Study Service
Study/service programs provide students with a challenging and independent study abroad experience. These programs combine academic study and active participation with nationals in rural and urban settings through local organizations such as cooperatives, hospitals, schools, churches and community development centers. Students in study/service programs experience enriched learning through immersion in the local setting and make a direct contribution to the local community through a service project that is coordinated by the host institution.
Credit
Through the integration of service and study, participants may earn four to five credits for a semester and Interim program. The student must develop a course prospectus for each credit. Students earn one credit for their service project. The remainder of their credits are earned through independent study, course work or tutorials. Many study/service programs have a language component. However, with the exception of the program at Novgorod , all coursework, other than language courses, is conducted in English.
Each student's program is under the supervision and evaluation of a program adviser. The host agency abroad provides a program supervisor for the students.
Grades
Evaluation of the student's work is recorded on the transcript but not computed in the G.P.A., unless the course is graded by a St. Olaf faculty member. Students may choose to take these courses S/U.
Lutheran Theological University: Seoul, Korea
Late August to January
Campus Program Adviser: Kathy Tuma (Steensland Hall, first floor, x3228)
Students in the program assist in English language courses at Luther Theological University in Seoul , Korea , as teaching assistants and conversation partners. Students receive an intensive introduction to Korean culture and civilization and acquaintance with Korean church life. Courses and independent study are available in arts, history of civilization or independent study in aspects of Korean church life. Korean language study is an option. Faculty from Yonsei and Ewha Universities in Seoul are available to supervise independent studies. The program is open to one or two students per year.
Novgorod State University
Fall semester
Campus Program Advisers: Irina Walter (Old Main 12D, x3112) and Marc Robinson (Old Main 12B, x3160)
See program details in the Russia section of this brochure (p. 27).
Biology in South India
Late August to December
Campus Program Adviser: Anne Walter (Regents Hall NS 378, x3961) Mike Swift (Regents Hall NS 420, x3886) and Sara Fruehling (Regents Hall NS 384, x3273)
Sponsoring Department: Biology
India is a vast country with tremendous opportunities to study ecology and ways in which humans practice health care and interact with the environment. This fall semester program in India offers up to 10 biology and environmental studies students a chance to work on two independent research projects at several sites in southern India . Possible topics will be in the areas of rural health care, leprosy, and TB, as well as vector-borne diseases, molecular biology, agriculture, elephant/wildlife ecology, mountain ecology, medicinal plants, and sustainable development.
The program starts with a four-week study and orientation session in Chennai and a rural setting that exposes students to India and Indian life. These class sessions and field trips introduce India's history, philosophy, religion, music, customs and current politics, as well as the practical matters of getting around and getting along in India.
The program fulfills two biology electives, MCS-G and WRI requirements. Those students wanting Environmental Studies experiental or elective credit must request permission from the Chair of Environmental Studies in writing.
