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

There is no deadline to arrange independent study, however, you are encouraged to begin the process early to ensure that your credit is approved and requirements are determined well in advance of your departure date. It is best for you to advise ISV on your Project Preference Form (due 75 days prior to departure) that you are earning independent study credit, so that ISV can take this into consideration when your project placement is made

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

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

3. Who should I contact at my school to arrange an independent study course?

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

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

Download, print out, and familiarize yourself with the Guideline for Arranging Independent Study and Field Course. Bring the guideline when you meet with your advisor.

1. Follow the ISV Course Syllabus, or
2. Develop a course outline and requirements with your professor that are better suited to your individual academic needs.

The two main subject areas for ISV Volunteer Projects are:

• Natural Resources Management
• Community Development

Follow the Course Syllabus best suited to your interests and/or academic requirements. Note that both subject areas are not offered in every destination country. For example, all volunteer projects in New Zealand and Australia fall under natural resources management, while all projects in the Dominican Republic focus on community development. If you are unsure which outline to use, please contact academiccredit@isvonline.org.

On your Project Preference Form:

• Check the box that states "I plan to earn academic credit through independent study."
• If you are following the ISV Course Syllabus, check the appropriate box to indicate this.
• Write your professor/advisor's name and email address in the space provided.
• Note any course requirements that relate to your project placement in the "Additional Comments" section.

If you have already sent in your Project Preference Form, send an email to: academiccredit@isvonline.org

If you follow the ISV Course Syllabus for your independent study course, your ISV on-site instructor (Project Leader) will provide grading and assessment for your journal, group discussions, and participation on the project. A completed grade report form/evaluation will be sent by ISV directly to your professor. Your professor is responsible for grading your term paper (if applicable) and assigning your final grade.

Yes. ISV participants earning independent study have countless opportunities for learning about the local environmental and social issues, however, we recommend that your course of study is based on your observations during the program as well as relevant literature. Participants will not be permitted to conduct applied, manipulative or experimental research on humans or animals. Please contact us atacademiccredit@isvonline.org if you have any questions about your individual course of study.

Yes, you can. Contact ISV at academiccredit@isvonline.org and request an evaluation from your ISV Project Leader for your own course of study. Let us know what your requirements are to be evaluated and whether you have a specific form to be completed. Please note that there is a $25.00 USD fee payable to ISV for this service.

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