International Service Program

The International Service Program is a service-oriented program that allows Aggie students to live in Belize or Costa Rica for six weeks over the summer and participate in intensive community-based service projects for the people and environment of these countries.  The MSC L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness established this program in collaboration with the Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, School of Public Health, and College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University.

Goals

  • Provide students mainly from the health science, public health, environmental health, and other relevant fields of study with an intercultural experience via meaningful service to the government and needy citizens of Belize and Costa Rica.
  • Promote cultural understanding and respect among Aggies and the ISP countries’ citizens.
  • Foster problem-solving skills and critical thinking among Aggie students through real, hands-on international experience in the area of marine conservation, health, and agriculture.

Projects

Projects will take place in rural settings, and students will work in teams to plan for and complete projects assigned to them.  To prepare for their projects, students will work with a Texas A&M University or Texas A&M Health Science Center faculty member from their school, as well as attend seminars focusing on local life, security and cultural issues, marine conservation, healthcare, international healthcare, and other relevant themes.

Apply

All eligible students are encouraged to apply.  We want prospective participants to adjust, accept culture differences, and immerse themselves in the culture.  Please realize that this program is not a vacation; students are encouraged to fulfill the duties of that internship with the highest professional standards.  All participants are representatives of Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M Health Science Center and are to conduct themselves accordingly.  Those who wish to receive academic credit must make separate arrangements with their academic department.  Each prospective participant must take the initiative and make the most of this opportunity.

(Deadlines are printed on the applications.)

More Information

Note: Only students of Texas A&M University at College Station are eligible for this program.