UCI Experiential Learning Abroad

Committed faculty, staff and students at UCI have developed a number of opportunities for UCI students to travel abroad, in a group structure, for the purpose of having an experiential learning or service experience.  Examples are listed below.   Some are on-going and some have only occurred once, so far.  For more information, contact the specific program at the links provided.

UCI Costa Rica Program
The UCI Costa Rica program is an alternative spring break program focused on global sustainability and cultural immersion in the Costa Rican rainforest.  Learn about sustainability practices, engage in community service, and participate in a homestay. Contact:   Jennifer Gamble gamblej@uci.edu

Engineers Without Borders:  Costa Rica, Kenya
Engineers Without Borders - USA (EWB-USA) is a volunteer based non-profit organization committed to partnering with developing communities on engineering projects to help meet their basics needs. The UC Irvine Student Chapter is made up of students from all disciplines, from public health and education to business and, of course, engineering.  Contact: uciewb@gmail.com   Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ewbuci

Flying Samaritans UCI:  Mexico
Our purpose is to provide health care to people living in the rural areas outside of Tecate, Mexico. Once a month we open the El Testerazo Clinic in Baja California.  As a member, you may also experience the satisfaction that comes from an increased cultural awareness and a sense of teamwork through active participation.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2200334485/

Global Brigades:  Ghana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
Global Brigades is an international volunteer network of students and professionals who collaborate with local partner organizations serving at-risk communities to improve quality of life by implementing sustainable solutions.  UCI student groups participate during spring break and summer.
Contact:  globalbrigadesuci@gmail.com
Facebook:    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Global-Brigades-at-UC-Irvine/194118700661213?ref=ts&fref=ts

UCI India Initiative
UCI students and staff learn from and exchange with youth and leaders in Tibetan Buddhist community in India.

Olive Tree Initiative:  Israel & Palestine; Armenia & Turkey 
The mission of the Olive Tree Initiative is to promote conflict analysis and resolution through experiential education by providing students and community with the education, training and experiences needed to better negotiate and solve conflicts. We run yearly experiential learning trips to Turkey-Armenia (June) and the Middle East (Israel, West Bank, Jordan - September).  Contact:  info@olivetreeinitiative.org

Note to UCI faculty, staff and students:  If you lead a program that should be added to this web page please email the Study Abroad Center at studyabroad@uci.edu