Title
The role of international service-learning in facilitating undergraduate students’ self-exploration
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Journal of Studies in International Education
Publication Date
11-2016
Volume
20
Issue
5
First Page
416
Last Page
436
Publisher
Sage Publications, Inc.
Keywords
cross-border delivery of education, globalization and international higher education, internationalization of higher education, internationalization of the curriculum, mobility of students and academic staff
Abstract
This article examines the role of international service-learning (ISL) in facilitating undergraduates’ exploration of their conceptions of self (i.e., self-exploration). Conception of self refers to the use of values to define one’s role in a social/cultural group or organization and in society, and to determine current actions and future commitments. ISL is intentionally structured activities involving students in social services in overseas settings. Existing research underscores the importance of inducting students to other-oriented (showing care and empathy for others) values in facilitating their self-exploration through ISL. Interviews with 48 students in Hong Kong who participated in ISL revealed qualitative differences in students’ conceptions of self related to moral, cultural, and leadership values. The findings highlight the need to guide students to critically self-reflect on their values and actions, and build reciprocal relationships with others. Implications for international educators and service-learning practitioners to support students’ self-exploration in ISL are proposed.
DOI
10.1177/1028315316662976
Print ISSN
10283153
E-ISSN
15527808
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2016 by Nuffic. Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Accepted Author Manuscript
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Yang, M., Luk, L. Y. Y., Webster, B. J., Chau, A. W.-l., & Ma, C. H. K. (2016). The role of international service-learning in facilitating undergraduate students’ self-exploration. Journal of Studies in International Education. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1177/1028315316662976
