Contribute. Learn. Serve.
Our community engagement programs, formally known as service-learning, provide a unique opportunity to learn from community leaders, experts and changemakers serving their own communities. Our guided, reflection-based curriculum will help you think critically about community development and civic engagement in a local and global context. Through our diverse program offerings and global network of over 100 community partner organizations, you get decide where and when your global learning experience will begin.
Contribute on a local level
Participate in ongoing projects identified by our host organization and become part of the local 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.
Discover our community opportunities
We offer placements across six community sectors, with services spanning different areas of engagement.
- Community Development
- Education & ESL
- Environment
- Family & Youth Development
- Health
- Human Rights
Explore what's possible through community engagement
Explore these programs for a chance to gain meaningful connections with local communities through hands-on experiences.
What's included
Your program fee covers all the essentials, so you can focus on your experience. You’ll be responsible for your flights, meals, books, personal spending, travel insurance, and your international cell phone plan. Don’t worry—we’ve got a budgeting worksheet to help you plan ahead!
Community Placement
Advising & Support
Community Engagment Course
Optional Academic Credit
Cultural Activities & Excursions
Local Team Support
Housing & Internet
In-Country Orientation
24/7 Emergency Assistance
International Insurance
Mental Health Support
Career Resources
Earn academic credit
You'll 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:
- 4-week program: 2 credits, $275 (90 hours)
- 6-week program: 3 credits, $275 (135 hours)
- 8-week program: 4 credits, $375 (180 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.
Meet our community partners
Explore some of the community engagement placements students have loved, all offering unique opportunities to learn from and 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 providing support for 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
Gardening and outdoor projects as well as language and music classes allow students with many interests to contribute to this large community organization.
Ready, Set, Let's Go
Taking the first steps toward your adventure abroad is as easy!
Explore & Apply
Work with our Program Advisors to determine the best location for you. Our programs are available to anyone who meets the following eligibility requirements.
- You must have graduated high school by the start date of the community engagement program.
- You must be at least 18 years old by the start date of the program.
- When applicable, you must meet the minimum language requirement.
Submit an online application to gain access to your student portal and complete all application items. We always consider your preferences, experiences, and program goals, but a lot goes into placing you with a community partner organization, like language level and availability. So, when you're applying, you will select the top three organizations or community sectors where you'd be comfortable serving.
Advising Session & Placement Confirmation
After you’re accepted, our placement coordinator will schedule your advising session to discuss your program goals, placement preferences and review expectations and our community engagement course.
If you’re placed in a Spanish-speaking location, you’ll also have a five-to-ten-minute oral language assessment. We then work with our resident team to confirm your placement about 4 weeks prior to departure.
Get Ready for Your Adventure
One month out: We'll give you detailed instructions on how to book your flight and submit your flight itinerary. We will also provide your placement confirmation to review and sign.
A few weeks out: Join a virtual Pre-Departure Orientation where you’ll meet the other students in your program and your Resident Director and get to learn more about both the service and academic components of the program.
Two weeks out: Get access to the online course to complete your pre-departure assignments and access your student app for more details about your arrival.
Let the Journey Begin
Your experience abroad starts now! Meet our team at the airport and start making memories on day one.
Want to study while serving your community?
WorldStrides offers programs that pair academic courses with part-time community engagement opportunities. Check them out to find the right program for your unique wants and needs.
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.
Read stories from abroad on our student blog
Nature
Laguna Churup Vlog
Sustainability
Why I Participated in the Choose Earth Micro-Credential
Itinerary