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IPSL Global Engagement

IPSL Global Engagement at Westminster University

4.69 Rating
16 reviews
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Why choose IPSL Global Engagement at Westminster University?

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 offers fully accredited graduate programs and credit bearing, custom service-learning and language learning programs in nations across the globe. IPSL invests over 83% of their revenues directly back into the communities where they serve. IPSL, the founder of Service-Learning, is a global education institute within Westminster University (https://westminsteru.edu). Westminster University and IPSL are dedicated to social justice, equity, and respect as fundamental components their mission and core values. In keeping with their tradition as educational pioneers, IPSL launched the Community Organizing and Social Activism (COSA) curriculum in 2017.

Founded
1981
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Frequently asked questions

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View from Ninh Binh
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Ha Long Bay Cruise with all of my new Worldwide friends.
Chinchiná, Colombia

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

IPSL is in solidarity with all summoned to action by the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many other black brothers and sisters. IPSL wants to be of service to you and communities around the world to bring justice and healing and further advance the goals we all share. ​We believe in the power of service to unite and strengthen communities.
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IPSL admits and does not discriminate against students of any sex or sexual orientation. IPSL is proud to support social justice movements around the world through our Service, Scholarship, and Love. Then, as now, we are called to resist and speak out for what is right. LGBTQ+ Rights are Human Rights
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IPSL provides equal access to our programs for academically qualified students with physical, learning, or psychiatric disabilities.
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IPSL admits students of any disability and makes available all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students. It does not discriminate on the basis of disability in administration of its educational policies and programs, admission policies, merit scholarships or other organizations-administered programs.
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Impact 🌎

IPSL works to lessen its carbon footprint on our increasingly fragile planet. Since study abroad can only take place by boarding a plane, IPSL contributes to sustainable projects in several countries whose efforts help mitigate the harmful effects of pollution and waste that result from traveling. In one academic year, IPSL can contribute funding to environmental organizations to offset close to 600,000 air miles flown by our students, staff, and faculty. In concrete terms, we remit funds to help plant trees around the world; those trees then absorb some of the harmful effects that result from our decisions.
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Since 1981, IPSL has facilitated over 471,000 volunteer hours in our partner communities, supported the work of hundreds of nonprofits and NGOs around the world, vigorously (and unapologetically) promoted social-racial-economic justice through service-based programming, research and publishing, scholarships/funding, and on social media. Recently, our organization launched new initiatives that will sustain our service-based mission into the future. At home, we maintain the same mindful practices by supporting local organizations that support the most vulnerable people. Large and small, every decision we make is about giving back and making our world a better and more just place.
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Reviews

Najwa
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Custom Service-Learning program in Hanoi Vietnam

IPSL Vietnam

Apr 21, 2025

Going to Vietnam was a great experience. I was not encouraged to do any particular country, but the IPSL director loved Vietnam and it seemed like a good fit with my love for history and Buddhism. I did a content course, which put me in a different structure than others. Sometimes that was a bit challenging, so for Vietnam in particular, I would recommend volunteering. Even then, the staff at CSDS was so kind and helpful. IPSL was as informative as they could be and I feel like I have relationships with both IPSL and CSDS. The excursions I took were great, too. I would go back to Vietnam to do more.

View from Ninh Binh
Alex
Male
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Custom Service-Learning Program in Cusco Peru

Amazing cultural and historical experience in Cusco

Mar 3, 2025

The IPSL program in Cusco was incredible. I learned so much about Inca Architecture, Spanish language, and Peruvian culture. Everyone involved was very friendly and supportive, especially my host family. Cusco is a beautiful city filled with so much life and history. There was a healthy balance between structured routine and freedom to explore. The architecture class was a highlight; I had the full attention of an expert on the topic, and every other class was a field trip to an important site.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca meat. The cuy was great! Alpaca was a bit tough.
Pros
  • Immersion in vibrant culture
  • Friendly people
  • Guidance through interesting educational subject matter
Courtney
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Custom Service-Learning program in Hanoi Vietnam

Hanoi Beautifully Busy

Dec 31, 2024

This amazing experience in Hanoi allowed me to meet wonderful people. See beautiful history, and embrace their resilience against those who imposed oppression on their people! See how they still showed grace when the tables turned.

The Women’s Museum is a must!!! It allows you to experience/understand the different ways how families/marriages are led. Gave beautiful accounts/depictions of women’s contributions to War/military very empowering to me as a woman! The multiple tribe clothing and jewelry show-casings were very beautiful. Buy something from the shop they have, something I should have done!

The adult/children’s home visit was very rewarding because one of them made designs by hand and she finally allowed me to do something after messing up 😂 She was very particular about how she wanted me to make them!!! I knew I was doing good when she walked away to do something else then came back with snacks and gave me the good job nod!!!!

The preschoolers/kindergarteners were so adorable watched them during lessons, joined in some activities then played paper rock scissors(had some competition 😂)

My time was well spent enjoying being able to see and learn about others’ strengths and resilience!!!!!!!

