Untitled Document

Faculty-Led Program Abroad Winter 2025

Community Practice in Jamaica

Did you know Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, a captivating blend of unique culture and stunning landscapes? The country is also well-known as a land of warm smiles, reggae rhythms, breathtaking waterfalls, lush rainforests, hidden coves, and crystal-clear blue waters. 

The first-ever Faculty-Led Program Abroad: Community Practice in Jamaica allows Seneca students to dive into factors that affect people and communities in Jamaica, practice social service skills while developing cross-cultural experience, and reflect on opportunities and challenges in community practice in Jamaica and Canada.

SSW, SSWI, SSWG, SSWASSIA and CYC students have an opportunity to attend a two-week learning experience in Jamaica and at Seneca's partner institution, the University of West Indies. 

Packed with field visits, cultural and historical activities, and lectures from industry experts, participating students will be immersed in cultures in Jamaica while earning academic credit for your program at Seneca. (See below for course credit information.)

Learn more about the opportunity below and apply by September 22!

Opportunity information

      • Host institution: University of West Indies
      • Location: Jamaica
      • Itinerary: To be provided at pre-departure orientation
      • Language of Instruction: English
      • Term: Winter 2025
          • Classes before and after the trip will take place at Seneca.
          • Travel dates: Feb. 22 - Mar. 9, 2024 (tentative)
      • Accommodations: Shared

     

    Deadline: September 22

+Important dates

 

  • Application Deadline: Sept. 22, 2024
  • Acceptance Date: 2 - 4 weeks after the application deadline
  • Pre-Departure Orientation: Approx. 2 months pre-trip
  • Return Debrief: Approx. 1 month post-trip

+Eligibility Requirements

 

  • Full-time students enrolled in SSW, SSWI, SSWG, SSWA, SSIA and CYC program requiring the credits mentioned in the “Course Credits” section below.
  • Students must be entering final semester in Winter 2025 and have sucessfully completed all required field practicum hours up until point of departure.
  • Have a minimum program GPA of 2.5 and be in good academic standing
  • Open to domestic and international students
  • Have no hold or outstanding balance on the student account.

+Fees and Funding

 

Program fee: $4,000 CAD approx.

    • Included: round-trip airfare, accommodation, local travel, entry fees & site visits, guides & translators, some meals.
    • Not included: course tuition fee, applicable visa fees, meals outside of program itinerary, personal travel, souvenirs, vaccinations required, or otherwise.

Funding:

Seneca provides up to $3,000 in funding to accepted students to offset the program fee.

Funding is awarded automatically upon application. No additional funding application is required. 

+How to Apply

 

To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit a complete application which includes:

See this page for step-by-step guide on HOW TO APPLY.

+Course Credits

 

Upon successful completion of this Faculty-Led Program Abroad, students will receive the following Seneca credit:

Eligible Seneca Program Host Institution Academic Information / Opportunity Name Seneca Course Credit


SSW Faculty-Led Program Abroad: Community Practice in Jamaica SSW402: Community Practice In addition to the mentioned course credit, students will be eligible to receive up to 40 hours of field practicum.
SSWI
SSWG
SSWA
SSIA
CYC CYC604: Specialization in Child and Youth Care

Students will be registered into the course by the begining of Winter 2025 semester. The course begins at Seneca at the start of Winter 2025 semester and continue post-trip at Seneca. Students are expected to engage with the course for 14 weeks.

SSIA students who are interested in this opportunity, please connect with your academic program coordinator to discuss eligibility requirements around receiving a SSW402 course equivalent.

+Info Session Recording

+Additional Notes

 

Traveling students must adhere to all jurisdictional guidelines and/or regulations of their host country and host institution. All accepted students are responsible for ensuring they meet the entry and exit requirements of their destination country. This information is subject to change at any time.

Seneca relies on the Government of Canada’s (GOC) Travel Advice and Advisories and the associated risk level for each destination to assess whether students should engage in an overseas activity. While we make every effort to prepare students for a successful trip overseas, circumstances may arise that are beyond our control.

Students who accept to participate in a global learning opportunity must accept as a condition of participation the possibility that the program may be cancelled or terminated early due to concerns over the safety and security of students. If cancellation or termination occurs, we will refund any payments you have made and withdraw any disbursed grants. Participants may encounter additional and unexpected financial and academic implications. Seneca will work to mitigate negative implications to the best of its ability. 

International Students are required to meet with an immigration specialist to ensure their program of study and/or study permit will not be negatively impacted by travelling abroad. This must take place as soon as possible in the application process. Immigration specialists can be reached at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca