International Service Learning: Analytical Review of Published Research Literature

Abstract

International service learning (ISL) is an emerging area of international education. This paper summarizes scholarly journal articles on ISL programs, organized by academic disciplines and service-learning project areas. Who administers ISL programs and how, the countries in which these projects have occurred, and the outcomes and benefits of the projects discussed in this literature is presented. Relevant literature on “International Service Learning” from full-text scholarly peer-reviewed journals on 67 EBSCO Host databases published from 2000 to 2013 served as the basis for this literature review. No returns were found in this search before the year 2000. Of 96 returns, 41 of them, published from 2003 to 2013, were relevant for this review.

Communicating Ethical Engagement Abroad: A Content Analysis of Service-Learning Study Abroad Third-Party Provider Websites

“…Much of the literature on international service-learning focuses on student motivations and experiences, pedagogy, and ethical engagement with host communities (Dixon, 2015). In the searches for this literature review, only two articles returned that examine the role of third-party providers in administering study abroad programs (Hains-Wesson, 2017;Hains-Wesson & Appleby, 2017 Despite the dearth of research into third-party providers, there has been significant caution and criticism about the dangers of international volunteerism.…”

Improving Outreach Activities — Mentoring Youth in a Structured Skills-Based Development Program Increases Personal Growth of College Students Studying Abroad

“…Early research largely focused on assessing how international experience affected students' feelings of confidence, career goals, and global perceptions (Koester et al, 1985;Carlson et al, 1990). More recently, the study abroad literature has grown to compare the different types of programming available and consider the degree to which students engage with local communities or participate in service-learning (Dixon, 2015;George, 2014).…”

Examining Relationships between Education Abroad Program Design and College Students' Global Learning

“…Research results are more consistent for the effects of intercultural contact and engagement experiences on student learning, although the frequency, depth, and conditions of the contact/experiences may lead to greater or lesser learning (Deardorff, 2008;Heinzmann et al, 2015;Medina-Lopez-Portillo, 2004;Vande Berg, Connor-Linton, & Paige, 2009;Vande Berg, Paige, & Lou, 2012; but see Pederson, 2010, for conflicting evidence). Research has also determined that inclusion of guided reflection opportunities facilitates learning by helping students make meaning of their experiences (Bennett, 2008;Deardorff, 2008;Dixon, 2015;Engle & Engle, 2003;Hoff, 2008;Kiely, 2004;Pederson, 2010).…”