GPP Practice Experience
An individualized global engagement Practice Experience is the signature element of the minor, providing an opportunity for students to connect the theory and practice of poverty and its alleviation. The expectation is that students will make a meaningful contribution to an organization and/or community. However, while in the field students may discover that they gain much more learning than they could ever give back in service to their hosts.
Requirements
This Practice Experience can take place domestically or internationally. The minimum time expected for the practice experience is 200 hours over the course of at least five weeks in the field.Selecting a Practice Experience
Selecting a Practice Experience is considered a significant part of the learning process of the minor. Therefore, Blum Center staff do not place students into pre-selected Practice Experience sites. Students are encouraged to identify and seek out options with non-governmental organizations, government agencies, social movements, community projects, and development initiatives. Such opportunities may exist directly with these organizations or through third-party program providers (often fee-based) that act as clearing-houses for service learning placements and internships.GPP Advisors provide students with resources and guidance on how to go about identifying and developing a Practice Experience that suits the individual student’s interests and needs. Students seeking guidance about their Practice Experience should attend an “Identifying Your Practice” Workshop offered several times throughout the year. For a list of dates these workshops are offered, view the Workshops and Events Calendar on the GPP Minor Homepage
Some initial questions to consider as you develop your Practice Experience can be downloaded here.
