This multiple‐case study examined the unique perspectives of six adult English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) students who participated as the givers of a service in a semester‐long service learning community college ESOL course. Their ages ranged from 19 to 45 and they hailed from five different countries (Colombia, Mexico, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam). This study focused on the students' perspectives regarding their oral communication skills, and specific examples have been drawn from sources such as student journals, reflection papers, projects, semistructured interviews, and personal observations. The benefits identified by the participants include becoming more active learners, developing an appreciation of learning in an authentic atmosphere, and gaining self‐confidence. Challenges overcome include language barriers and feelings of fear and incompetence.