Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2004
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph. D.
Department (Legacy)
Department of Teaching and Learning
Committee Chair
Strenecky, Bernard J.
Author's Keywords
Education; Community; International service-learning; Service-learning; Social capital; University of Louisville International Service Learning Program; Kentucky
Subject
Foreign study--Case studies; Service learning
Abstract
This dissertation is an exploratory study of the indicators of receptivity that communities portray towards international service-learning programs. Historically, programs such as service learning programs choose communities and other working partners based on the needs of these communities. International service-learning on the other hand because of the high cost of travel to another country and accommodation needs to minimize the risk of having unsupportive partners. In this light, communities should be assessed to ensure that they are receptive to international service-learning programs. The study was conducted in a community that displayed a high level of receptivity to the University of Louisville International Service Learning Program. It focused on five areas of community receptivity namely: having a shared mission with the University, community involvement, community attachment, community cohesion, and social capital. A qualitative methodology of in-depth interviews was conducted with community leaders. Results were generally consistent across all five areas studied. The interviews revealed that the community had a shared mission with the University of Louisville to have a successful program, the residents were very involved in the affairs of the community and they were very much attached to it. Results also indicated that community cohesion is important to the community and they displayed a high level of social capital. Analysis indicates that communities receptive to international service-learning programs possess the five indicators of receptivity explored in this study.
Recommended Citation
Cunningham, Henry R., "Indicators of community receptivity to international service-learning programs." (2004). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 302.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/302
