Asia-US Service-Learning Program
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does the application process work?

A. Written applications and recommendation forms are available for download.  Applications are due at 5:00pm on November 12, 2007. Visit room 101 in Galvez Module near Meyer Library. Applicants selected for a 25 minute interview will be contacted by VIA staff and interviews will take place during November 14-16, 2007. 

Q. What happens during the AUSL retreat in the begining of April?

A. The two-day retreat focuses on team building, familiarization with the VIA, AUSL, and the program goals, and brainstorming of program activities.

Q. What are the service project groups?

A. There are three service project groups of 10-12 participants and three AUSL coordinators (two from Stanford, one from Asia).  The project groups are the “family unit” within the program.  Group members meet everyday during “Service in the US ”, participate in all service week activities together, and will be responsible for putting together memorabilias for the participants.

Q. What happens during training week?

A. Primarily, coordinators can expect to…

• Take a short workshop course on facilitating discussion with non-native speakers
• Make any last minute arrangements of service week activities
• Finalize lesson plans for “Service in the US”
• General pre-program preparation (dorm decoration, bed making, etc.)
• Bond with other Stanford and Asia coordinators

Q. How is the “Service in the US” class structured?  What is my role?

A. “Service in the US” is a non-credit workshop class that runs from 9am – 11am, Monday through Friday during the first part of the program.

The the class will focus on the service project week and the issues and activities it will involve.  Each group will meet separately and work from a curriculum specific to their project. Coordinators will work with the Program Director to select readings and class activities.

In addition to facilitating class discussion, coordinators will give and review homework assignments and work with participants on a final presentation to be given on the last day of class.

Q. What is a typical day of AUSL like for a fellow during the two weeks at Stanford?

A. Every day will have different extracurricular activities, but a typical day might look something like this…
8am: Breakfast in the dormitory.
9am: Warm up and intro to lesson
10am: Main content of lesson
11:30am: Lunch in the dormitory.
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Preparation for afternoon activity
2pm - 4pm: Service activity at Veterans Affairs Hospital of Redwood City
5pm – 6pm: Reflections with participants
6pm: Dinner in the dormitory.
7:30pm- 9pm: verbal and written reflections in groups

Q. Do I have any expenses during the program or the Asia Service Trip?

A. Room and board and all program activities are covered for coordinators throughout training week and the AUSL program.  Extra food, entertainment, trips to the movies, bowling, etc. are not covered by VIA.  During the Asia Service Trip, VIA provides a travel stipend to cover the cost of airfare.  Food and entertainment is not covered.  For most of the trip, coordinators can expect to have home stays.  There may be a few evenings, however, when fellows have to pay for a hostel or hotel.

Q. What is the role of the Asia coordinators and how will we be collaborating?

A. Asia coordinators' many responsibilities are sometimes similar and sometimes distinct from those of the Stanford Coordinators.  Before the program, Asia coordinators assist the Program Director in recruiting participants in Asia and in designing a pre-program retreat to brief students on the goals and structure of the program, encourage group bonding, and set a positive yet challenging tone. All Asia coordinators are alumni of VIA Stanford Programs and bring a first-hand knowledge of the program to their work.

During the first two weeks, Asia coordinators assist Stanford fellows with “Service in the US”.  They will be researching and providing course material on social and environmental issues in Asia that parallel those which we will be addressing in the Bay Area.  They will also help guide and facilitate class discussion.

During the service project week, Asia coordinators play a backup role to Stanford coordinators, who are primarily in charge of logistics, arranging and confirming site visits, etc.