Service Experience in Latin America

Fairfield University offers short-term service experience in the field of Latin American and Caribbean studies. This program combines academic work with service that answers a community-identified need, and critical reflection. Experiential programs are usually offered in the summer during a four- to six-week period or during the winter intersession for a two-week period, and in a Latin American or Caribbean country.

The goals are: 1) to promote reciprocal connections among students and community members through service in the community; 2) to foster an awareness of the possibilities for social and environmental justice in accordance with Fairfield University fundamental components of Jesuit education; 3) to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to major concerns such as poverty, illiteracy, pollution, ethnicity, health issues, etc.; 4) to increase civic awareness and engagement.

Because the objectives of this experiential program entail a close correlation between academic learning and service site experience, the credits and grade that student receive will be ascribed by Fairfield University area faculty and on-site service supervisor. 3 credits.

LAC 295 counts toward the minor or the individually designed major in LACS.
LAC 295 may be also counted toward credits in International Studies, Spanish, Sociology, Communication, and others to be determined.

Eligibility
1. Be a Junior or Senior student and obtain approval from Director of the LACSP and a faculty supervisor.
2. Have at least a 3.0 overall Quality Point Average.
3. Submit a completed Service Experience Agreement Form (provided by the Study Abroad Office.)
4. Have the Service Experience application approved by the Director of the LACSP before registration for service learning credits.

Requirements
Students will perform the following duties:

1. 120 hours minimum of service for the four- to six-week summer program. 40 hours minimum of service for the two-week winter program combined with an on-line preparatory course prior to the service (15 hours + research) and discussion meetings with the faculty leader.
2. Keep a journal about the service experience. The key focus of the journal entries should be on the specificity of the service assignments. It should include such elements as work description and progress, development of knowledge, changes in student's attitudes, interactions with community, and other pertinent observations.
3. Create a portfolio of documents and artifacts from the service project. The portfolio could include samples of actual projects completed during the service experience, photos, reports, website information, and all documents explaining the services rendered by the organization and its operational context.
4. Write a 6-8 page reflective essay assessing the service experience to be submitted within four weeks after completion of service. The final paper will demonstrate the student's knowledge of the social, political, geographical, and economic context in which the service was performed. It will include critical reflections such as analytical observations, skills development, problem solving approaches, and personal growth.