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 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 2026 (flexible start date)
Length of Program: 4–12 Weeks
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $5,930 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
  • 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 (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

Overview

Travel to Rio de Janeiro and visit one of its most famous neighborhoods: Ipanema. Students take a one-week intensive Portuguese language course and volunteer with the local community, all while living the vibrant Rio de Janeiro lifestyle. Next stop (for approximately 3 weeks) will be Novo Friburgo where students will immerse themselves in eco-farm life, gaining hands-on experience in permaculture, agroforestry, natural building, eco-tourism and social impact projects that make a real difference in the community.

Term: Summer 2026 (flexible start date)
Length of Program: 4–12 Weeks
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $6,980 for 4 weeks

Program Fee Breakdown

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:  

• Eco-Farm 
• Permaculture and Agroforesty Projects 
• Eco-Tourism 

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 2026 (flexible start date) 
Length of Program: 4-12 Weeks 
Comprehensive Program Fee: Starting at $6,370 for 4 weeks

Program Fee Breakdown

The comprehensive program fee includes: 

• Tuition and instruction 
  • IPSL 402 Community Organizing and Social Activism (3 credits)
  • Spanish Language bootcamp course (approximately 10 hours instructional hours; no 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, Finca de café, and/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 
• 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