Personal and political transformation:
Two case studies of a university based International Service-Learning internship
This article presents the results of two related studies that were interested in exploring the impact of
International Service-Learning (ISL) experiences on university student interns in terms of personal and
political transformation. We report on the findings related to the question: “How do university students
envision social change, and experience personal and political transformation following a long-term
international service learning internship?” We begin by providing a background context for the studies,
followed by a review of the theoretical framework, transformational learning theory, within which the
studies were situated. This is followed by an overview of the research methods used to carry out this
study, the findings and our analysis of the data. These were mixed methods studies using three data
sources: survey questionnaires, interviews, and student blogs. Our studies demonstrate that while
there is clear evidence of envisioning, personal and political transformation amongst the students who
participated in this ISL internships, their experiences and the degrees of transformation varied. Our
research points to the need for structured activities related to critical reflection to be built into all stages
of ISL program planning, from pre-departure throughout and after the internship.
Service-Learning, International programs, Higher education, Transformative learning, Social justice.
Larsen, M.A. & Gough, R. (2013). Personal and political transformation: Two case studies of a university based International Service-Learning internship. International Journal of Education for Social Justice (RIEJS), 2(2),
109-129.
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