The ISA Experiential Learning Abroad Program (ELAP) enables participants to address the needs of a community or an organization abroad while furthering participant’s personal goals of language and cultural immersion. ELAP adds another dimension to the study abroad experience through daily exposure and interactions, resulting in a greater understanding of the language, culture, and community of the host country.

Volunteering abroad through ELAP is very exciting, but it can be challenging at times since cross cultural miscommunications are inevitable in this environment. Personal initiative, patience and self-motivation are key characteristics of a successful volunteer, as well as flexibility, an open mind, and the desire to participate and learn. The program is designed to result in a greater sense of social responsibility and inspiration for continued involvement in a participant's home community upon his or her return. The program is also designed to encourage participants to learn about themselves, i.e. how to adapt in an unfamiliar environment, and thus experience personal growth throughout this intensely exciting experience.

At ISA we emphasize the value of commitment, and we believe that each participant will reap countless benefits throughout the program.

Minimum GPA

Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.

Minimum Admissions Prerequisites

Students must have completed or tested out of a minimum of four semesters (six quarters) of college-level Spanish, or the equivalent. Students must have completed at least 2 of these college-level Spanish courses within the past year.
Students who have only completed three semesters (five quarters) of Spanish will be required to enroll in the intensive 3-week Spanish course at the University of the Pacific, when applicable. Participants who are enrolled in this class will not be able to receive a transcript for hours completed unless enrolled in the following semester at the University of the Pacific.

In addition, an interview will be conducted in person or via telephone for those having only 3 semesters of Spanish or the equivalent, to ensure that participants have an appropriate level of Spanish.
Please contact the ISA office for more information regarding this.

Participants must be 20 years of age or older or have at least 2 years of college education.

Course Disclaimer

Course placement is often based on a placement test administered on-site.

In order for participants to earn internship, field study or independent study credit from their university, proper arrangements must be made between the student and his/her home university before the program begins. Typically, ELAP participants volunteer 10-30 hours per week. ISA provides support throughout this process.
For students who participate in ELAP independent of the study abroad program, the following information applies:

2 to 4 month programs: the volunteer will participate in an intensive week of Spanish language at the beginning of the program. Also, for certain start dates, volunteers may participate in an intensive 3-week course at the University of the Pacific. During this 3 weeks participants can volunteer during times that do not conflict with classes; during subsequent months, participants can increase their volunteer hours. The intensive 3 weeks of Spanish will include 45 hours of instruction (3 semester credits or 4 quarter units). You will not be eligible to receive an official transcript from the host university unless you are enrolled in the semester program following the 3-week program. Volunteers participating in one week of intensive Spanish meet with a tutor and will not receive a transcript for its completion. Price will be adjusted based upon this selection.