Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LearnServe Abroad Program is temporarily paused. 

LearnServe Abroad Response to COVID-19

Get Acquainted

Summer 2018...

In Jamaica, our students and their peers created and tested labels for a partner social enterprise’s business empowering young mothers to sell jam.  In Paraguay, students convened a hackathon with local youth and organizations, tackling challenges of urban planning and access to technology in local indigenous communities.  In Zambia, students worked with a partner school to conduct workshops about sex education.  In South Africa, students and their peers co-designed a student governance structure for a local partner organization.

LearnServe Abroad invites high school students from across the DC area to work closely with their peers in Jamaica, Paraguay, South Africa, or Zambia to imagine and implement relevant, practical volunteer projects. We offer a global perspective on social innovation, developing students’ design thinking and leadership skills in the process.

Our students work alongside dynamic community leaders and social entrepreneurs, to deepen their understanding of local solutions to global issues. They immerse themselves in the day-to-day life of their host country, and support organizations making a difference in health, education, environment, and economic development. Our students reflect on the implications of their work in their own communities, and raise awareness about global issues upon returning home.

South Africa

South Africa

Students from Eastern Senior High School pose with a bench they built for the The Homestead's campus in Khayelitsha on the first LearnServe South Africa trip in 2017.
Zambia

Zambia

LearnServe Abroad student reads to children at the Chikumbuso Women & Orphan’s Project in Lusaka, Zambia.
Paraguay

Paraguay

LearnServe Fellow ‘17 and Abroad student ‘17 Morgan M. (right) paints playground tires outside a primary school in Santa Ana, Paraguay with our in-country partners.
Jamaica

Jamaica

LearnServe Abroad student (right) listens to a presentation on a banana plant in Jamaica.

Get Involved +

Students in grades 9, 10, and 11—as well as teachers—are eligible to participate in the LearnServe Abroad Program.

For Students: We accept applications from the DC area only on a rolling basis, beginning December 1st each year, and ending February 1st. Upon completing the online application, prospective students will be contacted for a short phone interview, and will be requested to provide a reference letter from a teacher of their choice.

If at least one student from your school has registered for a LearnServe Abroad trip, you can apply to join a LearnServe trip. Interested in nominating your students for a LearnServe Abroad opportunity? Traveling with a group of your students? Or designing a custom international experience for your school? Email info@learn-serve.org

How it Works

LearnServe Abroad is an 8-month program centered around a 3-week experience overseas.

Preparation: Travelers meet biweekly throughout the spring semester, beginning in March, to prepare for their summer journey. They learn about the host country, international development, human-centered design, and cross-cultural communication as they plan for their work in country.

Travelers spend 3 weeks in country, from late June to early July, participating in service projects planned by host organizations or jointly designing projects through a human-centered design process.

Post-Travel: Travelers meet 3 times during fall semester to reflect on their experiences, prepare and practice public presentations, and design action plans inspired by their work abroad.

Cost: Program costs vary by destination. Needs-based financial aid is available on a first-come first-served basis. Questions about trip costs? Email LearnServe Abroad Director Sabine Keinath.

For Our Community

Are you currently part of LearnServe Abroad? Stay up-to-date with the meeting schedule, deadlines, assignments, and supplemental materials. We’ll see you at the next LearnServe event!

Have a question?Email Director of LearnServe Abroad Sabine Keinath.