Location
Multiple Locations +3
  • Chile
    • Viña del Mar
    • Valparaíso
  • Peru
    • Lima
    • Cusco
  • Costa Rica
    • San José
Subject Areas
Education Environmental Studies Health Sciences Service Learning
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Jun 20, 2024
Aug 26, 2024
0 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

We strive to provide diverse, affordable, meaningful, and ethical global service-learning opportunities. Through professional and personalized support, our goal is for each participant to meet our learning objectives of personal growth, intercultural competency, academic application, and civic engagement.

While service-learning in Latin America, surf in the South Pacific, hike up Rainbow Mountain, visit ancient Incan ruins at Machu Picchu in Peru, experience Viña's beautiful beaches & Valpo's historic port city while in Chile, and explore the pristine rainforests, gorgeous beaches, & impressive biodiversity while in Costa Rica.

We are dedicated to developing ethical and sustainable service-learning programs with the intention of forming mutually beneficial relationships while making a positive impact on the communities we serve. In bringing unique people and cultures together, we aim to promote an understanding of global issues!

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of our destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.
Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of our destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.
ISA by WorldStrides is devoted to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.
We are dedicated to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform ISA of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process. Please contact accessibilityteam@studiesabroad.com with questions or for more information.

Impact 🌎

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.
ISA by WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

Program Highlights

  • In Chile, we have unique placements including at people-facing organizations including a community center, centers for people with autism and a youth service center.
  • Service-learners in San José will have unique opportunities to serve alongside local professionals in health facilities, local schools, after-school programs, and more.
  • In Lima, earn about marine life, raise awareness about environmental issues, or work with at-risk youth to help local organizations better serve their communities.
  • Service-learners in Cusco can work with animal welfare and healthcare organizations.
  • Work with our partner organizations and alongside locals.

Popular Programs

ISA Service-Learning in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, Chile

Chile is one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America, known for its natural wonders and distinguished universities. Sister cities Valpo and Viña are located halfway down Chile's endless coastline. Viña is known for its modernity & beautiful beaches while Valpo is a historic port city known for its winding hills full of colorful buildings & breathtaking graffiti art. Serve with one of our host organizations & learn about local professionals about healthcare, social services, education.

ISA Service-Learning in San José, Costa Rica

Costa Rica's allure can be attributed to its impressive biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, environmental awareness, and great opportunities for adventure and ecotourism. San José is the political, economic, and cultural hub of Costa Rica. As one of the most advanced countries in Latin America in the areas of healthcare and education, service-learners in San José will have opportunities to serve alongside local professionals in health facilities, local schools, & after-school programs.

ISA Service-Learning in Cusco, Peru

Peru is the ideal destination for adventure seekers, with plenty to see and explore outdoors. Once the capital of the Inca empire, Cusco is nestled in the Andes Mountains at 11,000 feet. As you walk among the cobblestone streets of Cusco, you'll hear Quechua and pan-flute music. Cusco is one of our few service-learning locations where we have opportunities in all six of our community sectors: community development, education, environment, family and youth development, health, and human rights.

ISA Service-Learning in Lima, Peru

Peru's allure can be attributed to the country's incredibly diverse geography and the marvels of its ancient history. Lima is the ideal service-learning destination for participants who want to experience the culture and vibrancy of a large Latin American city while still having easy access to the country’s natural wonders. Service-learning participants in Lima can use their skills to serve in sectors like education, environment, family and youth development, and human rights

Program Reviews

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  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
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Default avatar
Estrella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Summer Studying Abroad

This summer, I had the privilege of studying abroad and participating in a service-learning program through International Studies Abroad by WorldStrides. As a first-generation student, studying abroad was never something I had seriously considered, nor did I see it as an option in my academic career. However, after stumbling across a flyer on my university campus, I knew I wanted to explore the opportunity.

I had the chance to study in San José, Costa Rica, from June to July. As a civil engineering and Spanish major, I wanted to enhance my professional skills and expand my network, which is why I chose Costa Rica. I enrolled in a Spanish course at Universidad Veritas, which was unlike any course I had taken back in the U.S. Instead of traditional exams, the course focused on research presentations, essays, and discussions. The knowledge we gained in class was reflected in our essays and presentations, which replaced the need for exams.

I would definitely encourage any prospective student who is uncertain about studying abroad to take the leap. The staff and students at Universidad Veritas were welcoming and supportive, creating a positive atmosphere throughout the campus. ISA offered amazing excursions that deepened my understanding of Costa Rica's culture and geographical landscape. The ISA guides and tour leaders were incredible, teaching us about the history, traditional dishes, plants, animals, and more. Every excursion was a fun learning experience and a chance to capture hundreds of beautiful photos.

My host family truly made me feel at home. They were the kindest, sweetest people I have ever met and ensured that my roommates and I felt comfortable and safe every single day. They were thoughtful about our meals, often asking for our breakfast and dinner preferences, and even bought us our favorite seasonal fruits. My host mom exceeded all my expectations, and she became an important part of my experience.

Not only did I meet amazing people, visit beautiful places, and try delicious food, but I also experienced significant personal growth. By the end of the trip, I realized I had become more independent and confident, even planning solo trips without feeling like an outsider. Self-discovery was an unexpected but valuable aspect of my study abroad experience.

If you're considering studying abroad but are unsure, this is your sign to go for it. The program coordinators in Costa Rica were some of the sweetest and most supportive people I have ever encountered.

Pros
  • faculty support by ISA & Veritas
  • Host Family was AMAZING
  • Excursions
33 people found this review helpful.

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