The document describes the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: Focus in International Service-Learning & Leadership (MAIS) program. The 18-month program is a collaboration between Portland State University, the University of Technology in Jamaica, and Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in Mexico. Students take courses in intercultural communication and complete volunteer service placements in two countries, focusing on leadership and social services. The program begins in the US and includes a term abroad in either Jamaica or Mexico, combining academic study with hands-on experience in diverse cultural contexts.

1. ipSL The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership
Portland State University, USA
2009–10
University of Technology, Jamaica
PROGRAM
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Mexico
M.A. in Interdisciplinary studies: focus in
Theory &
international service-learning
practice
in 2 nations
& leadership
Overview
T he Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: Focus in International Service-Learning & Leadership
(MAIS) program integrates rigorous academic study with substantive volunteer service in two
nations, giving students opportunities to test theoretical knowledge through hands-on, practical
experience in different cultures.
The MAIS program prepares skilled professionals to take on leadership roles in agencies serving
the needs of diverse populations on the local and international levels. Special focus is placed on
understanding service and leadership in international settings, where the laws, traditions, economies,
and social institutions differ from those in the U.S.
Program Design
The MAIS program is an experiential learning program that blends the study of intercultural
communication, social issues, service delivery, and inclusive leadership approaches with active
engagement in service. IPSL partners with universities and agencies in the U.S., Jamaica, and Mexico, to
give students varied perspectives on their intercultural and international experiences and studies.
The curriculum is designed so that students can gain capacity for intercultural engagement and a
set of competencies in providing service and leadership for agencies and programs providing social
services to diverse populations. The threads of serving, leading, learning, and reflection are woven
throughout the program so that students are consistently given opportunities to test theory with
practice and to reflect on their experiences serving in the community.
The program begins at Portland State University (PSU), in Portland, Oregon, one of the most civically-
engaged universities in the United States, for summer and fall course work and service placements.
For the spring term, each student chooses to serve and learn at either the University of Technology
in Kingston, Jamaica, or at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Mexico. (Spanish language
ability is required to go to Mexico; see ipsl.org for details.) All students return to PSU for the summer
and fall terms. The program takes 18 months to complete.

2. MAIS: FOcuS In InTeRnATIOnAl SeRvIce-leARnInG & leADeRShIP
AcADeMIc ScheDule Service Opportunities
The program begins in July 2009 in Portland with intensive In Portland, students will have opportunities to serve in agencies
instruction in intercultural communication theory and practice that serve diverse populations, both domestic and international, in
at the internationally-known Summer Institute for Intercultural areas such as refugee resettlement, special education, international
Communication. Students then participate in an intensive disaster relief, community services, public health, and environmental
orientation seminar, learning about the theory and practice of restoration.
service-learning and experiential learning in general, and being
introduced to some of the practical issues of the program. In Jamaica or Mexico, areas of service include education, health
care, and community development. Students have served with
During the fall 2009 quarter at PSU, students serve in the Portland international organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the
community; engage in structured reflection on their service, International Red Cross, as well as with smaller, local organizations
including an analysis of their host agency; and learn techniques such as the YMCA, educational institutions, prisoner rehabilitation
and ethics of qualitative research, linking with a potential thesis initiatives, and homes for young single mothers. The service may be
advisor. They also take course work in inclusive leadership and direct human care such as assisting orphans or the disabled, or it
service-learning. might draw upon and develop organizational and leadership skills,
such as designing educational programs for children or assisting
in the development, implementation, or running of social service
In January 2010, students move to Jamaica or Mexico to continue
programs of all kinds.
their studies, engage in service, and live in a homestay with a local
family. Students again reflect on their service and analyze their host
agency, this time in a different culture and nation. Students take
housing
courses that help them understand the social, cultural, political, and
historical realities of their host nation, and work on their research
W hile in Portland, you may choose to live in a dormitory, a private
with assistance from a local adviser and through distance learning
apartment, or a homestay. In Mexico or Jamaica, you will live in
with PSU.
a homestay with a local family, who introduces you to family life in
the culture and provides some of your meals.
In summer 2010, all students return to Portland, where they
continue their studies and engage in another service placement.
Tuition & Fees
They remain in Portland through the fall 2010 quarter, continuing to
serve and to work on their theses while taking a capstone seminar
together as a cohort. An elective in a special area of focus may be
S ee ipsl.org for tuition and fees for the 2009-10 program and for
possible during this term.
information about financial aid.
PSU awards credit for the demonstrated academic learning done at
Application
the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication and recognizes
all studies completed in Mexico and Jamaica. Upon successful
completion of the program, students are awarded the Master of Arts
A pplications will be available in October 2008, and may be
in Interdisciplinary Studies from Portland State University.
submitted through PSU. Check ipsl.org in the fall for more details.
Applications are due February 1, 2009.
“It is one thing to study abroad, learn about a
Questions?
culture and see the sights. It is quite another thing
M
to go beyond the temporary, visiting tourist status ore details on the program will be posted at www.ipsl.org in
August 2008. Feel free to contact IPSL at (212) 986-0989 or
and collaborate with a community that will receive info@ipsl.org to discuss details of the program and the application
and financial aid processes. We welcome your inquiries.
you as one of their own.” — MAIS alum
ipSL.org
© 2008 The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership