When applying please note your preference for the Children’s Rights and Advocacy Programs and Services program.
Program dates
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| July – September, 2014 | Rolling application deadline – apply early as programs will close as they fill up |
| September 21st, 2014 | Final application deadline |
| October – December 2014 | Orientation and pre-departure learning sessions (multiple sessions – approximately 35 hours in total) |
| January 15th – April 10th, 2015 | 12 week international placement including a facilitated workshop approximately mid-way through |
| April – June, 2015 | ISL post-placement reflection sessions and public engagement event |
Program overview
The community partner for Children’s Rights and Advocacy programs in Swaziland is SOS Children’s Villages. SOS Children’s Villages is a non-governmental organization within Swaziland that will identify target communities to place UBC students. Within these target communities, SOS has partnered with community-based organization to build capacity in mutually identified areas. ISL participants will work with a SOS target community to address priority issues based on the local priorities. This may include assisting youth with job search strategies, SOS training sessions focused on strengthening families impacted by HIV/AIDS, assisting in SOS educational settings for children (including teaching) and developing regional advocacy programs with SOS staff.
This placement will require a high degree of initiative and problem-solving – you will be given the vision but will need to work closely with SOS staff to figure out how to work toward that vision, with very few resources. Ideally, you will enter this experience with a high level of problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn!
Leading up to your placement (Pre-departure)
Pre-departure learning sessions take place in the term before you leave for your placement; it prepares you for an intensive International Service Learning experience. During pre-departure you will:
- Create a learning & development plan and review with your ISL Advisor
- Explore learning topics at regular meetings with your placement team
Accomodations
You will be staying with host families in modest accommodations. In many cases you will need to take public transportation to reach your work site.
After you’ve returned (Post-placement)
After you’ve returned, you’ll regroup, reflect and work at unpacking the intensive experience you’ve had. The schedule of post-placement activities includes:
- A full day to debrief with advisors and peers (September 2014)
- Presenting at an International Development Symposium (October 2014)
Program cost
We expect the program fee to be approximately $3,450*. Fees include:
- Room and board
- Pre-departure learning sessions
- Transportation to and from your placement**
- Orientation in Swaziland
- Debrief and workshop part way through your placement
- Community partner management fee
- ISL project management fee
Airfare, visas and vaccinations are not included in the program fee. A return ticket to Swaziland costs approximately $2,000 – $2,500. You will be required to bring your own laptop.
*Fees may be adjusted prior to offer
**You will also need to arrange your own transportation from the project site back to the airport at the end of the placement
Awards
If accepted into the ISL program, you will be automatically assessed for the $1,500 International Service Learning Award.