CET has cultivated partnerships with many local organizations and worked together with them to design a service learning experience that allows for extensive interaction with the local community. Participating in a CET service learning placement allows students to:
Have additional opportunities to practice and refine growing language skills
Deepen understanding of Vietnamese culture and society
Learn more about and practice skills needed for working collaboratively in a regional and a global context
Strengthen capacity for cross-cultural understanding and communication
Form valuable relationships with local persons and organizations
Contribute in a positive way to the host community
Many past CET students have said that the time they spent with their placement was one of the most valuable aspects of their study abroad experience. Especially, it allows for a level of interaction and practical experience that it is hard to achieve in the traditional classroom, and thus supplements and complements CET's rigorous academic program very well.
If students choose to complete a formal service learning placement with one of CET's existing partners, they will be given pass/no-pass credit on their final transcript. In order to receive a "pass" for a placement, the following requirements must be completed:
Submit a resume, cover letter and complete an placement interview with prospective organization
Establish a regular work schedule with your organization
Work at placement location for a minimum of 6 hours per week
Receive positive feedback about your reliability, attendance, and contribution to the organization from the participating partner (in the form of a midterm and final review)
Complete a midterm and final placement experience evaluation
Participate in periodic group meetings to discuss placement progress and issues
Complete biweekly updates on your placement
Write a 3-5 page final essay upon completion of placement, due to CET office by 5 p.m. on the final day of the program
Students should consider carefully their semester schedules before choosing to participate in an service learning placement, and before deciding upon their weekly work schedules. Service learning placements are a big responsibility and a great privilege, and CET's partners work hard to develop placements for students, and will expect students to remain faithful to their placement commitments throughout the course of the semester.
For a list of placement opportunities, please click here.
1920 N Street, NW, Suite 200 - Washington, DC 20036 - (800) 225-4262 - cet@academic-travel.com