The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership

Portland State University, USA

University of Technology, Jamaica

Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Mexico

Overv iew

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: Focus in International Service-Learning & Leadership (MAIS) program integrates rigorous academic study with substantive volunteer service in two

nations, giving students opportunities to test theoretical knowledge through hands-on, practical experience in different cultures.

The MAIS program prepares skilled professionals to take on leadership roles in agencies serving the needs of diverse populations on the local and international levels. Special focus is placed on understanding service and leadership in international settings, where the laws, traditions, economies, and social institutions differ from those in the U.S.

Program Des ign

The MAIS program is an experiential learning program that blends the study of intercultural communication, social issues, service delivery, and inclusive leadership approaches with active engagement in service. IPSL partners with universities and agencies in the U.S., Jamaica, and Mexico, to give students varied perspectives on their intercultural and international experiences and studies.

The curriculum is designed so that students can gain capacity for intercultural engagement and a set of competencies in providing service and leadership for agencies and programs providing social services to diverse populations. The threads of serving, leading, learning, and reflection are woven throughout the program so that students are consistently given opportunities to test theory with practice and to reflect on their experiences serving in the community.

The program begins at Portland State University (PSU), in Portland, Oregon, one of the most civically-engaged universities in the United States, for summer and fall course work and service placements. For the spring term, each student chooses to serve and learn at either the University of Technology in Kingston, Jamaica, or at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Mexico. (Spanish language ability is required to go to Mexico; see ipsl.org for details.) All students return to PSU for the summer and fall terms. The program takes 18 months to complete.

ipSL2009–10PROGRAM

international service-learning& leadership

M.A. in Interdisciplinary studies: focus inTheory & practice

in 2 nations

“It is one thing to study abroad, learn about a

culture and see the sights. It is quite another thing

to go beyond the temporary, visiting tourist status

and collaborate with a community that will receive

you as one of their own.” — MAIS alum

MAIS : FOcuS In InTeRnATIOnAl SeRv Ice-leARnInG & leADeRSh IP

AcADeMIc ScheDule

The program begins in July 2009 in Portland with intensive instruction in intercultural communication theory and practice at the internationally-known Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication. Students then participate in an intensive orientation seminar, learning about the theory and practice of service-learning and experiential learning in general, and being introduced to some of the practical issues of the program.

During the fall 2009 quarter at PSU, students serve in the Portland community; engage in structured reflection on their service, including an analysis of their host agency; and learn techniques and ethics of qualitative research, linking with a potential thesis advisor. They also take course work in inclusive leadership and service-learning.

In January 2010, students move to Jamaica or Mexico to continue their studies, engage in service, and live in a homestay with a local family. Students again reflect on their service and analyze their host agency, this time in a different culture and nation. Students take courses that help them understand the social, cultural, political, and historical realities of their host nation, and work on their research with assistance from a local adviser and through distance learning with PSU.

In summer 2010, all students return to Portland, where they continue their studies and engage in another service placement. They remain in Portland through the fall 2010 quarter, continuing to serve and to work on their theses while taking a capstone seminar together as a cohort. An elective in a special area of focus may be possible during this term.

PSU awards credit for the demonstrated academic learning done at the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication and recognizes all studies completed in Mexico and Jamaica. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Portland State University.

Serv ice Opportunit ies

In Portland, students will have opportunities to serve in agencies that serve diverse populations, both domestic and international, in areas such as refugee resettlement, special education, international disaster relief, community services, public health, and environmental restoration.

In Jamaica or Mexico, areas of service include education, health care, and community development. Students have served with international organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the International Red Cross, as well as with smaller, local organizations such as the YMCA, educational institutions, prisoner rehabilitation initiatives, and homes for young single mothers. The service may be direct human care such as assisting orphans or the disabled, or it might draw upon and develop organizational and leadership skills, such as designing educational programs for children or assisting in the development, implementation, or running of social service programs of all kinds.

hous ing

While in Portland, you may choose to live in a dormitory, a private apartment, or a homestay. In Mexico or Jamaica, you will live in

a homestay with a local family, who introduces you to family life in the culture and provides some of your meals.

Tu it ion & Fees

S ee ipsl.org for tuition and fees for the 2009-10 program and for information about financial aid.

Appl icat ion

Applications will be available in October 2008, and may be submitted through PSU. Check ipsl.org in the fall for more details.

Applications are due February 1, 2009.

Quest ions?

More details on the program will be posted at www.ipsl.org in August 2008. Feel free to contact IPSL at (212) 986-0989 or

info@ipsl.org to discuss details of the program and the application and financial aid processes. We welcome your inquiries.

ipSL.org© 2008 The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership