SLS-8a Global Competency and Civic Engagement through Service-Learning

International Service-Learning is an experiential learning pedagogy that combines academic learning and community-based service in an international context. Combining aspects of study abroad and service-learning, it embeds an intensive experience of community service into a foreign culture. International service-learning has been increasingly adopted by universities to better prepare their students to become ‘global citizens’ with needed intercultural competencies to help them function effectively in a progressively interconnected world.  

Service-Learning itself does not have to be conducted in an international, cross-cultural context.  In fact, the majority of service-learning at PolyU, approximately 75%,  is conducted locally.  On the other hand, international, cross-cultural service-learning is recognised as a powerful pedagogy that can help us achieve the dual, complementary purpose of service-learning and internationalisation at the same time.  The societies in Mainland China and Hong Kong have fairly distinct cultural environments, even though the racial demographics are quite similar.  These are due to the different political histories, linguistic practices, economic development, etc., over the past more than a hundred and fifty years.  Currently approximately 15% of service-learning is conducted in Mainland China, and slightly under 10% is in foreign countries, although the numbers fluctuate quite a bit year by tear.  

There appears to be a commonly-held belief that international exchange is effective in helping students develop a global perspective.  An immersive experience in a foreign country reaps great benefits.  It is on this basis that universities and funding agencies are investing so much resources in sending students on expensive exchange programs, both academic and extra-curricular.  

However, we have learned that putting students in an international experience may not be, by itself, sufficient to enhance significantly all aspects of their intercultural competencies and global citizenship. It requires purposeful preparation and effort to make the exposure meaningful and beneficial to both students and the host community, and particularly in achieving specific learning objectives.