Office of International Studies

Civic Engagement

One of the goals of study abroad is to encourage participants to become more active members of the global community. You can do this by, for instance, focusing on a specific country or region, or on an issue in that country or at home. The following is an extremely partial list, culled from the SIT Study Abroad Re-Entry Kit, of organizations with which you might want to get involved after studying abroad. They provide opportunities to share your experience or to continue working on an issue you studied, or for which you volunteered, while abroad.

Action for Change
Devoted to connecting, challenging, and supporting college students in community work, activism, leadership, and civic growth.

Americans for Informed Democracy
Empowers and equips young people in the US to address global issues such as health, poverty, climate change, peace, and security by promoting just and sustainable solutions on campus, in the community, and nationally

Association of American Colleges and Universities
Publications and a list of campus centers specializing in civic engagement

Campus Activism
Interactive website with tools

Campus Compact
Coalition of university presidents committed to deepening students' civic and social responsibility

Care 2 Petition
Set up online petitions for social change

EdChange
Acting to shape schools, organizations, and communities in which all people can learn, live, and thrive free from oppression

Engage
Network of returned study-abroad students, programs, and communities working to link social movements worldwide