IPSL
https://westminsteru.edu/academics/global-learning/ipsl-global-engagement/ipsl-global-engagement-guide.html|
|
IPSL is a program provider offering 28 abroad programs. Programs offered include Study Abroad, Internship, Volunteer, Intensive Language, Gap Year, Graduate Program, Research, and Online Program abroad programs in 22 countries such as Costa Rica, Vietnam, Guatemala, and Greece.
For over 40 years, IPSL Global Engagement at Westminster University has operated on a simple conviction: the most powerful education happens outside the classroom.
We're small by design. While other organizations measure success in enrollment numbers, we measure it in relationships — with partner communities, local nonprofits, and the students whose lives get genuinely changed by the experience. Vigorously and unapologetically, we've built every program around social, racial, and economic justice, and we've never stopped.
What does an IPSL program look like? It depends on you. Study abroad, language immersion, volunteering, internships, fieldwork, gap year, graduate study, research, preceptorships — our programs are built around the full range of what it means to engage with the world. What they share is depth: real connections with real communities, real work alongside local organizations, and real learning that follows you home.
"I learned more about the world and myself in those four months than I ever thought was possible. I absorbed the culture through the language, volunteering, the food, people, and utterly breathtaking geography. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget."
— Kyle S.
Since 1981, IPSL has facilitated over 471,000 volunteer hours across our partner communities and supported hundreds of nonprofits and NGOs worldwide. We reinvest an average of 83% of annual revenues directly back into the communities where we learn and serve. That's not a statistic we stumbled into — it's a structural commitment.
Our programs are founded on international partnerships that dissolve the boundary between academia and society, placing students inside the challenges and opportunities of today's world rather than at a comfortable remove from them. Intellectual rigor, service and practice, openness, reciprocity, creativity — and the skills to actually make a difference. That's the IPSL model.
"It was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and it wouldn't have been possible without the IPSL staff genuinely striving to make my dreams come true — as they do for each student who joins."
— Brenda H.
IPSL is small by choice, impactful by nature, and culturally sensitive by necessity.
For more information, visit our website at https://westminsteru.edu/academics/global-learning/ipsl-global-engagement/ipsl-global-engagement-guide.html
Study Abroad with IPSL
"How to be alone and try more new things, and how to live with a new family and learn about other cultures first hand "
Bella S Westminster University
"I learned so much about Inca history and its influence today on modern South American culture. It was definitely worthwhile. "
Alex R Westminster University
"It was absolutely worthwhile. I made so many amazing memories and great photos. I will always wish I was still living in that blissful moment."
Paige B Westminster University
"I learned so many things about the culture and how to live with a big language barrier. "
Alaina B Florida Gulf Coast University
"It was 100% worthwhile. Japan is a beautiful country and I would suggest anyone who has a chance should visit. "
Mansur D Westminster University
"I learned a lot about myself introspectively, I learned a lot about Greek culture and history, and generally, not a day went by while I was there that I didn't learn something new. It was so unique and so beautiful."
Kyra C Westminster University
"I gained a massive amount of confidence in myself. I learned a lot about finding the right place to share what I had to offer. I learned that my skills and experience were already valuable and could already help people, but only if I had the flexibility and the patience to meet them where they needed me. I learned that donating ..."
A student Westminster University
"I loved being immersed in Spanish language and learning about a culture that was new to me. "
Hannah J Westminster University
"Yes it was worthwhile......I gained my energy for life back."
A student National University of Natural Medicine
"I gained and grew so much on this trip to Greece. Besides the amazing relationships I built while there, this was the trip that segued into my international humanitarian career, which is what I'm doing now in Iraq. It was the experience of a lifetime, and I'll cherish it forever."
Brenda Hershey Roosevelt University
"I gained a better understanding on another part of the world. I honestly felt like a native after just a month there. The Greek culture is so welcoming and inviting. I made so many friends who I still keep in contact with it. At first I was apprehensive about going away for school, as I was the only person in my program, but I a..."
Danica Luc College of Mount Saint Vincent
"I gained an appreciation for the community of Ecuador "
Malinda Washington State University
"I certainly gained a deeper appreciation for other cultures and understanding of cultural relativism. My Spanish improved tremendously. It was absolutely worthwhile. "
Emily Evans Transylvania University
"The experience was liberating"
Juliana Danise College of Mount Saint Vincent
"I learned how to view the world from another perspective. I learned the beauty of adventure and courage. I learned overall how we all connect together on this planet and how much love can change people and the world, one step at a time."
Llocata Duran College of Mount Saint Vincent
"I gained a love for myself, my strengths, my language and skills"
Ashley Croker-Benn Duke University
"It was so worth it, it changed me as a person"
Nina Melkonyan St. Lawrence University
"I learned how to reflect on my home culture in a more worldly view. "
A student St. Lawrence University
"A new dose of perspective and appreciation for where my food comes from and how hard the local farmers and people work. 100% worthwhile. "
Katie College of Mount Saint Vincent
"I've learned a lot about myself, but mainly I've learned that you can never take anything for granted because (A) other people are either doing okay with less than you and (B) life moves faster than you can blink"
Kaitlin McGeown College of Mount Saint Vincent
"i can speak very good italian! it was absolutely worthwhile...i gained a sense of confidence and security and safety within myself that i carry with me now everywhere."
A student The Evergreen State College
"You should take nothing for granted. This entire trip and learning experience was certainly worthwhile."
Kaitlin McGeown College of Mount Saint Vincent
"Italian language skills, friendships with local Italians and Americans, unique experiences that still are asked about in conversation, the opportunity to truly experience life as an Italian."
Brianna Lyndell Lide University of Colorado - Boulder
"I gained the ability to speak Spanish and confidence. As a foreigner, I was put out of my comfort zone countless time and from that, I learned to embrace who I am and open myself up to others more. "
Selina Macias College of Mount Saint Vincent
"Worth it for sure. I learned a lot about how to live in a different culture and just how much culture infiltrates out everyday personalities and we don't even know it."
A student SUNY - College at New Paltz
