Spring International Hosts Pilot Program for Leadership, Community Service

Spring International Language Center at the University of Arkansas has been invited to host a portion of a pilot program for international graduates of the English Access Plus Microscholarship program.

Access Plus is a program sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs that provides scholarships for two years of in-country English language study to bright, economically disadvantaged students aged 14-18.

Access Plus program graduates then applied for the opportunity to attend this pilot program, administered by AMIDEAST, and comprising several components: an academic portion, leadership and teambuilding training, and a summer camp counseling experience, and a final program conference.

The selected program participants are visiting the University of A campus through June 26 to participate in the intense and challenging academic component of the program. Participants will take part in community service workshops and training to design their own projects they can implement in their home countries.

Examples of the community service component include a day volunteering with the Rebuild Joplin efforts in Joplin, Mo., attending an environmental day camp with the Illinois River Watershed Project, planting trees along the White River, and volunteering at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club and Lifestyles College for Living.

University of Arkansas students play an important role in this program as American Student Ambassadors, living in the residence halls and working alongside their international peers. This unique program will foster international partnerships and understanding as both Access Plus graduates and University of Arkansas students enhance their leadership skills, gain knowledge through service, and learn to solve problems within a group dynamic.

After departing the University of Arkansas, Access Plus graduates will then attend a three-day leadership and teambuilding training at School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vt., and then go to various summer camps around New England to serve as camp counselors for two weeks. The entire program will culminate in a conference in Washington, D.C., from July 15-17 where the participants will present their community service project ideas and return home with invaluable hands-on community service and leadership experience.