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Young adults volunteering on a community building project, mixing cement and dirt with shovels.

Study. Serve. Engage.

Study abroad and community engagement come together to make the most of your international experience.

Young adults volunteering on a community building project, mixing cement and dirt with shovels.

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.

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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.

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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.

Global Community

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

Find your perfect fit

Program Type
Country
Area Of Study

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.

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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.