Expanding the Parameters of Service Learning: A Case Study

Service learning is an increasingly significant component of academic programs on many college campuses. International studies programs and study-abroad programs are becoming important frontiers in this trend. Today, many colleges and other organizations provide students with opportunities for service learning in international settings. However, a common assumption of such programs is that students will spend at least a full semester abroad. This article examines how service learning can be effectively incorporated into short-term programs—that is, programs lasting only 2 to 3 weeks. Referencing a particular 2-week study-abroad program in Jamaica and drawing from the literature on service learning, we discuss the special challenges that confront such programs and propose strategies for successfully grappling with those challenges.