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University of Colorado Denver

Study Abroad/Global Education
 

Experiental Learning

International Field Schools, Service Learning and Internships Abroad

What is International Service-learning?

International Service Learning is a course-based, educational experience in which students are participating in an organized service or volunteer activity that meets identified community needs in a location outside the United States. Students are also reflecting on this service activity within the classroom to gain a greater understanding of course content, the specific community with which they are working, cross-cultural issues, and a heightened sense of their own global relationships and responsibilities.

A service-learning experience forces students to engage with their local community and attempts to apply the lessons of the classroom to real life service and use real life service experiences to build upon the lessons of the classroom.

In short, international service learning combines two educational experiences – study abroad and community service.

“The distinctive element of service-learning is that it enhances the community through the service provided, but it also has powerful learning consequences for the students or others participating in providing a service. It is a dynamic process, through which students' personal and social growth is tightly interwoven into their academic and cognitive development.” (www.servicelearning.org)

 

How can I find a program?

Students must fulfill the Global Education requirements including registration, adherence to risk and health guidelines, international insurance, and academic requirements. Experiential Education and Global Education work with you to fulfill the university’s academic requirements so that students remain eligible for Financial Aid and Academic Credit.

CU Denver Programs:

Non-CU Denver Programs:

 

Can I receive credit?

You may receive credit for participating in a service-learning program.  Please check with a study abroad advisor.

 

Additional Resources:

What is an International Internship?

An international internship is a work experience located outside the United States. The work is usually with a company, government or non-government entity, a research group or institute or some other organization allowing hands-on experience in a student’s major area of educational concentration or career interest. 

 

Why intern abroad?

For many students, experiential learning is the most profound and rewarding experience of their college career:  international internships deepen the experience exponentially. Build work experience in your area of interest while immersing yourself in a completely different culture.

Combined with the deeply enriching experience of learning in another culture, international internships open doors to interpersonal and intercultural growth. Whether in an office or a village, there are few better ways to understand a culture than working with others, becoming part of a community, and having a purpose within that community.

Students can gain the kinds of qualities that employers in the 21st century are seeking:  

  • Intercultural Competence and Sensitivity Within the Workplace
  • Bi or multi-lingual
  • Willingness to learn
  • Flexibility  and Adaptability

 

How do I find an internship abroad?

Students must fulfill the Global Education requirements including registration, adherence to risk and health guidelines, international insurance, and academic requirements. Experiential Education and Global Education work with you to fulfill the university’s academic requirements so that students remain eligible for Financial Aid and Academic Credit.

CU Denver allows a range of international internship opportunities worldwide. Students may participate through an independent provider with overseas offices who arrange internships, orient students, and offer accommodation and academic support.

Independent providers charge a fee for their services. Upon successful completion of the internship requirements, students may earn CU Denver credit in their major or as an elective. Financial aid and scholarships may apply to approved international internships that fulfill minimum registration requirements.

In addition to visiting the CU Denver Office of Global Education at the Lawrence Street Center, please make an appointment to speak with an advisor in the Office of Experiential Education in the Tivoli. (http://www.ucdenver.edu/life/services/ExperientialLearning/Pages/default.aspx)

 

Can I receive credit?

You may receive credit for participating in an international internship.  Please check with a study abroad advisor.

 

Additional Resources

Many CU Denver students elect to conduct research abroad through a range of different options. International research often requires additional steps to ensure that the researcher and subjects conform to appropriate ethical and academic standards. All research must have COMIRB approval (Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board). All students conducting research abroad that will count toward their degree must register with the Office of Global Education. 

Students engaged in human subjects research are expected to complete an IRB proposal in both Colorado and at foreign their research site. The IRB process needs considerable prior planning and must be done well in advance. 

All students must secure international health and emergency evacuation insurance, register with both the State Department (US citizens) and International SOS. Students, particularly, undergraduates who wish to do research abroad may have many options through CU Denver’s Field Schools and the study abroad provider network. Please visit with a Study Abroad Advisor for more information.

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