Get the best of both worlds
Our Study + Community Engagement programs provide you the unique opportunity to take courses at a host university and connect with the local community through meaningful service projects with our partner organizations.
Take classes & build community
Take what you are learning in the classroom into the real world and become a part of your local host community.
Gain insight into social issues
Through hands-on experiences and reflection, you will face real social issues and learn about the local resources and initiatives working to address them.
Become a global citizen
Develop your intercultural communication, leadership, problem-solving and empathy skills to become a more active and engaged member of the global community.
Program options to fit your schedule
We offer semester, summer, and intensive month combo programs in select WorldStrides locations.
Semester: Your service schedule will be determined after your course schedule with the host university is finalized. On average, you will spend 5-10 hours per week at your service-learning host organization.
Highlights of Semester Study Abroad + Community Engagement Programs:
- Service completed part-time throughout fall or sprint semester
- Average 5-10 hours per week at your host organization
- Unique opportunity to engage with your host community while taking courses
Summer or Intensive Month: You will complete your study abroad program at your host university before beginning your community engagement experience. We add 4 weeks of full-time, community-engaged learning to the end of your study abroad program. You will confirm your service schedule during your last week of the study abroad program. On average, you will spend 20-25 hours per week at your host organization.
Highlights of the Summer or Intensive Month Study Abroad + Community Engagement:
- Take 4-6 weeks of summer or intensive language courses followed by 4 weeks of full-time community-engaged learning
- Spend an extra 4 weeks abroad!
- Average 20-25 hours per week at your host organization
- Improve your language skills and familiarize yourself with the culture before serving at a host organization
Get paired with a local organization
Explore some of WorldStrides' most popular placements across our network of local organization, all offering unique opportunities to contribute to your host community in meaningful ways.
Health Clinic
Cusco, Peru
Learn about healthcare in Peru through shadowing and observation in public or private health clinics.
Center for People with Autism
Galway, Ireland
Organize youth summer camps with this non-profit organization that supports individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Women's Development and Vocational Training Foundation
Meknes, Morocco
Assist Moroccan women and children through education, advocacy and vocational training.
Environmental, Cultural, and Recreational Park
San José, Costa Rica
Contribute to a large community organization through gardening and outdoor projects as well as language and music classes.
Find your perfect fit
Earn academic credit
All students participating in a community engagement program will be enrolled in our community-engaged learning course. This online course will provide you with a framework to reflect on your experience, learn about social issues affecting your host community, and demonstrate your professional and cultural competencies achieved during your time abroad.
Explore the following options to receive credit for your community engagement program:
Transfer Credit from University of South Florida (USF):
WorldStrides has partnered with USF to offer a transcript for all community engagement programs. Credit awarded will be based on completed service hours, reflection assignments and a supervisor evaluation. You will receive a letter grade and transcripts will be sent to your home university 2–3 months after the program ends. Each credit hour is based on 45 service hours.
- Semester: 1 credit, $275 (45 hours)
- Summer/Intensive Month: 2 credits, $275 (90 hours)
Credit for your home university:
Each university has a unique policy for granting credit, but many students have received “Independent Study” or “Special Topics” credit for their program. Talk to your advisor or department to find out what's possible.
Want to focus on serving your community abroad?
WorldStrides offers full-time community engagement opportunities, too. Check them out to find a program in a field you’re passionate about.
Get one-on-one guidance
Need some help picking your study abroad adventure? We have a dedicated team of advisors who will help you narrow down your choices, find the courses you need, and share more information on your favorite programs. Schedule a session with one our experts today.