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

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