Service Learning

Service Learning is recognised as a powerful pedagogical tool. By putting theory to practice in the real-world community sector, faculty and students report that teaching and learning are greatly enhanced.

Ireland

Service Learning

Community

Service Learning is recognised as a powerful pedagogical tool.

By putting theory to practice in the real-world community sector, faculty and students report that teaching and learning are greatly enhanced.

Students develop a deep understanding of the social context of their academic disciplines; something only possible outside a classroom.

We have seen that as a sense of civic awareness and social responsibility is fostered in students, their motivation expands with it. Students are more energised to explore important issues after the authentic experience of a Service Learning programme.

Service Learning in Ireland

We offer programmes throughout Ireland for both individuals and faculty-led groups. Our courses are designed to integrate academic learning with experiences that foster cultural immersion, identity exploration, and global engagement.

We tailor each programme to university requirements so academic credit is easily obtained and include space for reflection seminars. Home-stay accommodation is a key part of the programme as it further supports cultural exchange and immersion but other accommodation is also available.

For faculty-led programmes we suggest a minimum of one week and have flexible start dates based on your semester schedule!

Our current projects include:

Each project works with and for the community. Here are some selected examples:

Working with a refugee centre
Working with families and children connected to Autism
Caring for the homeless and other communities
Planting and tending a community garden and orchard
Distribution of produce to local voluntary and charitable groups
Upkeep on visitor & community facilities
Contributing to amenity and conservation projects and outreach
Engaging with heritage programmes designed for children or elderly locals
Helping to maintain the outstanding natural and cultural beauty of a local town

If there is an area or population you are specifically interested in working with but it is not listed above, please speak to us.

For Individual Students:

The majority of our Service Learning programs take place in a group format, however, this option is also open to individual participants who may want to further their academic experience and connect with a local community.

T his type of programme is viewed as an Internship and must be a minimum of 4-weeks in duration. For this option, please contact Michelle Yalch, our Internships and Semester Programme Manager.

At A Glance

Service Learning

Start Date

Determined Faculty

Duration

1-12 Weeks

Apply By

12 months prior to programme

Fees

Based on proposal to faculty.

Please note: This programme is open to individual students also, separate fees and programme applies.

What's included?

Airfare, mandatory health insurance, and spending money aren’t typically included.

Janice Hawkins, PhD, RN

“As a long-time faculty leader of short-term study abroad programs, I’ve worked with several academic partners.

My experience with Learn International has greatly exceeded my expectations. I look forward to returning next year to build on our successes and cultivate long-term relationships with our community partners in Donegal.

I highly recommend Learn International to all faculty and study abroad departments building faculty-led programs in Ireland or elsewhere.”

Faculty-led Service Learning Programme

Old Dominion University

"I loved being able to work with and learn from the kids at the direct provision center in Galway and at the community center in Gweedore! It was truly a memorable and enlightening opportunity to learn from everyone I was blessed to be surrounded by. I am grateful for all of the people I was able to bond with and get to know on a deeper level. This program enhanced the overall values of my major in family, youth, and community sciences and the service-learning aspects of it was unforgettable in the best ways and very rewarding."

ThanhService Learning in Ireland, University of Florida, 2022

Features of a Typical Customised Programme

Academic Integration into all programmes
Complete in-country logistical management
Applicant management and advising
Local Transportation organised
Pre-Departure Advising and Orientation
Onsite Orientation and Welcome Event
Option for In-Country Coordinators
Accommodation or Host-families
CPR and First-Aid Trained Coordinator 24/7 support
Classroom or Lecture Space
International Health Insurance
Educational Field Trips and Cultural Excursions
Industry and Company Site Visits
Peer to Peer Workshops, Expert Guest Lecturers and Roundtable Discussions
Volunteer and Service Learning Activities
Programme Evaluations and Assessment
Other Features as Requested

Note that airfare, international health insurance, travel insurance, tipping and spending money are generally not included.

Case Study - Indiana State University

Read how we designed a Customised Service Learning program for ISU combining several community projects, homestay accommodation, and heritage based excursions.

Our experience with Learn International was top notch. From the start Chris had a clear understanding of the principles of service learning and the objectives that we wanted to achieve during the program.

Learn International and Blackfriary created a two-week experience that was one of the best service-learning programs Indiana State University has offered in ten years.