An International Service Learning Course in a Developing Country

This paper begins with an explanation of the Ignatian Pedagogical Model and its relationship to Service Learning (SL). The Ignatian Pedagogical Model is a 500- year-old tradition of instruction that engages the student as an active participant in the learning process with the instructor. The author then discusses the particular benefits and challenges of an interna- tional SL course. While the SL experience in a local site is often a significant learning experience for students, an international service experience may have a profound effect on students, particularly if it is in a developing country. This paper describes such a course, International Information Systems, that includes a SL experience in Nicaragua. Recommendations to address the challenges that arise in an international SL course are discussed.