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IPSL Master of Arts in International Development & Service (Directory Program)

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  • Locations: Cape Town, South Africa; Cartagena, Colombia; Guatemala, Guatemala; Hanoi, Vietnam; Medellin, Colombia; Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Calendar Year
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: IPSL: Study Abroad + Service-Learning 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Greek, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 5-grad student
Housing Options: Guest House, Homestay Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: African Studies, American Studies, Asian Studies, Caribbean Studies, Communication, Culture, Entrepreneurship, Gender Studies, Global Studies, Greek, Health & Human Services, History, Human Rights, Independent Study, International Business, International Relations, International Studies, Latin American Studies, Minority Studies, Peace & Conflict Studies, Peace Studies, Public Health, Service Learning, Spanish, Vietnamese Language & Culture
Program Type: Field Study, Internship Abroad, Study Abroad, Volunteer Abroad Click here for a definition of this term Program: Direct
Program Description:
12 Months-4 Terms-(1-4 terms abroad...it's your choice!) = 1 Grad Degree!
IPSL’s Master of Arts in International Development & Service (IDS)

Grad Calendar2

Graduate Programs with a Global Impact!
IPSL offers two international graduate programs: International Development & Service (IDS), and Community Organizing and Social Activism (COSA). Since 1994, IPSL graduate programs have been designed to meet the international demand for ethical leaders who can effectively engage and facilitate partnerships and empower communities. Students are prepared for careers with nonprofit, government, and community development organizations through an interdisciplinary program that combines rigorous academic training with hands-on skill development through volunteer service in several countries.
 
IPSL programs are founded on international partnerships that eliminate boundaries between academia and society, and intentionally attune students’ learning experiences to the challenges and opportunities of today’s world. Our unique educational environment is characterized by intellectual rigor through scholarship and practice, openness, reciprocity, creativity, the desire to make a positive difference, and the skills and determination for empowerment.

Flexible Start Dates!   
Grad Calendar 4 terms
Master's in International Development & Service (IDS)     
IDS is approximately one calendar year (13 months). Students may choose to spend 1, 2, 3 or all 4 terms abroad in IPSL partner communities in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. 

       Cohorts begin in September (Fall cohort), January (Winter cohort), April (Spring cohort) and July (Summer cohort). Students who pursue the IDS program take specific courses in development theory while abroad.

 
Experiential Learning via Service Placements
Hands-on volunteer service lies at the heart of IPSL's pedagogy. Students in our programs perform 10-15 hours of required volunteer service per week during each of the terms abroad.
IPSL students work in a variety of settings and students can choose their own agency (or multiple agencies) according to their interests. IPSL and its partners assist students in identifying placements and opportunities, and support students actively serving in the field.
Some recent volunteer opportunities include:
 
·       International Intergovernmental Organizations (e.g. United Nations)
·       NGO Empowering & Reintegrating Women in a Post-Conflict Society
·       International Relief and Development Agencies (e.g. Doctors Without Borders)
·       Urban Public Education Service Districts
·       Sustainable Development in Coastal Zones
·       Refugee Assistance/Education Center
·       International Student Services/Study Abroad Offices
·       Orphanage for Children Living with HIV/AIDS
·       Residential Facility for the Disabled
·       GAP Year International Service-Learning Organization
·       LGBTQ Youth Advocacy Center
·       Arts and Theatre Group Working with Disabled Adults
·       Animal Welfare for Homeless Populations
·       Residential Facility Assisting/Educating Sex-Workers
·       Women’s Reproductive Health Clinics
·       Community-Based Clinics in Underserved Regions
·       Centers for At-Risk Youth
·       Nonprofit Promoting Fair-Trade
 
Where Are They Now?
IPSL has an exemplary career placement record, and our students’ successes are self-explanatory; no other program provides students the opportunities to build their skills and professional network while they’re getting their graduate degree. IPSL provides students with significant support and guidance during the transition from school to career. This happens during the program, the Re-Entry Residency, and afterward. In addition, the IPSL team members often provide individualized career transition support. 

Our alumni find rewarding careers in government, higher education, State Department agencies, and non-profit agencies and NGOs addressing the world’s most pressing andchallenging problems.
A few examples of what IPSL alumni are working as:
 
·       Executive Director, NGO Fighting Human Trafficking (Washington, D.C.)
·       Event Coordinator, International Non-Profit (The Hague, Netherlands)
·       Field Director, Nature Conservancy (New Jersey)
·       Communications Senior Manager, Youth Development Nonprofit (Minneapolis)
·       Physician (New Orleans, LA)
·       Social Media Director, Nonprofit Specializing in Travel Development in Cuba (Portland)
·       Director of Communications, Disability Advocacy Organization, (Cambodia)
·       Grants Manager, International Education Non-Profit (New York, NY)
·       Program and Training Officer, Peace Corps (Washington, D.C.)
·       Service-Learning Program Director and Faculty, University (St. Louis, MO)
·       Founder and Director, HIV/AIDS Prevention NGO (India)
·       Program Manager, Non-profit Empowering Women (Minneapolis, MN)
 
What’s Included?
Program fee covers all tuition, lodging during the residencies in Portland, Oregon, room-and-partial board abroad, international airfare (restrictions apply), most fees (including graduation fee), orientations, professional development, career guidance, and service-learning placement and oversight for each term. It also covers emergency medical/evacuation insurance while abroad, and most enrichment activities/excursions for the three terms students are abroad.
  
What’s NOT Included?
Program fee does NOT cover meals during the short-term residencies at the IPSL Institute in Portland (2 weeks at the beginning and 1 week at the end), books, personal spending money, local transportation, and independent travel. Students are responsible for securing their own visas and any expenses related to obtaining visas or passports. Students are also responsible for any vaccines required for travel. Additionally, students must submit proof of insurance during the intensives in the U.S.

IPSL engages students, educators, and grassroots organizations around the world in hands-on service to promote equitable relationships, social justice, sustainable change, and a commitment to our shared humanity. 
IPSL, the founder of Service-Learning, is a global education institute within the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM.edu). They invest over 83% of their revenues directly back into the communities where they serve.