What was your funniest moment?
Getting lost while walking and deciding to go grab some food and magically found my way back 😂
Pros
  • Food so delicious
  • Multiple store fronts with just about anything you can imagine
  • People’s kindness
What other participants should know
  • Not making sure you have a full coverage poncho 😂
  • Traffic 😂 I’m a good driver but they are professionals!!!!
  • Almost hitting my head going up steps that wrap around if you are a lil tall😂 “watch your head”
Note Cafe
Response from IPSL Global Engagement at Westminster University

Courtney is the best type of IPSL participant! She took a risk and planted herself in a totally new environment and she thrived. As a "nontraditional" study abroad participant she wants people to know that anyone can have this experience.

By IPSL Global Engagement at Westminster University on January 6, 2025
Paige
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Custom Service-Learning program in Hanoi Vietnam

Bliss

Sep 24, 2024

I think that future participants should absolutely keep an open mind about how their experience will go and trust the people in charge. I never felt underprepared and whenever I had questions, someone was there to support me. My experience was unforgettable. I happy cry even months later thinking about it. I miss being in Hanoi, it is magical. It's amazing the culture you're able to expose yourself to. I am so happy that I went, absolutely you should go too! The staff will provide you with excursion ideas, you'll meet 20+ new friends from all over the world while you're there, depending on how long you stay, of course. I saw sights I never dreamed of, and felt so safe doing it all, I even took college classes while I was there which provided me with insight to the culture that surrounded me. I miss it every day.

What was your funniest moment?
A few of my friends and I were visiting the Golden Hand Bridge in Da Nang, and I took the silliest .5 picture of my friend; she and I laughed at this picture every time we saw it so hard until we were on the floor, literally, or coughing, or crying it was so dang funny.
Pros
  • The best friends you could ask for.
  • Solo trips or trips with new friends that you meet there!
  • Seeing other countries on your flight(s) over.
What other participants should know
  • It might be difficult or scary on your own navigating the airports since they're all in a foreign language, but don't be afraid to ask people questions in your native language, or pull out Google Translate (Lifesaver!)
  • It's hot during the Summer! Pack cool/breathable clothes.
  • Leaving was the hardest thing I had to do.
Ha Long Bay Cruise with all of my new Worldwide friends.
Tifany
Female
Mexico
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Custom Spanish Language and Volunteering programs in Spain

Chinchina, Colombia volunteering

Jul 9, 2024

My experience in Chinchiná, Colombia was like no other. The accommodations and assistance provided by Minga House and IPSL made my short time program amazing and unique. Highly recommended!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Inmerse in the culture, explore the town, practice your Spanish with the locals and try all the Colombian food!
Chinchiná, Colombia
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 3 of 3

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Emily E

Program
IPSL's Service-Learning Program in Cusco, Peru
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What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

Study abroad, or you will always regret it. College is the perfect time in your life to spend a few months in another country. It's such a transformational experience. Not only will you immerse yourself in another culture and maybe language, but you will gain so much confidence and independence by being on your own.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Take advantage of every opportunity presented! Also, see my review for all kinds of detailed tips.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

There was a huge traffic jam that last over 24 hours on the tiny mountain road on the way to the rainforest, where we had planned to stay a few days. Which seems like it would be a terrible experience. But we made friends with people from all over the world that were on the many buses surrounding us. We talked and played card games in a sheep farmer's field. The sheep became annoyed with us and started head butting us. We were laughing so hard as we ran away from the creatures we once thought of as adorable and harmless. We found another spot and continued talking with folks from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Israel, Argentina, and Canada. That hiccup in our trip turned out be a great experience. And of course, the two days we stayed in the beautiful rainforest were incredible.

What is the best way to prepare yourself mentally for the experience?

Go in without any expectations, good or bad. For me, it was much better to take things as they came. This way, you won't be disappointed or surprised. I'm a Type A person, but just taking it easy and enjoying and absorbing every moment turned out to be the right approach.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Dana Johnson

Program
Custom Service-Learning Program in Cusco Peru
Job Title
Lead Management and Director of Faculty Led Programs

Dana worked for 20+ years in the wine business. Her final position was with an Australian wine company, which she represented in five US states. The wine business treated her well (& she still loves wine) but she was looking for something more meaningful and found that in IPSL. She is grateful to be working with the awesome people at IPSL as well as loving her interaction with students, faculty and site directors around the world!

What is your favorite travel memory?

I have had the good fortune to do a lot of traveling in my life. I have loved every trip that I’ve taken but perhaps my first, as a foreign exchange student to Turkey, has left the biggest imprint on my heart. It opened my eyes to our world and taught me a lot, including things about myself. I believe that it helped me become the person that I am today. While it wasn’t always a perfect situation, the frustrations, fears (& tears) and confusion, that I experienced, are never the memories that come to mind today.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have definitely been made more aware of the stresses that students are under (from school, family, general societal expectations) which has made me even more dedicated to helping them have the best study abroad experience possible.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Any time a student relays that an IPSL program has “changed their life”, “meant so much”, “opened them up for change”, “inspired them”, etc. and have continued to lead their life with service to others foremost in their minds…those are the best stories. And I’ve heard that a lot!!!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of many of IPSL’s programs around the world! And, I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. Each has its own highlights but it would be impossible to choose just one so I will say that Thessaloniki Greece, Cusco Peru & Cartagena Colombia hold a very special place in my heart. Our partners abroad are so awesome…I have always felt that I have not only departed a country with new insight and knowledge, I have departed having gained new friends.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Diversity in experience but commonality of beliefs & goals.

Professional Associations

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