Helping the Community through Service Learning

Today, a few of my colleagues and I attended an event which recognised the hard work of students on the American Classroom program who took part in 'service learning' throughout their fall semester. Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. This initiative gives students a chance to develop their skills and experience while simultaneously addressing the concerns of  communities. Students are able to use what they have learned/are learning in their classrooms and apply to real life situations.

Service learning is an excellent way for international students to become familiar with their new communities in which they live and make a difference within that community. These students are able to create a diverse perspective on an issue within the community and then give back to the community by providing their services. This could be in a classroom environment, for example, teaching school children English as a second language.

At the event students spoke proudly about their experiences while on their service learning placements and displayed posters around the room describing their projects and issues they focused on. Their speeches were thoughtful and interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing each student's inspiring story. These types of events are great opportunities to applaud the tremendous efforts and commitments that these Northeastern young professionals display while working for established businesses in the community.