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International Service-Learning

Vol. 17 No. 2

Students Serving Abroad: A Framework for Inquiry

Submitted
May 7, 2013
Published
2013-05-07

Abstract

International service by students is gaining greater attention at colleges
and universities around the world. Some research has examined
the effects of international service for students, but relatively few
studies have examined outcomes for host communities and sponsoring
organizations, including colleges and universities. Beginning
with an examination of theoretical and empirical research from the
fields of international volunteerism, international service-learning,
and international study abroad, this article proposes a framework
for inquiry on international service programs. It suggests that differences
in outcomes for students, host communities, and home
colleges and universities are the result of variations in individual and
institutional characteristics and service activities. Finally, the article
considers implications for future research, including hypotheses and
research designs to test differences across programs and educational
institutions.