International Service-Learning Program
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Service-Learning in Mindanao
The International Service-Learning Program (IS-LP) is implemented in partnership with the Arrupe Office of Social Formation (AOSF), whose advocacy is closely aligned with the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU)’s mission of social involvement and community engagement. It is a 4-week immersion program with the values of service-learning at its core. The duration of the program includes an orientation, formation sessions for reflection and sharing, workshops, and immersion among a local indigenous communities in Mindanao.
The International S-LP is available as a credit and non-credit program, offered twice a year, during international students’ winter and summer breaks. The program is a product of bilateral agreements between AIM and its international partners which would then dictate the parameters of credit transfer.
The program is designed to align the international students’ course of study with the local partner communities’ needs. With the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm as its framework, the International Service-Learning Program opens up opportunities for international students to be in service of their shared advocacies with the local partner communities. There is a richness in learning from each other while being immersed in a new culture.
International Memberships
SERVICE-LEARNING ASIA NETWORK (SLAN)
This year, Ateneo de Davao University is serving as the Secretariat and host of the 10th Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRCSL).
The Service-Learning Asia Network (SLAN) aims to promote common interests and networks related to student exchanges, faculty research, curriculum development, and program evaluation among colleges and universities interested in Service-Learning in Asia. SLAN members collaborate to share ideas for advancing Service-Learning in the region and actively encourage cross-national partnerships.
UNISERVITATE
UNISERVITATE is the programme for the promotion of service-learning in Catholic Higher Education.
INTERNATIONAL
SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAM
The Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao (AIM) Office, in partnership with the Arrupe Office of Social Formation, presents the International Service-Learning Program (IS-LP), a 4-week global experiential and formative opportunity under the service-learning framework.
Experiential Learning
Enrich the IS-LP students’ academic knowledge and further understanding of their course of study as it becomes more grounded in service of others and contextualized in practical settings.
Intercultural Dialogue
Provide intercultural and transnational dialogues and encounters through active engagement and participation.
Global Citizenship
Foster mutual understanding, global citizenship, and community involvement through addressing the social needs of local communities in Mindanao.
HOW TO APPLY
Application Process
- STEP 1: Fill-out Nomination Form
- STEP 2: Submit Requirements
- STEP 3: Wait for Confirmation
- STEP 4: Send Program Agreement and Payment
- STEP 5: Submit Flight Itinerary, etc.
- STEP 6: Attend Pre-Departure Orientation
To be filled out and submitted by either the Head of the International Office or Social Formation Office or an Administrator of your Higher Education Institution (HEI).
Students are not eligible to apply directly, there must be a formal nomination from their academic institution. Participating HEIs should fill out the necessary information in the nomination form and submit it to international@addu.edu.ph.
Subject: [Name of Institution] International Service-Learning Program – Nomination
Once the students are listed and the nomination form is submitted, the student nominees must complete individually the following requirements:
1. Profile Form
2. TOR of all previously completed semesters (Online copy of TOR is accepted).
3. 2-3 Self-Introductory Video
- Brief introduction about yourself (Mention your course, your age, and your general background).
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why are you interested in this program?
- Tell us about your intercultural/interreligious encounters/immersions that you experienced.
- The applications will be reviewed by the AIM Office and the ALC. The resolution of applications will be communicated via email.
- The Notice of Acceptance (NOA) will include an Invoice for the registration payment and the Program Agreement for institutional participation.
- Upon receipt of the NOA, the Representative must file for the approval of the program agreement for institutional participation and deposit the payment covering the registration fee. The students must also submit their waiver and commitment letter.
- Kindly submit the signed Program Agreement, student waiver, and a scanned copy of your bank deposit slip (or other proof of transaction) via email to the AIM Office (international@addu.edu.ph).
- You will be provided with an official receipt once the payment has been confirmed. The primer, orientation date, and deadline for travel requirements will be communicated at this stage.
- Only upon the confirmation of participation via the Notice of Acceptance are the participants encouraged to prepare for the travel necessities such as plane tickets and health insurance.
- All documents pertaining to the travel logistics will be submitted by the named Representative to the AIM Office at this point (i.e. flight itinerary and travel insurance).
The participants will be invited to an orientation before their arrival dates.
Partner Communities
Dar Al-Uloom Wal-Hikmah, Inc.
Tamontaka, Cotabato City, Philippines
Tboli Sbù Senior High School
Montil, Lamdalag, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines
Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College
Poblacion, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, Philippines
Mabini Elementary School
Purok 4, Mabini, Tubajon, Dinagat Islands, Philippines
Students’ and Partners’ Reflection and Insights
“Beginning from the first day, everything is new and very inspiring to me. Although we come from different cultures and backgrounds, all the hosts, speakers, and participants are so humble and open-[minded].
I realize that we all have the same ultimate desire, that is to be peaceful.”
“Live a life not of ignorance but with purpose in your existence―this is what I think could embody the learning I acquired during my IES-LP journey that I want to share.
I also learned that attaining peace could be a purpose and that once you become aware of the stories of reality, you should not ignore them because, as part of humanity, we are responsible for making the world a better space to live in. With the wisdom and friendship that this program fosters and is continuing to nurture, I was reminded to care more for others, appreciate life, and find a purpose to continue these things.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to let our students immerse with other people with diverse backgrounds because, as we all know, we are quite confined within our place, having very minimal to no exposure to people who have different beliefs and other races. So, this is a very meaningful experience for our students and our school.”
IES-LP on the Document on Human Fraternity
(November 2021 Cycle)
Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. We do not own nor claim to own any of the background music used in this video.
Music by: Ikson – Blue Sky (Vlog No Copyright Music), Tenderness from Bensound.com, Fun day from Bensound.com, and State Lines (Instrumental) – Novo Amor
IES-LP on Peacebuilding in Mindanao
(April 2021 Cycle)
IES-LP on Peacebuilding in Mindanao
(October 2020 Cycle)
News and Events
ADDU Joins the AJCU-AP Service-Learning Program 2025 on “One with Nature”
The 14th Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific Service-Learning Program 2025 (AJCU-AP SLP) gathered student leaders and faculty from Jesuit universities across the Asia Pacific. With the theme “One with Nature,” the program, hosted by Ateneo...
Service-Learning Student Fellowship 2025: Shaping Student Leaders into Catalysts for Social Change
The Ateneo de Davao University attended the De La Salle University Uniservitate Asia and Oceania Regional Hub (UA&ORH) Service-Learning Student Fellowship Program (SLSF) 2025, hosted by the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, on 3-11 August 2025. The weeklong...
ADDU Strengthens Service-Learning Commitment at UNISERVITATE Asia and Oceania Course
The Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) participated in the UNISERVITATE Asia and Oceania Course on Service-Learning Institutionalization. Leading the university delegation were Dr. Apple Grace Bonhoc-Ybañez, University Service-Learning (S-L) Hub Coordinator, and Dr....
ADDU Attends the Universitate Asia and Oceania Regional Meeting at Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan
Arrupe Office of Social Formation Director Ms. Shela Mae D. Jaso and Service-Learning Academic Partner Dr. Doris B. Montecastro of the Environmental Science Department attended the Universitate Asia and Oceania Regional Meeting at Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU) in...
Service-Learning Asia Network (SLAN) Holds 12th Business Meeting
Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) presides over the 12th Service-Learning Asia Network (SLAN) Business Meeting in a hybrid format on 02 October 024, hosted by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) in Singapore and accessible via Zoom. Representatives from...

