First-Year Haiti Experience

The Office of International Programs at Saint Augustine's University is seeking to raise money for the First-Year Haiti Experience. This service learning programs was created to focus on the study of the unique attributes of French/Haitian Creole language and culture. We will partner with the Episcopal University of Haiti in Port-au-Prince and the Bishop Tharp Business and Technology Institute in Les Cayes, Haiti.

In collaboration with the First-Year Experience (FYE) program, more than 30 students were nominated by their FYE instructors and students then underwent an interview process. Students were selected based on their leadership potential, willingness to be of service to others, and commitment to improving the university climate and interest in global learning. Fourteen students have been selected and will all be enrolled in a special FYE 102 spring course offering with the goal of enhancing their leadership skills and preparing for an alternative spring break in Haiti. 

The total cost of this service learning program to Haiti is $2,331. Students are eligible to increase their financial aid award for the spring to cover the cost of the program.  Out of the 14 students that have been selected for the program, more than half of the students do not have the financial aid to cover the cost of program, thus we are to raise funds for the students that do not have the current financial means.

The $5,000 we are requesting through Go Fund Me will cover airfare, cost for 10 students or full program cost for 2-3 students. We greatly appreciate anything you can contribute to ensure our scholars truly embody the motto of “Transform, Excel, Lead” and develop skills to function effectively in the rapidly changing and interconnected global environment.