Unequal Access to Global Service-Learning Courses

• In Event: 58.067 - Unequal Access and Cultural Intelligence: Global Student Engagement and Study Abroad Experiences

Abstract

This paper identifies the generally overlooked issue of unequal access to Global Service Learning (GSL) study abroad courses for minority and economically disadvantaged college students. Although popular and academic media discuss the problem of inequality between student participants and host communities, they do not discuss inequity within student groups. I ask how we might reformulate GSL research questions to address issues of diversity and access, alter policy to increase diversity within and access to GSL, and conceptualize the benefits of increasing diversity for students and the GSL dynamic.

Author

• Gwen Bergner, West Virginia University