Service Learning Abroad by Alejandra Morales, ICDS Community Work Coordinator.

Studying abroad is a great opportunity for students to become global citizens by learning about sustainability, social justice, development, and a new language. But a different country can be exciting and challenging at the same time.

If we add working in an organization as part of your study abroad program, it can be a nerve-wracking situation. In my experience as ICDS Community Work Coordinator in Costa Rica, working with international students and their expectations regarding service-learning can be a delicate task. When we think about service-learning, we think about changing the world. It is important to understand that this is not the main objective of our community work at ICDS. Rather, it is the experience you will have working with an NGO, a non-governmental organization, in an international environment with a new culture and language..

What we can change is what we know, what we think, and what we do. Service-learning while abroad is a fantastic way to learn about ourselves, to question our ideas, and explore perspectives beyond our own. Many students find it to be an opportunity to think outside the box. Working with at-risk populations or on sustainability projects in a developing country forces us to reflect on our identity and the privileges of where we come from. It forces us question our role in our own community. It is a great process of exchange. For example, you learn while you teach, as all people you work with have something to share from their own experiences and social background.

Studying abroad is a wonderful chance to discover and get immersed in a new culture, but it is understandable that a language barrier can cause anxiety. It is a great way to make new friends and have fun, as well as experience different forms of social interaction in a new culture. Costa Ricans are known for being warm and friendly. It is an amazing place to learn how to laugh about yourself.

Spanish language level is taken into consideration when matching students to their community work roles, but you will find that our service learning partners are welcoming and gracious no matter how much you’re able to converse with them. Remember that we succeed when, at the end of the journey, we see things we weren’t able to see before. And even though we can’t change the world right now, we are better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead of us.