Buck-I-SERV: Greeks Go Global
The Alternative Break Program at Ohio State
Winter Break: December 12-23, 2013
Greeks Go Global Overview:
This service-learning trip in partnership with Buck-I- SERV is for students of the four Greek
councils at The Ohio State University: IFC, MCGC, NPHC, and PHA. Students will deepen their
academic and intercultural understanding as servant leaders through community engagement. The
trip will focus on the themes of education, service, and the relevancy of these international issues
for college students in Greek Life. A $700 deposit will be due at the time of acceptance to secure
your position on the trip.
Buck-I-SERV Mission and Goals:
Buck-I-SERV is a weeklong, substance-free program centered on community service and civic
engagement, and held during the university’s breaks. Buck-I-SERV is a program planned through
the Office of Student Life. The mission of Buck-I-SERV is to provide students with a challenging and
fun opportunity to lead and learn through direct service experiences. Students will learn the
importance of reflection, social justice, and civic engagement while gaining new perspectives
through working in diverse environments. They will also be meeting community needs, building on
community assets, and bringing their experiences back to campus. Students will also be able to
create new and lasting friendships by participating in a Buck-I-SERV trip over winter, spring, or
summer break.
Participant Expectations:
While no previous experience with Buck-I-SERV is necessary to serve as a participant, we ask that
the following expectations are met in order to ensure a high quality experience for all those
involved before and during the trip.
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Attend Orientation & Expectation Meeting, Kick-Off Event, and Pre-Departure Meetings.
Participate in all service and reflection experiences during the trip, while remaining open
minded throughout all experiences and accommodations.
Be a positive representative of The Ohio State University community, Sorority and Fraternity
Life community and Buck-I-SERV before, during and after the trip experience.
Adhere to all policies, procedures and deadlines related to financial obligations for the trip.
Learning Outcomes:
Full participation in every aspect of the trip is essential to achieve the learning outcomes below:
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Participants will have an opportunity to identify and reflect on the educational access
opportunities available in other parts of the world while situating learning in their
experience to better understand the needs for access in our society.
Participants will have an opportunity to engage in community service and explore the
importance of service within their experience.
Participants will have an opportunity to identify inconsistencies or connections between
educational access and privilege within various societies.
Participants will have an opportunity to develop mission statements which reflect their
ideals on topics of service and education.
Timeline & Deadlines
If selected as a participant, the following deadlines must be met:
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Application due date: Sunday, September 29, 2013
Review process of applications: September 30, October 3, 2013
Applicant notification: October 4, 2013
$700.00 Deposit and valid passport information due by Monday, October 7, 2013 (The Ohio
Union Administrative Office only attention to Antonio-Phillip Lytle)
*Once you have been selected payment plan information will be sent to you.
To apply to serve as a participant for Buck-I-SERV: Greeks Go Global, please complete the form
below.
Please return forms in hard copy or electronically by Sunday, September 29, 2013.
Completed forms may be emailed to Lytle.38@osu.edu or returned 2008 Ohio Union Administrative Suite Attention: Antonio-Phillip Lytle.
Buck-I-SERV
Participant Application
Please fill out forms by Sunday, September 29, 2013. Thank you for your interest in serving as a
participant for Buck-I-SERV: Greeks Go Global! No previous experience with Buck-I-SERV is
necessary to participate.
CONTACT INFORMATION
NAME: ______________________________________________________
Class Rank: ______________________________________________________
Greek Affiliation: ______________________________________________________
OSU ID #: __________________________________________
T-Shirt Size: _________ OSU EMAIL:___________________________________
CELL PHONE #: _____________________________________________________
CAMPUS ADDRESS: __________________________________________
By signing this form I understand and agree to uphold the expectations of serving as a
participant for Buck-I-SERV.
Signature:_______________________________________
Date:_________________
Essay Questions:
Complete the essay questions on a separate piece of paper. Please limit your responses to 500
words or less per question.
1. Why do you want to go on the Greeks Go Global trip to Costa Rica?
2. How do you see this trip impacting yourself and the Greek community?
3. Please include your resume or list your involvement and achievements.
TRIP INFORMATION
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, BUCK-I-SERVE
VOLCANO AND RAINFOREST SERVICE PROGRAM
COSTA RICA
December 12th - Day 1: Travel Day
Accommodation: Hotel - San Jose
Meals – Evening snack
December 13th - Day 2: To the heart of the tropics
Arrive at your Volcano and Rainforest Service base hotel and home for the next week or so. The afternoon
service will take place in a nearby local community school, where the groups will begin their service
orientation and enjoy a traditional performance, created and performed by the school’s folk group.
Accommodation: Hotel - Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
December 14th – 18th -- Day 3/Day 4/Day 5/Day 6/ Day 7: Days of Service
Get ready for a couple full days of service work. In the morning after breakfast, leave the hotel to work on
one of the exciting and rewarding projects in the surrounding communities. The exact location and type of
work will be determined once we get closer to the actual trip date as each community’s needs are different
and vary throughout the year.
Work is generally divided in to four focus projects:
1.
Community Improvement Projects
2.
Teaching English (subject to school vacations and closings)
3.
Intercultural Exchange Projects
4.
Green Initiative Projects
Accommodation: Hotel - Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
December 19th - Day 8 – Rafting the Sarapiqui River
Today, head off to the mighty Sarapiqui river for a fun, wet day of whitewater rafting. The Sarapiqui River
cuts through the rainforest and is known for its beautiful scenery and consistent rapids. Along the way there
will be time to learn about iguanas, have water fights with nearby kayakers and other rafts, and of course
there will be plenty of thrills from the whitewater.
December 20th - Day 9: An ecological paradise
Explore an amazing ecological project with a great world view and awesome food! Just to give a quick
introduction to this amazing experience; Rancho Margot is and always has been committed to reducing
environmental impact and is the first company in Costa Rica to be deemed carbon neutral/negative,
therefore this is by far the best way to show you why Costa Rica is truly ahead of everyone on saving the
planet.
Accommodation: Hotel - Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
December 21st - Day 10: Well-deserved day of choice (TBD)
Accommodation: Hotel - Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
December 22nd - Day 11: A mix of service and fun
This will be your last day of community service.
Accommodation: Hotel - Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
December 23rd Day 12: Travel Day
Meals: Breakfast
Trip Cost: $3,000- $3,400
Cost includes airfare, in-country travel, lodging, supplemental health insurance, and meals.
Please note: A valid passport is required for this INTERNATIONAL trip, which will travel by
plane.
Please return forms in hard copy or electronically by Sunday, September 29, 2013.
Completed forms may be emailed to Lytle.38@osu.edu or returned 2008 Ohio Union Administrative Suite Attention: Antonio-Phillip Lytle.