International Service-Learning: Common Goals and Issues among Programs across Disciplines

University of Louisiana System. 1201 North Third Street Suite 7-300. Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Tel: 337-482-1015; Fax: 337-482-5374; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://journals.sfu.ca/jslhe/index.php/jslhe

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13

Service Learning; International Programs; Program Effectiveness; Reflection; Educational Objectives; Case Studies; Cultural Awareness; Foreign Countries; Transformative Learning; Sustainability; Higher Education

Belize; District of Columbia; Burma; Guatemala; Nicaragua; Germany; South America

2162-6685

This paper presents a review of twelve studies on the effectiveness of international service-learning projects. The purpose of this review is to analyze, through the use of themes, the goals and issues affecting outcomes of such programs in order to evaluate the current uses of international service-learning within multiple fields. International service-learning goals range from producing a sense of civic engagement to transformational pedagogy and should be examined for their effectiveness within higher education. This study was conducted in the form of a literature review focusing on international service-learning research taken from the early 2000's to the present. Data focusing on program goals and outcomes was collected, and the findings suggest that international service-learning programs must focus on more than critical reflection in order to produce change in its participants--both students and community members. The findings also suggest that programs set goals that are not always readily met, and therefore, a few recommendations have been made for program improvement.

As Provided

22

2018

EJ1186357