour academic course with daily class meetings to be held in an accredited university in Kerala, and over 20 hours of on-site field work in local schools, orphanages and nonprofit organizations contributing to an additional credit.
Experience Local Culture
The program also offers the opportunity of getting to know the local culture, customs and cuisine through organized tours, workshops and activities.
Equipping students to embrace diversity by developing unique and innovative academically-based community service opportunities, this international program strives to increase and enhance civic engagement, cultural literacy/competence, leadership skills and global citizenship.
Program schedules are subject to change.
Accommodation and other services provided
- Air-conditioned rooms with bathroom attached – two students per room
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicles for transportation
- Faculty and staff services
- Computer lab, library 9 am to 6 pm, and 24 hours of internet service
- Visits to service learning sites
- Visits to nearby historical places
- Attendance at cultural programs
- Backwater luxury house boat rides/sight seeing
- Cleaning and laundry services
- Emergency medical services
Student Responsibilities
Under Mahatma Gandhi University, all students will be responsible for the following:
- Room and board fees
- Student health service fees
- Textbooks and other educational supplies
- Specialized administrative/service fees (not associated with tuition) such as lab fees, equipment rental fees, institutional administrative fees, etc;
- Clothing and other personal expenses
- Passport and visa costs
- All other debts incurred during the course of this exchange
Youth Ambassador Program
Ivy Children is also offering the Youth Ambassador Program. Teens participating in the Youth Ambassador Program will act as ambassadors in their communities and schools by organizing fundraising and awareness events.
Interested in this program?
If you are interested in this program and want more information, contact us here
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*The photographs are from keralatourism.org, Government of India, Department of Tourism.
