Applications for Spring/Summer 2026 Travel is currently open!
Applications for spring or summer travel for 2026 are open now and may be found below. You will need to have all materials ready for submission before you start your application. If you have any questions about the application or Dobson process, please contact Joshua Cauble or Derenzo Thomas. For questions about the non-credit application for Education Abroad, please contact the Education Abroad Office.
Purpose
The purpose of the Dobson Volunteer Service Program is to encourage the spiritual and value development of participating students while providing assistance to individuals, families, and communities in need.
To qualify, an applicant must demonstrate both a desired positive effect upon his/her spiritual development and a commitment to humanitarian service.
While there are many interpretations of "spiritual," for the purposes of this program, the term means having to do with God or religious matters. It is not required that an applicant be an adherent of any particular faith.
- Applicant must be a USC student, faculty, staff, or Registered Religious Affiliate.
- Applicant must be in good standing with the university.
- Completion of Part One and Two of the non-credit application with the Education Abroad Office (if the trip is within the United States the Education Abroad Application is not required).
- *Parts I & II must be completed by the January 31 deadline to be considered for funding - please take this into account when planning your timeline to apply.
- One reference from someone who is familiar with applicant’s volunteer/service history.
- Applications must be submitted in full, including recommendation, by the published deadline.
- No late/incomplete applications will be reviewed.
- Service is based on spiritual and value development.
- Service is not contingent on receiving academic credit.
- Develop and submit a post-engagement video/presentation to demonstrate depth of learning. Share video/presentation with university students, civic groups, religious groups and local schools to promote community service.
- Shared responsibility for your experience – this is a program that requires full engagement and participation.
Application (Closes January 31st, 2026)
Letter of Recommendation (Closes January 31st, 2026)
Group Trip Profile - Group Leader Only (please fill out and email to Joshua Cauble at caublej@sc.edu)
Without Dobson, I would not have been able to have the experiences that I did. We were able to work alongside people that we never thought we would meet, and it provided an incredibly humbling and enlightening experience. I will forever be thankful to the Dobson organization for giving me the chance to have these experiences and to offer my service.
-Paul Zito