Global Community Service Scholars
As a GFX Community Service Scholar, you'll develop and improve your teamwork and intercultural communication skills through interactive projects with local NGOs and community-focused start-ups.
Program Information
Through this community service opportunity in Bolivia, students will examine how to effectively work with their classmates and complete community-driven projects with local NGOs. The course concludes with travel to Bolivia.
By participating in this program, you are agreeing to travel during winter break.
Program Dates & Fees
There is a program fee that includes round-trip airfare from Chicago, lodging, meals, international insurance, and in-country programming. Many scholarship opportunities are available; GFX and International Programs in Engineering (IPENG) will help students understand these opportunities and requirements of competitive scholarship applications in August 2026. Students with financial need or other questions should contact IPENG at ipeng@illinois.edu.
Estimated program cost: $5900 subject to price fluctuations. Full details about program costs and scholarship opportunities will be communicated to GFX Global Community Service Scholars by the start of August 2026.
January 2027 program dates will be shared in August 2026.
Past program dates: January 7-17, 2026
Fall Semester (1 credit hour)
Take a course on service learning and complete a community-identified service project! You'll prepare to study abroad through an introduction to Andean and Bolivian's history, culture, people, and environment.
Winter Break
Travel to Bolivia for several days of experiential learning. Learn more about Bolivian culture, meet the NGOs you worked with during the fall, and continue hands-on community service in urban and rural environments.