IPSL Summer Study Abroad Program
Featured 2027 Summer Programs: Community Organizing and Social Activism
Join IPSL Global Engagement’s unique study abroad and volunteer service programs in some of the world’s most exciting locations. Participate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage in cultural immersion, community engagement and giving back through meaningful volunteer service.
Overview
Cusco is one of the most important historical and cultural tourist destinations in the world and was the capital of the Incan Empire. Situated at an elevation of 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) in the Andes mountains, Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Despite the renown of this amazing city and region, inequality in many forms persists, and IPSL’s commitments in Cusco focus on supporting local organizations working to improve health access, combating poverty, and aiding local efforts to empower marginalized groups.
Term: Summer 2027 (flexible start date)
Length of Program: 4–12 Weeks
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $5,849 for 4 weeks
Program Fee Breakdown
The comprehensive program fee includes:
- Tuition and instruction
- IPSL 402 Community Organizing and Social Activism (3 credits)
- Books and materials
- Room and board, service placement and oversight, enrichment activities and excursions,
transfers, student support, insurance, and fees
- Lodging with a host family, single room, full board
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Excursion(s): City tour, Valle Sagrado, Machu Picchu (overnight) or similar
- Pre-departure orientation and preparation
- Welcome meal, farewell meal, and on-site orientation
- Service placement and oversight (approximately 40 hours)
- Service site honorarium
- Full-time, on-site program support with 24-hour, in-country staff
- Emergency Medical and Evacuation Insurance
- IPSL administration
What's not included:
- International flights
- Some local transportation
- Cell phone
- Passport or visa expenses
- Any expenses associated with independent travel
Service Placements
Students serve a minimum of 10 hours per week with a local organization. Placements are based on the student’s background and interests as well as the host organization’s schedule and needs. The type of volunteer placement may depend on language proficiency and organizational needs or capacity and cannot be guaranteed in advance of arrival.
- Health Clinic
- Safe home for girls (females only)
- Teaching English to vendors at the Cusco market
- Elementary School near Cusco
- Dog Shelter
Overview
As the capital of Vietnam for almost one thousand years, Hanoi is considered one of the main cultural centers of Vietnam. The city, like most of the country, is in the throes of fast and furious development driven by a young population of energetic and creative Vietnamese. It is a place where history informs the future, and exciting things are happening. Local cuisine specialties, exotic street food, and numerous dance and music clubs liven up the scene. Civilization in Vietnam has its own unique style, forged through years of resistance to threats from larger and more powerful nations. This determination to remain independent has created a culture of self-reliance, discipline, and solidarity still visible in public life today.
Term: Summer 2027 (flexible start date)
Length of Program: 4–12 Weeks
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $5,979 for 4 weeks
Program Fee Breakdown
The comprehensive program fee includes:
- Tuition and instruction
- IPSL 402 Community Organizing and Social Activism (3 credits)
- Vietnamese Language bootcamp (approximately 10 instructional hours; no credits)
- Books and materials
- Room and board, service placement and oversight, enrichment activities and excursions,
transfers, student support, insurance, and fees
- Shared lodging with an IPSL foundation
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Excursion(s): City tour, Hanoi region, Ha Long Bay cruise, or similar
- Pre-departure orientation and preparation
- Welcome meal, farewell meal, most meals while on excursions, and a $200 meal stipend
- Service placement and oversight (approximately 40 hours)
- Service site honorarium
- Full-time, on-site program support with 24-hour, in-country staff
- Emergency Medical and Evacuation Insurance
- IPSL administration
What's not included:
- International flights
- Some local transportation
- Cell phone
- Passport or visa expenses
- Any expenses associated with independent travel
Service Placements
Students serve a minimum of 10 hours per week with a local organization. Placements are based on the student’s background and interests as well as the host organization’s schedule and needs. The type of volunteer placement may depend on language proficiency and organizational needs or capacity and cannot be guaranteed in advance of arrival.
Possible community engagement placements include:
- Teaching English in a community center
- Childcare or social welfare center
- Childcare and education for mentally impaired or physically impaired children
- Health clinic
- Youth development
Featured 2027 Summer Programs: World Languages
Fulfill your world language requirement during a summer study abroad program. Accelerate your language skills through an immersive program. Practicing daily with locals and constant exposure to the language will help you learn faster and retain your new language skills long after you return home.
