Service Learning

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.