About LPI Global Impact
LPI Global Impact programs offer a challenging month-long experience in Guanajuato, Mexico or Heredia, Costa Rica. Students are immersed in the foreign language and culture through academics, activities and excursions as well as through their participation in volunteer service projects. These projects expose them to the challenges facing the local community and allow them to make a positive impact. Programs include two weeks of academic Spanish language and culture coursework at a fully-accredited foreign university followed by two weeks of volunteer service projects in the host city. Through LPI Global Impact, students earn college credit while securing valuable international experience and volunteer service hours.
Academic Information
All LPI Global Impact students will complete the LPI 2-Week July academic program in Guanajuato, Mexico or Heredia, Costa Rica, incorporating approximately 40-45 contact hours. Students in Guanajuato study at the University of Guanajuato while students in Heredia study at the Universidad Interamericana de Costa Rica. LPI Global Impact programs will accommodate students of various language levels. For more specific information regarding the academic portion of each program, please refer to the program information for the host city of your choice.
Volunteer Service Information
During the second two weeks of the program, LPI Global Impact students engage in volunteer activities with local organizations in their host city. The on-site LPI staff is always searching for the most deserving organizations and dynamic projects for its participants. Project development is done on a yearly basis and takes into consideration organizational needs, availability and participant skills and interests. Volunteer options generally fall into specific service areas. The list below includes examples of past projects.
- Ecology / Wildlife: national parks, zoo, nature preserve
- Social Work: orphanages, food bank, community programs
- Education / Sports: after-school programs, nursery/day care
- Urban Beautification: tree planting, painting, trash removal
- Museums: children's museum, art museum
Orientation
Students will fly into the appropriate airport for their host city where they will be met by the resident directors and other LPI students. The LPI staff will provide students with a brief introduction to the history and culture of the host country/city, while also letting students know what to expect with regards to living with a homestay, taking classes at their respective university, and adjusting to life in their host country. LPI Global Impact participants will also engage in multiple orientations specific to their program, which will include details pertaining to the volunteer service projects in their host city. These orientations will take place on a weekly basis throughout the duration of the program.
Eligibility
LPI Global Impact programs place students in exciting environments where their abilities are tested. Throughout the program, participants will face situations that will be challenging - both physically and emotionally. These programs will put students face to face with the realities of their host city while helping them grow personally through serving local communities. Although LPI will attempt to place students with organizations where their specific skills are utilized, this may not always be possible. Therefore, students must exhibit flexibility, maturity, a strong work-ethic, adaptability, and motivation. Furthermore, it is vital that participants and parents recognize that the service projects are designed to serve the interests of others, not the interests of the students. Open-mindedness and a willingness to serve are essential requirements for LPI Global Impact students.
All LPI Global Impact students must have at least two years of high school Spanish or the equivalent and must demonstrate an acceptable overall academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA preferred). By the program departure date, students participating in Mexico must be at least 15 years of age. In Costa Rica, students must be at least 16 years of age
Program Locations
For more specific information regarding the LPI Global Impact programs, please click on the links below for the host city of your choice
Guanajuato, Mexico
LPI Global Impact in Guanajuato, Mexico
More about the city of Guanajuato
Heredia, Costa Rica
LPI Global Impact in Heredia, Costa Rica
More about the city of Heredia
Program Application
Each LPI Global Impact group will consist of a maximum of 15 students. Program applications received by LPI are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students meeting the qualification requirements will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. To be considered for one of the LPI Global Impact programs, students must complete and submit the LPI Program Application and supporting materials as well as the LPI Global Impact Skills Assessment prior to the application deadline.
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