UU International Seminarian Programs

Through the Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice (UUCSJ), the UUA offers several international programs for seminarians. In locations throughout the world, these programs are designed to provide seminarians with opportunities to grow in multicultural understanding as they serve communities and deepen their ministerial training.

Download our brochure for more information

Scholarships

The Natalie Gulbrandsen Ministerial Scholarship Fund for International Studies is available to ministers and seminarians wishing to live or study abroad.

Learn more about the Gulbrandsen Scholarship

Opportunities

• Uganda (Service learning)
  Seminarian participants act as volunteer assistants for two to four weeks (or longer) at a primary school and orphanage that serves more than 500 children, many of which are orphans. While growing your knowledge of Unitarian Universalism in Uganda, you will teach, assist staff, and provide care and nurturance to the children. Placements can occur during any part of the year.

• India (Service learning)
  Seminarian participants serve as volunteer assistants for two to three weeks at a home that is safe haven for 24 orphaned children. You will assist staff with providing loving care and support to the children, while also deepening your multicultural understanding. Placements will typically occur during July–August and December–January with some flexibility.

• Japan (Short-term ministerial training)
  This is a special opportunity for UU seminarians at non-UU theological schools who are interested in international and interfaith engagement. Participants will spend two to three weeks experiencing and deepening their understanding of Shinto tradition, customs, and practices at one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. Placements are flexible but tend to be in summer or fall

• United Kingdom (Short-term ministerial training)
  Participants will work with the London district of Unitarian Churches and provide short-term supervised ministerial services to London-area congregations. The term of service is between 3 and 12 months. Supervision will be provided by local Unitarian ministers who are in fellowship with the UUA.

• Ghana (Service learning)
  The UU United Nations Office has partnered with the Queen Mother’s Association, based in Odumase, since 2005. The partnership makes it possible for children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS to attend school. UUCSJ is currently developing an opportunity for a seminarian to work with the Queen Mother’s Association. Check back with UUCSJ in early 2013 for further details

Contact us
Get more details from the UUA International Office