What to Expect

ISA Service-Learning programs are available to anyone who meets the following eligibility requirements:

• Must have graduated high school by the start date of the service-learning program
• Must be at least 18 years old by the start date of the service-learning program
• When applicable, participants must meet the minimum language requirement

Eligibility for specific placements is determined by host organization availability as well as the participants' resume, cover letter, and interview.
For programs with language requirements, eligibility is determined through an oral language interview conducted by phone upon receipt of your completed application.

Visa Requirements
There are specific eligibility requirements for some program locations due to immigration visa regulations. Please refer to the program location pages for more information.

Choosing a program: ISA Service-Learning requires flexibility. We always take participants’ preferences, experiences, and program goals into consideration; however, there are many variables to placing a participant with a community partner organization such as language level and host organization availability. When choosing a program location, it’s important to have at least three types of organizations or community sectors where you would be comfortable serving.

Application and placement process: Submit an online application when you have decided on a program location. Once your application is approved, you will gain access to your ISA Student Portal to submit your remaining application items. You will also choose your top three placement preferences at this time.

After acceptance, you will be contacted by our Placement Coordinator to schedule your Interview and Advising Session. Participants going to a Spanish-speaking location will also have a 5-10 minute oral language assessment. During this video call, you will share your program goals and expectations, discuss your placement preferences, and learn about service-learning concepts.

Our Placement Coordinator will then work with our Resident Service-Learning Coordinator to place you with a host organization. Placements are typically confirmed about 4 weeks prior to departure.

Preparing for departure: You will have a virtual Pre-Departure Orientation a few weeks prior to departure. During the orientation, you will meet the other participants on your program, your Resident Service-Learning Coordinator, and discuss both the service and academic components of the program.

About 2 weeks before you begin your service-learning experience, you will gain access to the online course and complete your pre-departure assignments. Keep in mind that all Service-Learning participants are expected to complete the Service-Learning Portfolio regardless of whether they are seeking credit for the program.

Read first-hand service-learning experiences on the ISA Student Blog for a student perspective of what to expect.

Working with Your Host Organization
Your host organization has agreed to accept you into their workplace. Your Service-Learning Coordinator will check in with your host organization supervisor periodically to ensure that everything is going well. The host organization supervisor will complete an evaluation of your work at the end of your program, which will be included in your ISA Service-Learning Portfolio.

You play an integral role in your success as well as the long-standing success of the service-learning program. You have volunteered to dedicate your time and energy to your host organization, and your host organization will count on you to keep your commitment. It is expected that as an ISA Service-Learning participant you are proactive, flexible, open-minded, punctual, respectful, responsible, patient, and communicative.

Reflection Assignments
You will continue to participate in your service-learning course throughout the program. This includes submitting online assignments and attending group discussions. Your course instructor will provide feedback and follow-up with you to ensure you are staying on track with your requirements and service hours.

Once your program is complete, we will provide you with re-entry resources including your Professional Development Toolbox. We keep you connected with the ISA Alumni community through social media, the ISA photo contest, and the opportunity to become an ISA Global Ambassador. Your Supervisor Evaluation and Certificate of Completion will be emailed about one month after your program end date.

If you have opted to receive a transcript from USF, your home institution will receive an official copy 2-3 months after your program end date.