Explore. Serve. Learn.
Lasell's Shoulder to Shoulder Programs are perfect for students looking to explore the world, serve local communities, and engage in other cultures through service.
Apply to Shoulder to Shoulder Programs
"Shoulder to Shoulder" is a cultural immersion and service-learning program in which Lasell students learn about various social justice issues within a global context.
Students live in the style of their host community while learning and working shoulder to shoulder with local partners.
Each of the credit-bearing travel courses consists of approximately 10 to 12 students and two faculty leaders who engage in academic coursework in addition to spending time on the ground in their chosen destination for 7-14 days. Each project shares the ultimate goal of connecting the local with the global and vice versa.
Shoulder to Shoulder Program in Vietnam (2027)
After participating in a fall semester course, Lasell University students, staff, and faculty will travel to Vietnam for around 10 days during winter break to participate in school-based service-learning. The course introduces students to the Vietnamese society today. It covers basic elements of Vietnamese politics, economic development, culture, history, language, literature, and arts. Students will volunteer and work with young children teaching them English in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Application deadline: Applications now being accepted for the Winter 2027 Program
Trip Cost: $1,200
Shoulder to Shoulder Program in Antigua (2027)
This fall semester course is paired with an international service-learning trip in the Caribbean island nation of Antigua & Barbuda during the winter break. The course provides an opportunity for students to explore the intersection of culture, disability, and teaching in international settings. The service-learning trip includes a school-based experience of 40 hours spent observing, supporting, and teaching students with and without disabilities in the public schools in Antigua & Barbuda. Course activities will focus on reflective intellectual work about intercultural competence in the classroom through written reflections, readings, class discussion, and curriculum development.
Application deadline: Applications now being accepted for the Winter 2027 Program
Trip Cost: $1,200
Shoulder to Shoulder Program in Ecuador (2025)
After participating in a spring semester course, Lasell University students, staff, and faculty will travel to Ecuador for 10 days in May to participate in environmental service-learning.
Students will learn about Ecuador's biodiversity and sustainable agriculture while working to protect Ecuador's gorgeous environment and serving youth in the local community. Participants should expect group accommodations in hostels, homestays and cabins (with and without electricity), and full days of intensive manual labor and reflective intellectual work.
Preparation for the program happens during the Spring semester as a part of SVL218: Service Learning in Ecuador. This course is required for all participants and covers the climate, ecology, history, and culture of Ecuador, in addition to addressing pre-trip travel administrative details and some language study.
