Frequently Asked Questions
What is Service-Learning?
Past Courses
Applying to a Course
Academic Credits
Cost
Length of Courses
Languages
What is service-learning?
Service-learning is an innovative way of teaching and learning.
In service-learning courses, academic concepts are applied
to community issues through service projects.
What is global service-learning?
Global service-learning courses focus on cross-cultural exchanges
within a service-learning model. In Amizade Center courses,
service projects are conducted in a cross-cultural setting.
What does the Amizade Global Service-Learning Center (Amizade
Center) do?
The Amizade Center coordinates global service-learning courses
for students in countries throughout the world. Any student
is welcome to apply.
What is Amizade? What does the word mean?
Amizade is a non-profit organization that facilitates global
volunteering opportunities for individuals and groups. Amizade
began with a volunteer project in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest.
"Amizade" is a Portuguese word for friendship. Visit
Amizade's website!
Who benefits from service-learning?
Everyone involved!
-
Students benefit by gaining an increased awareness of
intercultural connections and global community concerns.
They are able to apply academic coursework to real-world
situations.
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Faculty and instructors benefit by enhanced faculty-student
interaction and hands-on experiences to reinforce course
content.
-
Community members benefit by receiving student volunteers
committed to sustainable service projects that meet community
needs.
How can I find out more information about service-learning?
Check out these service-learning
websites.
Past Courses
What are some examples of previous Amizade Center courses?
-
Political Science in Bolivia: students studied development
theory in the context of contributing to the building
of an orphanage.
-
Introduction to Video in Jamaica: students created a
short promotional video for a community summer camp, which
focused on rural youth empowerment.
-
Holocaust History in Germany and Poland: students learned
the history of the Holocaust while volunteering to clean
and preserve historical sites.
-
Review our Past Courses
for more examples.
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Applying for a Course
When will I know what countries each academic course will
be conducted in?
Course information is generally posted in the Fall of the
previous year (for example, 2004 courses will be posted in
Fall of 2003). We are always updating information on our course
details so continue to check the website for updated information.
Who is eligible to apply for an Amizade Center course?
Amizade Center courses are open to all students. If you are
not currently a student but would like to take a course, you
are welcome. You will simply need to submit your most recent
transcript along with your application and you will need to
register and enroll for the course. Most courses are open
to all majors. For more information, check specific course
details.
When can I apply for an Amizade Center course?
Applications are available beginning in Fall Semester for
Spring and Summer courses.
What is the application process?
All Amizade Center courses are rolling admissions unless otherwise
indicated. You may submit your application to courses posted
on the website at any time - we will accept applications until
the course is full.
Applications are available on our website. Make sure you
turn in all required elements!
Upon receiving a completed application, notification of student
acceptance into an Amizade Center course will be sent via
email. Students accepted into a course are given two weeks
to confirm their participation. A non-refundable course deposit
is due at the time of confirmation.
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Academic Credit
How much academic credit will I receive on an Amizade
Center course?
Course credit varies based on the specific course design. Please note
the amount of credits listed on the course description webpage.
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Cost
How much does an Amizade Center course cost?
For Summer 2003, costs ranged from $1,750 - $4,400 and the
average was $2,900. Costs vary depending on country location.
What does the price cover?
Current fees, per program, and the expenses covered through these fees are oulined on the Fees page.
What are some ways of funding my Amizade Center course?
Read our information on financial
aid, scholarships and fundraising.
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Length of Courses
When
do Amizade Center courses occur?
Most courses take place in the Summer (May - August). We have
some options for Spring courses with travel over Spring Break
or in the Summer. Please review our course
descriptions for more information.
How long are Amizade Center courses?
Courses vary but are generally between 2 weeks to 5 weeks.
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Languages
What are the language requirements for an Amizade Center
course?
Foreign language skills are not required to participate on
most courses. Please check with specific courses for any pre-requisites.
Students with language skills will have ample opportunity
to engage in conversations with community residents.
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