APPLICATION DEADLINE

Students must submit all application materials to the Hovey House and come in for an interview before 5:00 PM on November 19, 2010. Please plan ahead, as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

ELIGIBILITY

Only first-year Boston College students may apply.  No prior international or service experience is required and students from all disciplines and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to an interview  between November 1 and November 19 that can be scheduled online, the following items must be completed by November 19. The essay and Commitment of Participation form should be submitted together to the Hovey House reception desk.

• Application essay. Compose an essay of no more than 5 pages that addresses the following topics:

1. What is your current understanding of and belief about social justice and why do you think it is important?
2. Please describe a memorable international or inter-cultural experience you have had and what you learned from that experience.
3. What unique skills, experiences, interests, and/or perspectives would you be able to contribute as a member of the GSJP?

• Signed Commitment of Participation form

questions?

Contact the graduate assistant at gsjp@bc.edu.

Interested students may also meet with the graduate assistant to learn more about the program and go over the application process.  Schedule a GSJP advising appointment online or by calling Hovey House at (617) 552-3827.

After acceptance

Applicants will receive notification about acceptance by email in early December.  If selected, the email will include information about the cohort retreat and meetings during the spring 2011 semester.   

FAQs

Q. Who is eligible to apply for the Global Service and Justice Program?
A. First-year students only.  Since the GSJ Program is a four-year cohort program designed with specific course and service requirements each year, participants must begin the program during their first year at BC.

Q. How long does the international service experience have to be?
A. At least four weeks.  A typical international service experience would be an ongoing service project during a study abroad semester, but it may also be in the form of a service-learning course or immersion program over the summer.  A program advisor will provide guidance in selecting an appropriate experience that involves close contact and cooperation with a community abroad, yet students are expected to take initiative in seeking out and arranging an opportunity that fits their interests, goals, and personal ethics of service.

Q. If students have placed out of their school’s language requirement, is it still required to complete two additional language courses for the GSJ Program?
A. Yes. Students must take two language courses at any level beyond the core requirements for the school. These courses may be taken abroad and can also be literature or film courses taught in the language. Students are strongly encouraged to take both courses in the same language and to consider service placements where they will be able to use the language they have studied.

Q. Do classes that count towards major, minor, and core requirements also count for the concentration course requirements?
A. Yes. Courses that students take to fulfill major, minor, and core requirements may also count toward their GSJP concentration. Just keep in mind that the classes must fit with the theme of their concentration and be approved by the program advisor.

Q. Can students take a course pass/fail and have it count towards one of the GSJP requirements?
A. Yes. As long as a student passes the course it can count towards GSJP requirements. Audited courses do not count.

Q. If students have had significant local or international service experiences before coming to BC, can these count for the service component?
A. In order for the GSJ Program to effectively integrate rigorous academic reflection with service experiences and cohort discussions, all students need to complete the service component while at BC, following the program timeline.  Of course, additional service above and beyond the GSJP requirements is welcomed.