When applying please note your preference for the Disability 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 Disability Advocacy Programs and Services in Swaziland is Greater Hope Swaziland, which is a non-governmental organization within Swaziland that works toward a vision where all children with disabilities achieve their utmost potential in life and are valued as full and equal members of the community. Within Greater Hope target communities, participants will work closely with Greater Hope Swaziland staff to develop advocacy projects aimed at integrating and improving the rights of people living with disabilities in Swaziland.
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 Greater Hope Swaziland 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
Accommodations
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 (April 2015)
- Presenting at an International Development Symposium (May-June 2015)
Program cost
We expect the program fee to be approximately $3,450*. Fees include:
- Room and board
- Pre-departure learning sessions
- Transportation to your placement**
- Orientation in Swaziland
- Debrief and workshop part way through your placement
- Re-entry debrief and public engagement facilitation
- Community partner management fee
- ISL program 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, your eligibility will automatically be assessed for the $1,500 International Service Learning Award.