1. When is the deadline to arrange independent study for my ISV Program?

65 days prior to your departure date.

2. Whom should I contact at my school to arrange an independent study course?

Approach a faculty member, undergraduate advisor or administrator of an academic department.

3. How do I introduce the ISV Program to my faculty member, advisor or department administrator?

Email ISV at academiccredit@isvonline.org to request the Guidelines for Arranging Independent Study and Field Course, and one or both sample Course Outlines (Community Development or Natural Resources Management). Print out, familiarize yourself with, and bring these along when you meet your faculty member/advisor. You may also want to refer your advisor to our website www.isvonline.org for information about our Program.

4. How many credits will I earn for my independent study course?

Your faculty member or advisor determines the credits awarded after the successful completion of an independent study course, according to the guidelines at your school.

5. How do I inform ISV I am taking independent study and request placement on a project that corresponds with my course requirements?

On your project preference form, please checkmark the box that states “I plan to earn academic credit,” note that you are taking independent study in the "Additional Comments" section, and include any course requirements there that relate to your project placement. If you have already sent in your project preference form, send an email to academiccredit@isvonline.org.

6. Do I have to follow one of the ISV sample Course Outlines for Community Development or Natural Resources Management?

No, you do not. ISV provides sample Course Outlines, based on the structure and nature of the volunteer programs we offer in our host countries. With guidance from your advisor, you may choose to follow one of the sample Course Outlines or to develop your own outline with a different focus toward course requirements that are better suited to your individual needs.

7. If I decide to use one of the sample Course Outlines, how do I choose the right one for my Volunteer Project?

The two main subject areas ISV Volunteer Projects offer are:

• Environmental Conservation
• Community Development

Use the course outline best suited to your interests and/or academic requirements. Please note that both subject areas are not offered in every destination country. For example, all volunteer projects in New Zealand and Australia fall under Conservation, while all projects in the Dominican Republic focus on Community Development. If you are unsure which outline to use, please contact us at academiccredit@isvonline.org.

8. What if I need an instructor’s signature, or an evaluation completed by my ISV instructor?

Please contact academiccredit@isvonline.org at least one month prior to your departure to inform our office of any forms that you will need to have completed and/or signed. Also, please note that there is an additional fee of $25 USD/ $30 CAD payable to ISV if you require a grade report or an evaluation completed by your ISV on-site instructor.

9. Who grades my work?

If you use an ISV sample Course Outline for your independent study course, your ISV on-site instructor can provide grading and assessment for the group discussions, daily field journal and participation. A completed grade report form can be sent by ISV directly to your professor (see 8 above). Your professor is responsible for grading your term paper (if applicable) and assigning your final grade.

10. What if I need further assistance from ISV in arranging independent study?

Please email us at academiccredit@isvonline.org. We are happy to assist you and look forward to you traveling with ISV this summer to volunteer and make a difference!