International Service Learning
UBC’s International Service Learning (ISL) program allows you to contribute towards important projects led by community partners around the world. By taking part in our program, you connect your academic studies with real-world experience.
ISL fosters meaningful connections with communities around the world and will help you discover the local impact of global issues.
Our program:
- balances service (volunteering) and learning objectives
- focuses on addressing community concerns
- integrates the involvement of community partners in the planning and coordination of the service-learning placement
- emphasizes reciprocal learning and the community partner as co-educator
- comprises work done in the field that is voluntary (unpaid)
“To those thinking about participating with ISL, I would say take an honest look inside and evaluate why you are interested. If this is merely a resumé-builder that allows you to see the world, let me be the first to say, there are easier, more convenient, more cost-effective ways to accomplish that. However, to those who truly want to learn from and about another culture or group of people, to those who want to help in a practical sense, to immerse yourself in another way of life, I would say do it.” — Donovan Duncan, Needs and Rights of Children, Swaziland
In these ways, we differ from other opportunities like internships, co-ops or placements solely based around volunteering. We facilitate a program where you will engage in a continuous cycle of learning, acting and critical reflection.
Get started:
- Discover how our program is structured.
- Make sure you’re eligible.
- Find out how to choose a program that’s right for you.
- Explore programs that are currently available.
- Find out if you can afford to go.
- Apply!
- Lingering questions? Read our FAQs
