When applying please note your preference for the B.Ed practicum.
Program dates
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| September 28, 2014 | Deadline to apply |
| October 1, 2014 | Interview date for placement. You must be in attendance at the interview day for a combination of group and individual interviews. |
| January – April 2015 | Orientation and pre-departure learning sessions (multiple sessions) |
| April 27- May 15, 2015 | International placement |
| Upon return 2015 | ISL post-placement re-entry debrief and public engagement conference |
Eligibility
Open to B.Ed. UBC Vancouver students focusing on early primary education (pre-school-grade one) and Special Education teachers in training.
Program overview
Community Partner
Little Rock IECD Centre is a new partner for UBC International Service Learning programs but has been working in the Nairobi neighborhood of Kibera since 2003. Little Rock IECD Centre offers inclusive early childhood education programs for around 320 vulnerable and disabled children in the area who attend the kindergarten schooling and 250 graduates who attend the after school program, addressing the need for a strong start to education. In addition to the general education program, the school offers inclusive programming for children in the community who are deaf and are living with special needs, such as autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, mentally challenged and others integrating them into the school system and providing occupational therapy. The school also provides programs such as, Nutrition care, the After School Program, Day care, Income generating activities and a Mentorship program. The school’s vision is, “An inclusive society where all children are given equal opportunities in early childhood education for a better life and impacting the community positively.”
Placement
You will work with teachers in various aspects of the program assisting with the inevitable challenges of working in the context of education in an informal settlement and impoverished area. You will do this through classroom teaching and planning with the school staff. Furthermore, you will work with the teachers and students in the afterschool program tutoring grade school students, who are Little Rock Academy alumni. You may also provide assistance to the Occupational Therapist who works on site.
Student teachers should prepare to be flexible in work hours, some days may include regular classroom teaching, and other days may include breaks during the day and tutoring at the end of regular school hours.
Leading up to your placement (Pre-departure)
The pre-departure learning program is designed to prepare you for an international service learning placement. This will include:
- Pre-departure learning sessions taking place over the academic term leading up to departure
- Creation of a learning and development plan, reviewed with an ISL Advisor
- Participant-led events/ presentations
- Facilitated meetings with your placement team to explore learning topics
Living environment
You will live with host families in modest conditions in the Ayany neighborhood. You will likely be able to walk to and from your placement, and in some cases, will take public transport.
After you’ve returned (Post-placement)
After you’ve returned, you’ll re-group, reflect, and work at unpacking the intensive experience you’ve had. The post-placement activities you will participate in include:
- A full-day to debrief with advisors and peers
- Presentation at a public engagement event
Program cost
We expect the program fee to be approximately $1,900*. Fees include:
- Pre-departure learning sessions
- Room and board
- Transportation to your placement**
- Orientation in Kenya
- Community partner management fee
- ISL project management fee
*Fees may be adjusted prior to offer.
** Airfare, visas and vaccinations are not included in the program fee. Flights to Kenya generally range between $1,500 – $2,000.
Awards
If accepted in to the ISL program you will be automatically assessed for eligibility for the $1,500 International Service Learning Award.
Application Dates
Now accepting applications for the 2014 program. Intake will occur through an application and interview process.
Application deadline: October 1, 2013