Dear Service Learning Folks:
I am a Latin American studies professor who has been working
with the Center for Public Service at Gettysburg College on
design, development, and funding issues for the service learning
immersion program which functions somewhat like an
Alternative Break program with trips to domestic and
international sites during winter and spring break. I am
interested in developing this program, in part, from the
perspective of a Latin Americanist who would like to see a more
conscious study and reflection component to address crucial
lacks in international development education. I would also like
our program to place more attention on developing responsive
and reciprocal relationships with our global community partners.
I have looked at a variety of models including Augsburg College,
Goshen College, and the Partnership for Service-Learning. I
would sincerely appreciate comments on the following issues and
questions:
1. What are the pros and cons of moving Alternative
Break programs into the curriculum, that is, requiring
some amount of relevant credited course study before and
after these trips to encourage further study, reflection,
follow-up projects, etc...
2. What are some effective models of faculty
development to support, prepare, encourage, sustain
faculty in taking on this work.
3. What do you see as the design pros and cons of the
different models I have cited above (Augsburg, Goshen,
Partnership, or others)? For example, the Partnership
makes a point of having local university faculty involved.
Faculty from the U.S. institution are not "intermediaries"
interpreting the culture to the students.
4. Service learning programs make a big point about
reciprocity and partnership. This would mean that
planning and development should be shared tasks and
grants shared resources with global community partners.
What experiences do programs have with this on an
international level?
5. And, finally, any tips on funding opportunities for
international service learning programs?
Many, many thanks in advance for your thoughtful comments.
Sincerely,