Hi I want to follow up on a conversation that was
occurring last fall about International Students and SL that Jillana Finnegan
started. Since that discussion a thesis has been completed by Kara Adams from
Seattle University.
Kara's thesis abstract "This study examines
international students’ cultural adjustments experienced in academic
service-learning situations. Interviews were conducted with five international
students at a Jesuit university in the Pacific Northwest. All participants were
from different regions of Asia. Participants conducted their service-learning
at multiple sites in the community: a food bank,a retirement home, a Cambodian
social service center, a trail maintenance organization, and an elementary
school. The findings reveal that these five international students adjust
between collectivistic and individualistic orientations during their
service-learning experiences. Second,international students who do not speak
English as a second language practice skills and gain confidence to speak
English. Third, developing friendships is a major adjustment concern expressed
by international students. Through service-learning, international students are
able to develop friendships with classmates and community members. The
implications of these findings are discussed, including recommendations for how
service-learning and international program administrators can better support
international students in service-learning." For full Document: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_CYGGRqV_YgaUNIcHlMTWM4Tk0/edit?usp=sharing
Mike Stefancic
Coordinator of Student Support
Service Learning Program
Boise State University
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