Foundation for International Education London, UK Ari Rosenblum

1. Foundation for International EducationLondon, UKAri Rosenblum Service in the City: Pushing the Boundaries of the What, Where and How in Service-Learning

2. “Tell me and I will forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand.” – Chinese Proverb Service-learning in an urban environment is a valuable opportunity but it is currently being overlooked

3. Overview FIE’s background Define service-learning Benefits of service-learning in London Types of opportunities Feedback from sites and students Challenges Goals Going forward

4. FIE • London-based non-profit educational organisation established in 1998 • Branch in Dublin, summer programme London/Amman • Partnership with over 40 US universities for undergraduate students • Full service programme including academics, accommodations and extra-curriculars Background • 2011 in London • 1269 students in London • 517 internship students • 28 service-learning students (14 in spring 2012) • Internship vs. Service-Learning • All submit CV, Personal Statement, preferences, questionnaire • Distinction in type of placement and academic course • SL academic course focuses community issues and social welfare in the UK

5. What is Service-Learning at FIE? A form of experiential education in which students participate in work-based learning with organisations whose ultimate goals are to achieve public good Primary focus – learning and community Secondary benefit - career and personal development

6. Benefits of Service-Learning in London • Highest concentration of not-for-profit in comparison • 200,000 registered charities in the UK • Multicultural setting – 300+ languages in London • Exploring cultural differences in global city • London has highest rates of poverty and inequality in UK • Various types of opportunities • Build transferable skills in workplace Statistics from Government Office of London www.gos.gov.uk, CILT - the National Centre for Language www.cilt.org.uk and Mulholland, The Guardian www.guardian.co.uk

7. Types of Service-Learning Opportunities

8. Carolyn Abraham with colleagues at Twickenham stadium collecting money and raising awareness for the charity

9. Site Supervisor and Student Feedback from… • Site supervisor appraisal forms • In-person interviews with site supervisors and students • Conducted survey Understanding and improving the relationship with site supervisors • Student feedback forms • Student final academic papers in course • Observed classes

10. Site Supervisor and Student Feedback

11. Student Feedback

12. Challenges • Recruitment • Lack of interest • Self-serving stage of life • Previous experience may act like ‘offset' • Unaware of opportunities in London • Notion that service-learning is only hands-on • FIE does not directly recruit • Placements in London • Funding cuts – limited staff to support student • Confidentiality policies, qualifications and union rules could limit exposure to clients • Time commitment - visa restrictions/academics

13. Goals • Awareness of social responsibilities – now • Encourage students to lead socially responsible lives – future • Be global citizens – long-term Service-learning in metropolitan city shows students how it can be incorporated into every day lives

14. “Through service-learning, students can discover the possibility and importance of simultaneously attending to their needs as individuals and as members of a community.” Source: Zlotkowski, Successful Service-Learning Programs, 1998 Primary focus – learning and community Secondary benefit - career and personal development

15. Going forward • Challenge student perceptions about service-learning experience • Encourage ‘internship’ students to consider experience – transferable and direct skills • Market programs differently – more closely intertwined approach

16. Suggestions? How can we get students to engage in these experiences?