Using Guided Reflection to Link Cultural and Service Learning in a Study Abroad Course

The literature indicates that service learning integrated into a study abroad course results in cultural learning, personal growth, and professional development. However, there are inadequate examples of strategies to achieve cultural learning in the context of study abroad. The purpose of this article is to briefly describe the authors' collaboration with leaders of an international health system in developing a faculty-led study abroad course and describe strategies to promote guided reflection to achieve cultural learning. The preparation phase of the course was delivered with two video conferences and an online learning management system for students on three campuses. Service learning with clinic nursing staff of the international health system and children in a residential home was purposefully incorporated in the study abroad phase of the course. During the first week of study abroad, specific prompts for daily journaling were introduced to the students to promote guided reflection as a critical component of service learning. During the second week, students discussed concepts that had been introduced during the preparation phase. The students wrote a final summary reflection paper with the guidance of additional prompts and an evaluation rubric. In summary, preparation phase learning activities, study abroad phase daily journaling and group discussion combined with a summary reflection paper were used as strategies to achieve cultural learning.