The Experiences of College Students Participating in a Service Program in Jamaica

Details
Title
The Experiences of College Students Participating in a Service Program in Jamaica
Usage & Reproduction Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Type
Video recordings
URI / Handle
http://hdl.handle.net/1961/muislandora:2993
Created
2015-01-01T00:00:00Z
Abstract
Service abroad programs for college students have gained popularity in recent years (Vodopivec & Jaffe, 2011). Whereas a number of studies showed positive effects for the volunteers, further research is needed to examine in detail the students’ understanding of their service, as well as, their learning experiences. The purpose of this qualitative study was an in-depth exploration of the experiences of college students participating in the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program in Jamaica, a service trip organized by Marymount University’s campus ministry. A phenomenological approach was used to examine the lived experiences of college students’ ASB. The purpose of the program was to allow students to engage in service while visiting patients at a hospital, residents of three infirmaries, and the shut-ins in their homes (members of a congregation who could not leave their homes due to illness or disability to attend church services). The results revealed a two-way impact of the program. According to the participants, they not only positively impacted the people they visited, but also gained a lot themselves. In line with the university’s vision based on intellectual curiosity, service to others, and a global perspective, the findings indicated that this service program provided an excellent opportunity for college students to serve and learn within the framework of religious compassion. The findings provided implications for other pedagogical practices incorporating learning and service to prepare students for careers in a global environment.

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