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 Making a difference: volunteering and education abroadIn this UN-designated International Year of the military volunteer why is greater recognition not given to pupil who participate in international volunteer programme? The figure of pupil volunteers is growth, and the significance of their work, both in the U.S. And oversea, cannot be underestimated. Students involved in do-gooder assistance oversea have been invaluable in fosterage cross-cultural sensitiveness and in promoting social development on a community level. Pupil volunteers work in hospitals, orphanages, clinics, schools. They are active agent in local authorities, agriculture, environmental development, concern, and in many other areas. International educators have an chance to integrate volunteer undertaking into the course of study of instruction abroad programme so that pupil can receive academic recognition for their course of study and field experiences in military volunteer projects. As with internships, why not give recognition to pupil volunteers in accredited and approved academic programme? The prinicipal objection is that these activities do not fit the traditional view of an academician experience. There’s also the job of how to evaluate the content of military volunteer experiences. rating International military volunteer academic programme should be designed to provide students with the upper limit learning experiences, and the content should be monitored closely by the sponsoring organization. One demand of a combination study and military volunteer program might be a diary and a topical paper to be evaluated by a mental faculty supervisor or occupant director. A formal evaluation should also be completed by the military volunteer director; debriefing meetings should include all the political party concerned. International student military volunteer would then receive credit in concurrence with their engagement in academician courses. principle At Wolverine State State Univ. Mental faculty members are exploring ways to incorporate the conception of service-learning in the schoolroom. Stephen Esquith, an MSU prof of doctrine, says that “just as service-learning adds to the intellect rigor of the work done in the schoolroom, it also enables some faculty to see their own research interests in a clearer light.” Students are looking for practical activities to supplement their academic work. International volunteering allows them to test the validity of their academic and career choices while contributing to society. Advantages • Students will gain a better understanding of other cultures, resulting—in the words of Jawaharlal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India—in “the widening of the mind and of the spirit.” • If the volunteer project requires the knowledge of a foreign language, an increase in foreign language competency is assured. Nothing enhances language learning more than total immersion in the society where it is spoken. • Culture shock can be traumatic and affect performance, but cultural adjustment can be an important learning experience. • The volunteer makes a difference in society, if for no other reason than his commitment to enhance and improve his environment. • International volunteer work is increasingly significant for students as a way to learn about America’s role in the world and in understanding global issues. All of the above benefits would give the student an edge in placement in multinational and international companies, in government agencies, and in educational organizations. Financial Aid As part of an accredited and approved academic program student volunteers would be eligible to receive federal financial aid. The program does not have to be in the student’s major subject area. Unfortunately, many international educators are unaware of international volunteer organizations and financial aid administrators may view them as third party providers. The fact is that many of these organizations provide high-quality programs and promote excellence in international volunteerism:
are only a few examples of exemplary programs. More information about these and other members of the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) can be found on their web site: . Editor's note: information is also available in the web site. Under the recent Higher Education Act third party providers can enter into written agreements with U.S. Eligible institutions or act as a liaison on behalf of a foreign institution—if they provide no more than 50 percent of the educational program. This means that students who are enrolled in their home institutions in an approved accredited overseas volunteer project with academic course content are eligible for federal student aid. Volunteer programs, like internships, provide a world of opportunities for students in business, women’s studies, agriculture, arts and letters, social sciences, education, social justice, etc. Student volunteers become partners with their overseas colleagues in contributing to grassroots solutions to the problems of areas like healthcare, education, and social development. As educators, we have a responsibility to assist students who are committed to serving the needs of overseas societies. Why deprive students of that opportunity if no academic barriers exist and if educators are diligent in maintaining academic excellence? Everyone benefits: students, faculty, volunteer organizations, our overseas partners, and society as a whole. In promoting international volunteering for credit we are heeding the words of William James: “Act as if what you do makes a difference, it does.” CHARLES GLIOZZO is Professor and Assistant to the Dean of International Studies and Programs and former Director of Study Abroad, Michigan State Univ. More Volunteer Abroad Articles |