Purposeful Pathways: A Gap Program to Discover Your Passion and Empower Global Communities
Purposeful Pathways: A Gap Program to Discover Your Passion and Empower Global Communities
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Are you wondering about what’s the right pathway for your future?
Consider taking some time for you, while also having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate.
Three Carlow students
Ugandan boat ride
Take a break, go somewhere new
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Serve in Uganda, be transformed
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A Gap Program to Discover Your Passion and Empower Global Communities
Through our 14-week program, you will get back in touch with what matters most for you, experiencing campus life and real-world service learning in Uganda, Africa. Not only will you gain new friends, strengthen your leadership, team-building and problem-solving skills, but this transformational opportunity may be just the break that will change the course of your life for the better.
Experience campus living and a structured self-reflection learning program focused on reinvigorating your passions and your purpose in life
Serve alongside your peers, through service-learning projects in the fields of education, healthcare, social justice and more
Benefit from onsite counseling to help you discover and process your strengths, interests and skills throughout your experience
Minister to the needs of Ugandans, igniting your global perspective of the ways in which you can best serve yourself and the world around you
Doctor consulting her female patient. Patient and doctor sitting in office. Diagnostic, prevention of women diseases, healthcare, medical service, consultation or education, healthy lifestyle concept
Session:
Aug. 25-Dec. 10, Uganda: Oct. 10-Nov. 10
Group size:
15, ages 18-25 2 faculty mentors
College credits:
3; additional credits optional
Scholarships:
Limited number available
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
Apply by May 31 and receive a $500 credit towards the program cost once accepted.
You will begin your self-discovery living on Carlow University’s charming, urban campus in the heart of Pittsburgh’s exciting Oakland area. Each week focuses on a different topic related to global factors, social injustices and their affects to stretch your perspective and prepare you for your adventures abroad in Uganda, Africa. During these six weeks, you will serve and gain experience in the local Pittsburgh, PA region.
Next, you apply what you learned, sharpen your problem-solving skills and make positive contributions through service and volunteer opportunities at Ugandan schools and health care clinics.
One of your guides and mentors abroad will be Global Center Director, Susan O’Rourke. She has led study abroad programs for decades and is committed to helping you become immersed in the Ugandan culture with amazing moments and adventures. Alongside Susan will be a counselor available to students, both are trained in healthy relationships, stress management practices and study-abroad protocols.
Serve, Learn & Volunteer
Volunteer (provide tutoring and engage in fun learning activities) at Noah’s Ark School for Children with Disabilities in Entebbe
Participate in service projects (plant orchards and tend to school gardens) for Bright Kids Uganda on Lake Victoria Island
Serve (provide instruction and adapt learning materials for children with disabilities) at Silver Memorial Inclusive Community Learning Center (SMILE) in Opucet
Assist with vision assessments and distribution of donated eye glasses for seniors and school children
Meet a New Culture
Hear inspiring life stories from locals, young and old; learn about their history including the effects of living as a British colony and subsequent years of conflict
Become familiar with local customs and their challenges
Interact with people living in remote villages without access to electricity, clean water, phones or computers
Prepare, taste and eat authentic Ugandan food
Take amazing adventures
Visit the source of the Nile River and go white water rafting
Take a hike to the tallest waterfall in eastern Africa, Sipi Falls
Observe animals in their natural habitat on a three-day safari
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.
An impactful experience
“I would go back and serve in Uganda in a heartbeat. I wish I had more time there. It had a huge impact on my life after returning and loved the opportunity to be able to have an impact on the lives of those there.”
– Kaylee Goblesky, Carlow University Nursing student
On-campus reflection and presentation
Once back in Pittsburgh, you and your teammates will examine and reflect on your experiences in Uganda — a key practice as you transition back into United States culture, prepare a presentation and share your story at our Sharing and Celebration event.
Week 13: Reflection on international experience, plan for sharing
Thanksgiving Break
Week 14: Sharing and Celebration event (includes exhibition of photos taken while in Uganda)
Benefits of a gap program
According to the most recent study data from the Gap Year Association, students who participated in a Gap Program experienced personal growth (reflection, development, maturity and self-confidence), developed understanding of the world and different cultures, and increased college and career readiness.
By participating in this program, you will earn three (3) service-learning college credits. For an additional cost, you can choose to earn additional credits towards education requirements at Carlow University (options include a photography course).
Program cost includes: $500 deposit; round-trip travel, three-credit service-learning course, housing, meals, service experiences and sightseeing tours in Uganda; housing, meal plan and transportation to service experiences in Pittsburgh, and room and board on the Carlow campus
Once you are accepted, you and your family will be sent a welcome email with the next steps. To hold your spot, a $500 deposit that is part of the total program cost will be required within 10 days of your acceptance email. The $500 deposit is non-refundable. If you are not accepted into the program, we will notify you via email.
Susan O’Rourke, Faculty, Education, Education & Liberal Studies, Thursday, September 2, 2021. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Susan O’Rourke, EdD Global Center Director
Global Center Director, Susan O’Rourke has been working in Uganda for 10 years (since 2012). She has personally selected the comfortable and secure living facilities for the Uganda service-learning program and prearranged secure transportation through established partners in Uganda. Dr. O’Rourke has developed experiential learning and service projects through established partnerships and non-government organizations (NGOs).
Partners such as:
Noah’s Ark School for Children with Disabilities
Bright Kids Uganda
Silver Memorial Inclusive Community Learning Center (SMILE)
Contact Gap Program
If you are interested in the gap program, and have questions, email us or give us a call. We’re here to help!