Join Isenberg's two-week South Africa Service Mission trip to support global communities and foster economic growth through impactful service projects. Immerse yourself in South African culture while gaining international business, non-profit, and NGO experience. This program focuses on service in rural and northern regions with limited tourism resources and offers up to 30 service hours towards the Isenberg Global Citizens Award.
Nourish Eco Village: Engage in various community services, including daycare, nursery schools, and a sustainable community garden. Projects involve planting 1,000 seeds and 14 trees, fundraising for solar panels, contributing to the development of a computer lab, donating computers, and teaching financial literacy to local students.
The Zululand Conservation Trust: Contribute to rhino conservation efforts within the Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Participate in locating rhinos for safe dehorning procedures to protect them from poaching and habitat destruction.
Enjoy breathtaking views and conservation efforts at Kruger National Park. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime safari in open-air Jeeps, witnessing South Africa's diverse fauna in their natural habitat.
PROGRAM DETAILS
- 2026 program dates: Wednesday, May 20 – Saturday, June 6
- Program includes: all accommodations, all group meals, transportation to/from the airport and within South Africa, and roundtrip airfare.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Service Trip: Apply online and attend an info session to find out more about the trip. The trip fee covers transportation, accommodations, and food. The cost is estimated at $10000. Securing a spot with a deposit of $250 by December 17, 2025 will reduce the starting cost to $7500. If you need additional financial assistance, you can speak to a program member about any options or scholarships that may be available.
Access the online application here, or scan below to apply.
HELP SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
- Laptop Donations: Drop off old or unused laptops to Shannon Petrin in the Dean’s Office (N340).
- Nourish Eco Village: Help Isenberg students support the Nourish Eco-Village in South Africa by reaching a fundraising goal of $7,500 to rebuild the roof of the village kitchen. Support this effort here.
- Zululand Conservation Trust: Help support Zululand’s efforts to protect and conserve the magnificent wildlife in South Africa. Read more here.
Need more information? Contact Shannon Petrin at spetrin@umass.edu.
Faculty and Staff Members of the Program
