eCommons

 

Examining Benefits In International Service Learning From Comparative Perspectives: A Case Study Of The Suny-Brockport Vietnam Program

Other Titles

Abstract

In recent years, international service learning (ISL) has become very popular at many institutions of higher education. Integrating academic instruction with experiential learning to provide meaningful international experience for university students while addressing the needs of communities around the world has shown to be one of the most effective and powerful pedagogical practices. Because ISL has proven consistently positive benefits for students, many institutions of higher education have begun to embrace it as an innovative teaching concept in their curricula. Using a case of the U.S.-based international service learning program of SUNY Brockport, this doctoral research offers a close study of how benefits are manifested and perceived from various perspectives. The study examines different aspects of benefits including the notion of the perception of benefits from both sides of the program, the service providers' side as well as the local communities in the host country, the recipients of the service. Understanding how different actors in an ISL program perceive their own benefits and those of others may bring about knowledge of how benefits are conceptualized, manifested or constructed, and what factors inform their views. In addition, the findings may offer insight into how benefits are factored into the equation of international service learning - for whom the benefits intended are, who the beneficiaries are, etc. While previous studies indicate that international service learning has a potential to benefit all parties involved, the findings from this case study suggest that the perceived benefits can vary greatly depending on whose perspectives are being considered. Further, the perceptions of benefits may be shaped by factors including socio-economic and cultural differences, historical legacies and personal backgrounds, in addition to the program location and country-to-country dynamics. These factors can significantly shape how different actors perceive their own benefits and those of others. The findings of this doctoral research offer recommendations for both research and practice of this newly uncharted yet increasingly popular field of international service learning in higher education.

Journal / Series

Volume & Issue

Description

Sponsorship

Date Issued

2015-05-24

Publisher

Keywords

International service learning; Benefits in service learning; Vietnam

Location

Effective Date

Expiration Date

Sector

Employer

Union

Union Local

NAICS

Number of Workers

Committee Chair

Assie-Lumumba,N'Dri Therese

Committee Co-Chair

Committee Member

Colle,Royal Donald
Williams,Linda Brooks
Kiely,Richard

Degree Discipline

Education

Degree Name

Ph. D., Education

Degree Level

Doctor of Philosophy

Related Version

Related DOI

Related To

Related Part

Based on Related Item

Has Other Format(s)

Part of Related Item

Related To

Related Publication(s)

Link(s) to Related Publication(s)

References

Link(s) to Reference(s)

Previously Published As

Government Document

ISBN

ISMN

ISSN

Other Identifiers

Rights

Rights URI

Types

dissertation or thesis

Accessibility Feature

Accessibility Hazard

Accessibility Summary

Link(s) to Catalog Record