Alternative Programs

If you are looking for a unique intercultural opportunity, these programs will help you find the experiences you are looking for while meeting requirements for intercultural experience or credit. Or if you returned from an EMU intercultural program thinking you would like to enhance your new language skills, connect with a group here in the states similar to the host culture you just left behind, or give back to the world by using your gifts and skills serving in a new cultural setting, this list is for you!

Intervarsity Global Urban Trek

The Global Urban Trek develops leaders for on campus and vocational roles. 1.3 billion people in the world live in extreme poverty. You are invited to spend seven weeks living in slum communities to learn and discern whether God is calling you to live and serve alongside the urban poor. Contact Intercultural Programs.

Explore the Intervarsity Global Urban Trek website
Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC)

Contact: Jamie Reich, Associate Director of Communications and Recruitment

This study service program fulfills the EMU cross-cultural requirement, includes an internship (20 hrs/wk) and weekly seminars taught by EMU faculty, and may include coursework at local universities. The study group of 10-15 students lives together in a house in Washington D.C. Applications for fall, spring, and summer are accepted on a rolling basis.

Explore the WCSC website
Central America Study and Service (CASAS)

CASAS, a 12-week summer program based in Guatemala City, offers students an independent summer immersion experience similar to our spring semester cross-cultural program. Coursework includes Spanish language studies, Introduction to Central America, and elective courses chosen from history, peace and justice, anthropology, and religion. Students participate in orientation activities, home stays, internships, and numerous field excursions. Application materials and information are available from the CASAS web site. Students register through EMU with approval from intercultural programs.

Explore the Central America Study and Service (CASAS) website

Contact: Intercultural Programs
Global Learning Consortium
Several EMU partner schools offer similar academic programs in a variety of settings around the world. EMU students remain enrolled here while studying with a group from a partner school. Future programs are listed on each website; contact EMU Intercultural to apply.
Contact: Intercultural Programs
Amizade Study or Intern Abroad

Amizade - programs in global service and learning for a more just and joyful world. Study and work is rooted in the values of peace and justice and provide opportunities for students to meet EMU requirements while studying at a foreign university. Students consult Intercultural Programs for general information and work with their advisors in choosing appropriate coursework or internship. Completed applications must receive approval from EMU Intercultural programs, as financial assistance and credit for the programs are received through EMU.

Explore Amizade

Contact: Intercultural Programs
Peace Corps

Since 1961, the Peace Corps has shared with the world America's most precious resource – its people. Peace Corps Volunteers serve in 74 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. Collaborating with local community members, Volunteers work in areas like education, youth outreach and community development, the environment, and information technology. Coming from all walks of life and representing the rich diversity of the American people, Volunteers range in age from college students to retirees. Every Peace Corps Volunteer's experience is different. From teaching English to elementary school children in Zambia to launching a computer learning center in Moldova to promoting HIV/AIDS awareness in South Africa to working on soil conservation in Panama, Volunteers bring their skills and life experiences to where they are needed most.

Explore the Peace Corps website
Mennonite Service Programs

SALT, an 11-month service learning program of Mennonite Central Committee, or SEED (2-year program) may satisfy the off-campus cross-cultural study requirement. Service-learning credit may be arranged in advance through the registrar.

Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) and Eastern Mennonite Missions offer service programs which may satisfy the off-campus cross-cultural study requirement. Service-learning credit may be arranged in advance through the registrar.

Mennonite Disaster Service offers extended volunteer service in some work locations which may satisfy the off-campus cross-cultural study requirement. Service-learning credit may be arranged in advance through the registrar.
Academic Exchange Partners

LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania offers a full range of coursework and community dorm life. Find them on Facebook.

Handong Global University international student exchange program in Pohang, South Korea. Hangdong is a Christian university with a focus on holistic development and academic excellence. See full brochure or the factsheet.
Global Public Health Virtual Practicum

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a faith-based relief and development organization with community partners in many countries. This virtual internship opportunity with MCC introduces students to applied global public health and the systemic injustices underlying health inequities.

January – April 2023 | Meets by ZOOM, T/TR 12:30-1:45 p.m. EST

More information

To register contact Jan Shetler, jans@goshen.edu.