By Briana Williams–
Spring break is the highlight of the semester for almost all college students. Traveling to different states or simply going home is common for most students during break. However, several U of L students have unique opportunities to travel outside of the United States for multiple learning experiences.
Through an enriching International Service Learning Program (ISLP), students are able to spend their breaks away from the couch and immersed in different cultures.
ISLP allows students to experience different classrooms and cultures around the world. One U of L student in particular, James-Dean Wood, is especially excited about his trip to Trinidad and Tobago.
Traveling to Trinidad and Tobago over his spring break, “I hope to gain a lot from this program” said Wood. When asked what he was most looking forward to, Wood said, “I’d like to take one step closer to understanding and respecting another culture of our beautiful world. Furthermore, I hope to bond with natives of Trinidad and Tobago and create lasting, meaningful relationships.”
When considering if this program is right for you, Wood recommends self-reflection. “Through intimate volunteer work and reflection, I discovered many great things. As individuals, we all possess vastly different abilities and I believe it is our moral responsibility to use these abilities to help others.”
ISLP is open to all students in any major at U of L. To apply for the program, students must have a 2.5 GPA, be in good academic standing and be enrolled in a specific academic course related to area. Students must also be able to attend weekly meetings prior to the trip upon acceptance.
A passport is required for travel and there are a range of program fees for the different countries. However, scholarship opportunities for the program are also available.
The ISLP offers trips to five countries: Belize, Botswana, the Philippines, Croatia and Trinidad and Tobago. These trips are offered over winter, spring or summer break and usually last between seven to 10 days.
Although trips offered over spring break are closed for applications now, summer break applications will open in March.