Overview
Berlin is full of museums, cultural landmarks, artists, and eccentrics. A city celebrated for its freedom, creativity, and hipster attitude; Berlin is home to more than 2,500 parks, world-class museums, and quirky flea markets and outdoor art markets.
Term: Summer 2027 (flexible start date)
Length of Program: 4–12 Weeks
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $5,999 for 4 weeks
Program Fee Breakdown
Overview
Learning Japanese can help you understand this beautiful language and culture as wells as open new career opportunities. Knowledge of the language will allow you to engage on a deeper level with Japanese cinema, animations and comic books, as well as develop the ability to order sashimi like a local at your favorite Japanese restaurant.
Term: Summer 2027 (flexible start date)
Length of Program: 4–12 Weeks
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $4,399 for 4 weeks
Program Fee Breakdown
What's not included:
- International flights
- Some local transportation
- Some meals
- Cell phone
- Passport or visa expenses
Overview
Learn (or improve) your Spanish in the heart of vibrant Costa Rica. Do more than memorize phrases—speak with locals, share stories, and gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica’s rich culture. Opportunities are available to supplement your language learning by volunteering in local schools, conservation, or community projects.
Term: Summer 2027 (flexible start date)
Length of Program: 4–12 Weeks
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $4,899 for 4 weeks
Program Fee Breakdown
What's not included:
- International flights
- Some local transportation
- Some meals
- Cell phone
- Passport or visa expenses
Overview
Live the language, savor the culture, and discover La Dolce Vita. Step into the heart of Tuscany and experience the real Italy with our immersive
Study Abroad Program in Siena—a city where medieval charm meets modern inspiration.
Study intensive Italian language and practice in the piazzas, cafes, and markets of
Siena. Uncover centuries-old recipes in hands-on traditional cooking classes led by
local chefs. Surround yourself with stunning Gothic architecture, rolling vineyards,
and a warm community that welcomes you like family. Travel to nearby gems like Florence,
Rome, and the Chianti countryside. Here is your chance to live and learn in one of
Italy’s most enchanting cities.
Term: Summer 2027
Length of Program: 4–12 weeks
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $5,499 for 4 weeks (an additional $250 will be applied for special dietary
requests)
Program Fee Breakdown
The comprehensive program fee includes:
- Tuition and instruction
- ITA 225–426 Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced Italian Language (6 credits)
- Books and materials
- Room and board, service placement and oversight, enrichment activities and excursions,
transfers, student support, insurance, and fees
- Homestays (single room) with a local family in Siena
- Breakfast and dinner included with homestay, and a $200 meal stipend
- Roundtrip airport transfers (Florence to Siena)
- Local excursions and activities including a cooking class
- Pre-departure orientation, preparation, and on-site orientation
- Full-time, on-site program support with 24-hour, in-country staff
- Emergency Medical and Evacuation Insurance
- IPSL administration
What’s not included:
- International flights
- Some local transportation
- Some meals
- Cell phone
- Passport or visa expenses
- Any expenses associated with independent travel
Overview
Valencia is a stunning coastal city where historic charm meets modern innovation. Easily explored on foot, it offers rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and vibrant art. Enjoy the old town, world-famous cuisine—especially paella—and a diverse region perfect for the outdoor and cultural activities.
Term: Summer 2027 (flexible start date)
Length of Program: 4–12 Weeks
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $5,225 for 4 weeks
Program Fee Breakdown
The comprehensive program fee includes:
- Tuition and instruction
- SPN 325–426 Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced Spanish language (6 credits)
- Books and materials
- Room and board, service placement and oversight, enrichment activities and excursions,
transfers, student support, insurance, and fees
- Pre-departure orientation, preparation, and on-site orientation
- Homestay with local family including most meals
- Most meals while on excursion and $200 food stipend
- Full-time, on-site program support with 24-hour, in-country staff
- Emergency Medical and Evacuation Insurance
- IPSL administration
What's not included:
- International flights
- Some local transportation
- Cell phone
- Passport or visa expenses
- Any expenses associated with independent travel
Westminster University reserves the right to cancel a study experience or make modifications to the itinerary and/or academic program due to factors that are beyond Westminster's control. Additional world language study sites are available for Arabic, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Russian. Contact IPSL at ipsl@westminsteru.edu for more details.