Program Overview
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all UBC students. One to two placement spots are available.
Program Description
Meghshala is a vibrant organization located in Bangalore, India, with well over 20 young educators working collaboratively on curriculum and technology innovations to improve the education system, the effectiveness of teachers and the educational experience for children. They believe the most effective way to transform the Indian education system at scale is to empower the heart of the education system: the teachers.
Meghshala is both product (teach kit, teach app, etc.) and process (mentorship, guidance, teacher centred) focused. They have been collecting extensive data about the use of its products, teacher feedback and school performance – and are keen to gather deeper meaning of the data to both inform their work but also to consider the impacts of their work.
The fall 2019 student or students placed with Meghshala will work with the design and implementation team to develop regionally contextualized materials to address pressing concerns in education. Concerns include preservation and transfer of knowledge of traditional saree weavers; environmental education addressing water shortages; and human-wildlife coexistence.
Students in this placement should be prepared to take initiative in understanding the organization’s intended social impacts while being embedded in its operations, innovation, and technological focus. They should be interested in working alongside a dynamic, high-energy team to address the challenge of delivering context-relevant curricula to underserved areas.
This placement is best for students interested in processes of systematic change and the challenges of intervening and measuring impact. Interns will engage with the team on day-to-day projects related to the work that Meghshala is undertaking. For example, the 2017 UBC team worked with Meghshala on the development of an app to connect teachers and further curriculum development and support.
Program Dates
| Date | Activity |
| August 11th, 2019 | Applications accepted until full OR until 11:59pm on August 11th |
| August/September | Orientation and pre-departure learning sessions (all successful applicants will be expected to be in attendance at all sessions) |
| September- December | 12 weeks of fieldwork in an International Service Learning placement |
| TBD | Re-entry debrief |
| **Please note these dates may be adjusted, but will be confirmed prior to offer. | |
Program Costs
The costs below are per student and are yet to be fully determined, but will be within the following ranges. Possible funding available through ORICE award.
| Location | Program Fee |
|---|---|
| India | $3,900 – $4,400* |
**Fees are subject to adjustment prior to offering the placement to the student.
Awards & Funding
Regional and International Service Learning Award
This $1500 award is open to eligible UBC students participating in this co-circular offering. Students from all faculties are eligible. Eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Completed 60 credits of undergraduate coursework (3rd or 4th year standing)
- Have a minimum GPA of 70% in the top 21 credits of the previous academic year. Priority will be given to students that have 75% in the top 27 credits of the previous academic year.
- Be enrolled in at least 24 credits in the current academic year or enrolled in maximum sufficient credits to satisfy graduation requirements if this is your final year.
When you apply to any eligible program, you will be automatically assessed for the Regional and International Service Learning Award. Admission to regional and international service learning programs is by application.