CSU Service Learning Goes Abroad

While the CSU continues to significantly increase community service-learning opportunities for its students locally, some CSU campuses have begun to broaden their focus to include international opportunities.One campus leading this effort and utilizing its service-learning expertise is CSU Fullerton (CSUF). CSUF has partnered with Pannasastra University in Cambodia to develop a service-learning center at the international university, with the support of a grant from U.S. Agency for International Development. In the fall, several Pannasastra University students, faculty, and staff visited CSU campuses to learn about successful strategies for designing a program. In November, Jeannie Kim-Han, CSUF's service-learning director, traveled to Cambodia to introduce and discuss the concept of service learning with faculty, students and non-governmental organizations. This visit laid the groundwork for various institutes that will be offered this month at Pannasastra University by CSU service-learning practitioners.

Other CSU campuses are focusing on opportunities for students to engage in international service learning. San Francisco State University students, for example, traveled to South Africa for a month-long visit. The students took part in community service projects and attended classes at a local university as they learned about South Africa's history, political environment and social issues.

If you have an interest or expertise in international service learning and would like to participate in a learning circle, contact Amra Stafford at Sonoma State University or Jeannie Kim-Han at CSU Fullerton. Both service-learning directors are interested in building a strong network around this topic.

CSU Northridge (CSUN) was awarded $45,000 from Project SHINE (Students Helping in the Naturalization of Elders). The goal of Project SHINE is to help elderly immigrants and refugees learn English and civics skills in order to help them navigate the complicated process of U.S. citizenship.

CSUN service-learning students enrolled in gerontology and foreign language courses will tutor elders in group or one-on-one settings at community centers. Dr. Debra Sheets, CSUN faculty member and coordinator of Project SHINE said, “SHINE adds new dimensions to student learning while providing a valuable service to one of our community’s most under-served populations.” Three other CSU campuses have previously received Project SHINE grants.