Service learning trips can be a valuable experience for students, and a wonderful way to meet new people.
Students who go on service learning trips combine community service and education. They get involved with the people they’re visiting, and try to make a difference in the community in which they work. There are also lectures and lessons that the students must attend along with the volunteer work. Students are required either to write a final report or do a final presentation addressing what they learned during their trip.
Service learning trips are open to undergraduate or graduate students, regardless of their previous travel experience. The type of student most suited for these trips is one who is self-motivated, eager and has a positive attitude.
This year, there is one service learning trip to Bosnia available for credit over the summer and one non-credit trip over spring break to Mexico.
Project Bosnia was the University of Denver’s first service learning project. It began in 1996 and it is the longest running. Bosnia is the best place for students who want to learn about introducing democracy and human rights to a country. Some Project Bosnia alumni have gone on to work in non-governmental organizations, governmental organizations, and even embassies in former Yugoslavia.
There are two sections of the trip that students can sign up for. Students in one section will be staying in Bosnia for six weeks, and the others will be staying for eight weeks. The six week section lasts from June 24 to Aug. 2.
Project Bosnia counts as a five-credit course. Students will learn about human rights, humanitarian aid, the role of the media and the history and political status of the Balkans.
Some students can use this course as credit toward their major or minor, but the trip must be pre-approved by their academic adviser. To get an approval form, visit Melissa Schaap in the International Service Learning Office. The staff members of Project Bosnia are Melissa Schaap, Peter Van Arsdale and Ian Sethre.
The total cost of the trip is between $2,985 and $4,285. Applications must be turned in by Feb. 8 along with the $50 application fee to Schaap.
Applications are available online at the DU website on the Office of Internationalization page. For more information, contact Schaap at mschapp@du.edu.
The spring break trip to Mexico will involve helping out in the small town of El Tepetate in Zacatecas, Mexico. El Tepetate and DU already have a relationship, and this service learning trip will help to cultivate it. Students will be part of a cultural exchange program, and will learn about new cultures. The main goal of this trip is for students to help out with community renovations in this historic Mexican town.
Due to the fact that this trip carries no credit, student participants will have the option of earning two credits through additional service learning. David Lisman’s spring courses will supply the credits. If students already have 16 credits, they may sign up for this course at no additional charge. The trip is open to all students. Being able to speak Spanish is not a requirement, but it would be helpful. The staff members on this project are Schaap and Glen Fee.
The total cost of this trip is about $700. Students should also bring some spending money. Applications were to be turned in by Jan. 25 along with the $50 application fee, to Fee at the Community Action Program office in Driscoll. Applications are available online. For more information, contact Fee at gfee@du.edu.
Service learning trips are a great way to travel to new places, meet new people and learn about a different culture.
If you are interested, contact Fee, Schaap or visit their Web page.
