IPSL Summer Study Abroad Program

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 is informing 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 2025 (flexible start date)
Length of Program: 4–12 Weeks
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $5,103 for 4 weeks

Program Fee Breakdown

The comprehensive program fee includes:

• Tuition and instruction
  
  • Vietnamese Language bootcamp (approx. 12 hours)
  • 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 an IPSL foundation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Roundtrip airport transfers
  • Excursion(s): City tour, Hanoi region, Ha Long Bay cruise, or similar
  • Pre-departure orientation and preparation
  • Welcome meal, farewell meal, and on-site orientation
  • Service placement and oversight (approx. 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

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.

• Social service organization
• Refugee center
• Green sustainability in urban settings organization
• Ocean conservation NGO

Overview

Nestled in the picturesque town of Chinchiná, Colombia, at the heart of the renowned 'Eje del Café' (Coffee Axis), this captivating program offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Colombia's rich coffee culture while making a meaningful impact through volunteer service. Participants will engage in: cultural immersion, coffee heritage, and community engagement while giving back through meaningful volunteer service. 
 
Term: Summer 2025 (flexible start date) 
Length of Program: 4-12 Weeks 
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $4,950 for 4 weeks

Program Fee Breakdown

The comprehensive program fee includes: 

• Tuition and instruction 
  • Spanish Language bootcamp course (10 hours)
  • 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 an IPSL foundation, breakfast and dinner
  • Roundtrip airport transfers
  • Excursion(s): city tour, local excursions to Arauca, Finca de café, and/or similar
  • Pre-departure orientation and preparation
  • Welcome meal, farewell meal, and on-site orientation
  • Service placement and oversight (approx.. 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 
• Some meals (lunches) 
• 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: 

• Healthcare 
• Residential facility for young women and girls
• Daycare and after school facility 
• Elementary or middle school

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:
  • Social services organizations
  • Food security
  • Eco-justice
  • Youth leadership and empowerment
  • Community health organizations