The International Service Program (ISP)

The International Service Program is a faith-based service initiative.  As a Catholic and Jesuit institution it is inherent in The University of Scranton’s mission to serve others.  As a University we challenge our students to have a devotion to justice, a dedication to service, and principled respect for the dignity of the person.

Since its inception in 1987 with a single trip to Mexico, ISP has grown to serve areas as diverse as Ecuador, El Salvador, Kenya, Mexico, and Thailand.  Through the networking support of the Society of Jesus, the University, and its alumni, we continually seek to expand our service around the world. 

Countries We Visit

Duran, Ecuador    An immersion experience, students volunteer with the Rostro de Cristo program and live in solidarity with the poor. The group visits patients in a Hansen’s disease hospital, helps to staff an after-school program, and visits local families in their homes. 

San Salvador, El Salvador    Students who participate in this service experience are hosted by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.   Service includes a building project, care for malnourished children in a community center, and involvement with neighborhood schools. 

Georgetown, Guyana    In this English-speaking South American country, students work to assist the Guyanese people by helping in the various ministries offered by the Sisters of Mercy.  Volunteers serve in hospitals, orphanages, and/or hospices. 

Kingston, Jamaica    One of the poorest cities in the country, students provide services to the homeless in a soup kitchen and shelter, visit the elderly in a home sponsored by the Missionaries of Charity, and minister to children in a local hospital.  This program is administered by the Jamaica Volunteers Foundation.

Mexico City, Mexico    The oldest of the ISP trips, students who travel to Mexico live with the boys and girls of the Artesanado de Nazareth and the Yolia Project.  Under the direction of the Salesians, a co-ed group of students work at the boys’ orphanage helping them with chores and homework, and playing soccer and praying with them.  A group of female students provide similar services at a local home for girls while also spending time working at a day center for children who are impoverished.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Donate to the International Service Program

Email Katherine Bender, ISP Coordinator