| Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Service Learning Project (SLP)?
SLP is a project that aims to:
- Create a self-confident RP student who is able to work in teams with the ability to draw on relevant skills and resource,
- Instill in the RP students a strong conviction about their role and obligation towards the community in RP and the NW area,
- Give each RP student an appreciation of the world beyond their own and at the same time better appreciate their own way of life.
How long is the duration of an International SLP?
The duration of ISLP would last at least 14 days. The longest will last up to 21 days.
What is involved in a general SLP?
Students will be engaged in different projects relevant to their course of study, other than the actual project work, there will be cultural exchange activities, visitations to learning sites, interaction with the local community etc.
What kind of SLP is available?
The types of SLP include:
- Construction of community facilities such as community halls, sports courts, day-care centers, and water pumps
- Primary health education & training
- IT literacy and software support
- Conservation projects, i.e Eco-trails & Heritage centers
- Documentation projects – Culture, History, Ethno-Botanical, Social
- Capacity building and Empowerment i.e Micro-financing
- Social Enterprise and Income generation
Click here for information on past projects.
Click here for information on upcoming projects.
What about funding?
Staff leaders will be fully funded once he/she takes up an ISLP.
For students, funding policy is as follows:
- 50% of total expenditure excluding material cost and reconnaissance trip by Republic Polytechnic*
- Students have to pay up to 50% of the total expenses (which amounts to $250-$500, depending on location of project)
- Material cost will be fully funded by the various foundations*
- Foreign students will not be funded. However, teams are encouraged to do fund raising for foreign students participating in the projects.
*Subject to changes
How much do I need to pay for the ISLP?
The cost of the project depends on the numbers of team members, nature of project and as well as the location of the project. For example, the cost for a team of 20 people to Thailand for a SLP would roughly be in the range of 15K to 20K, including project cost (estimated ~ 5K). Typically, each student would pay between S$250– S$500 depending on location.
Estimated cost bore by students:
$250-$350 - Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam
$350-$500 - China, India
Full funding will be given to all full time staff who leads the projects.
What is the composition of an ISLP team?
The ideal ratio for a SLP would be 2 staffs to 20 students. The students can be from year 1 to year 3.
What is the duration to prepare for an ISLP?
It will take 3 -5 months to prepare for a project. Minimum of 3 months to ensure ample time for administration and logistical arrangement prior the trip.
Where and when do these projects take place?
The projects normally take place in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and India, and during RP term breaks (Feb/Mar, Sept and Dec - depending on suitable weather and temperature).
Is OSG the organiser of the SLP?
OSG-SL does not organise the SLP expedition. OSG-SL supports staffs and teams in the planning, development and organisation of these expeditions.
Will I receive insurance and medical coverage?
Yes. All staff and students will receive insurance and medical coverage for all expeditions.
More FAQs for Staff
How can I get started on a project?
Contact us at OSG-SL and we will help determine a project for you. Specific training and guidance will be provided toward your SLP preparation.
OR
OSG-SL welcomes you to provide your own contacts of non-government organisations/partners base on your past experiences (However it should be based on staff's personal discretion.)
How do I get approval in leading a project?
First, discuss with your Head of Departments and Reporting Officers and seek their approvals. Then apply through Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) (We will show you how). Now, you’re all set to begin your SLP!
What is involved in a reconnaissance trip?
The recon or pre-expedition trip is designed to prepare team leaders for the main expedition. This 3 – 4 days trip will give them a brief but important opportunity to meet with their eventual host partners, determine project scope, design and budget, assess emergency evacuation plans and facilities, assess and evaluate living conditions for the team. OSG-SL staffs will accompany team leaders on reconnaissance trips to provide advice and guidance.
What is involved in leading/organising an expedition?
Firstly, staff have to go through compulsory SL oriented trainings and basic first aid training. Subsequently, staff are required to facilitate the learning of students through team building activities, fund raising events, pre-trip preparation, during and post trip activities.
What type of training will I need to lead an expedition? Will any be provided?
It is compulsory for all leaders to attend SL training programmes and First Aid course in order to lead an expedition. OSG-SL will either conduct or engage external vendor for SL training programmes while you will need to register for First Aid Course in house or externally.
External First Aid Training vendors:
Singapore Red Cross
St John's Ambulance Singapore
More FAQs for Students
How do I get selected for the project?
All students have to go through selection process through interviews with the leading facilitators.
Can I still join if I have participated in a Service Learning Project before?
Yes, unless you take up leadership roles (ie. student leader/assistant student leader) in this new project.
Do students receive Creative Engagement (CE) points for the ISLPs?
Yes. Students participating in projects will be awarded CE points (0-10 Non-Diploma Active (NDA) points) depending on the project scopes, the level of commitment, performance and leadership qualities shown in the projects. Up to maximum of 3 Diploma-Active (DA) points could be awarded for students doing projects relevant to course of study.
Are year 3 students eligible for to apply for the projects?
Yes. However, graduating year 3 students are NOT encourage to apply for projects during the last semester's holidays in Feb/Mar as they will not be available to follow up and participate in the post-trip activities plan by the team.
Feel free to direct your questions to help-student@rp.sg.
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