International Service Learning in the Developing World

Download 2017 program poster View 2017 Info Session Presentation

Global Impact is the Seattle Colleges students, faculty and staff, partnering with healthcare professionals, educators and community members, to deliver healthcare and other volunteer service in developing countries.

If you would like to DONATE funds to support Global Impact projects, including medical supplies, please complete this form.

Global Impact volunteers make a real difference in the lives of people in developing countries. In return, the lives of volunteers are enriched by the simple act of serving others — and learning to see the world from a different perspective. This experience is life-changing.

View video about 2015's Peru Quest.

See the Vietnam Village Trek page to view a World Nomads documentary.

View special web feature on Global Impact 2008.

Article: "Global Impact: Volunteer Opportunities for Family Physicians"

Are you ready to be a Global Impact participant?
Please read our list of goals for participants and for the "clients" we serve in developing countries. There are many challenges and rewards. There are many reasons why people choose to pay to volunteer.

"Healthcare providers must have a global perspective on the patient population since a large number of our patients are from other countries. Global Impact participants... will gain a better perspective on the health needs of a unique culture by immersing themselves in that culture."
Professor Mary Sitterley, Nursing Instructor, Seattle Colleges ( South campus )

HOW TO APPLY

1. These trips will run only after reaching our minimum enrollment. Book your flights as refundable or with cancellation insurance (available with most credit cards) OR wait until you have received confirmation from Seattle Colleges Global Impact that the trip is a "go" before you book your ticket.

   We typically know for sure about which trips will run or if we need to do a cancellation by mid-March. Sign up early so that your application will count toward this decision-making. If we need to cancel a trip, you will be offered the chance to switch a different trip or will have your deposit refunded.

2. There is a $200 non-refundable application fee that must be included with your application form in order to reserve your place. Deadline for applications is June 1.

   This fee will be refunded if Seattle Colleges cancels the trip or you are not accepted into the program you applied to join.  It will not be refunded if you do not receive a scholarship — or for any other reason.  Please do not apply if you may not be able to participate due to funds.

3. Limited scholarship funding is available for Seattle Colleges students with a deadline of April 15 .

   Students may be eligible to receive a Gilman Scholarship to fund their Global Impact trip. Please see your campus study abroad advisor for details and to submit an application.

4. Please note that your final fees are due by or at Orientation (June 24th). If you are mailing in a check, it must be postmarked by June 24th. There are no exceptions to this. We must submit payment to the providers in the host countries.
5. Participants are required to have emergency medical insurance (insurance which will cover you overseas and must include medical evacuation and repatriation of remains). The District offers a subsidized rate with iNEXT insurance for $33/year.
6. To those who are interested in receiving optional college credits that are available at each of the three colleges within Seattle Colleges, contact:
   
   • Virginia Gabby — (North Seattle)
   • Karen Kato — (Seattle Central) or
   • Kathie Kwilinski — (South Seattle)
   You will find out what courses you can register for in coordination with Global Impact programs.

   In addition, a 5 credit course is available to individuals who are NOT students at the Seattle Colleges. Students from a variety of educational institutions, healthcare providers and educators from K-12 often participate to meet CEU/clock hour requirements. Contact to learn more about this option.

   If you are a student from one of our partner institutions, please check with your study abroad office about the availability of a course to register for in concert with this trip.

7. Participants may find this Seattle Central on campus course excellent preparation for a Global Impact trip: HEA 225, Global Health, instructor Dr. Jay McClean-Riggs.
8. Date for Orientation and Training for all participants is June 24, 2017 ( this is a day-long orientation ) An additional program-specific orientation will be set and communicated to you by your group leader(s) closer to departure.
9. Ready to go?! If you've already decided to sign up, we recommend you look up language learning opportunities for the country you will visit. Here is a list of language learning resources for Vietnamese, and Spanish, or Hindi.

Students can obtain further information and/or registration through one of the program coordinators: