Chapter 10: Unique Service-Learning in Barcelona

With a storytelling tone, this chapter narrates different examples of service-learning programs at The American School of Barcelona. The opportunities for international schools to develop experiential/learning programs through partnerships with a variety of institutions from the local community such as hospitals, multinational corporations, local and international NGOs, business schools, and regional or national governments are described. Establishing these partnerships not only provides students with valuable opportunities for experiential learning and service-learning, but it also has a very positive impact on partner institutions and their constituents, enhancing the school’s image in the community. Processes, as well as problems and solutions, that arise when developing service-learning programs are examined. By reading this chapter, it is hoped that readers will be inspired and, if they are practitioners of service-learning, will be able to replicate some of these programs in their own contexts. The reader will be able to see the positive benefits both for those who are serving and those who are served.