Chapter 13: International Service-Learning in Ecotourism and Empowerment of Students and Local Communities

A truly global education engages students in the exploration of transnational problems and issues as well as the interconnectedness of systems— cultural, ecological, economic, political, and technological. This approach implies a commitment to mutual understanding but also includes direct concern with social justice, human rights, and engagement with culture and cultural conflict. Enhancing academic course work with a significant study abroad experience can enable students to move outside of self-perceived comfort zones and learn to think critically about real life issues that have global implications. Cooperative learning is increasingly utilized to facilitate this process. It is a teaching method that enriches the educational process by engaging students in making a meaningful contribution to local communities for mutually beneficial results. In this context, students apply academic skills to solve real-world issues, linking established learning objectives with genuine needs.