Evolution of Short-term International Service-learning Class in Quito, Ecuador

Many study abroad classes typically provide opportunities for students to travel and learn about different cultures in developed countries. The overwhelming majority of American students study abroad in Western Europe and Australia. However, the cost, duration and timing of these classes, often prevent some students from being able to participate during their undergraduate education. In order to help alleviate these common barriers, two faculty members at Auburn University designed and implemented a 10-day Service-Learning class to Quito, Ecuador. An international Service-Learning class is defined as: "A structured academic experience in another country in which students (a) participate in an organized service activity that addresses identified community needs; (b) learn from direct interaction and crosscultural dialogue with others; and (c) reflect on the experience in such a way as to gain a deeper appreciation of the host country and, an enhanced sense of their own responsibilities as citizens, locally and globally" (Bringle et al 2011). The class was designed to appeal to students who would not have otherwise considered studying abroad. In order to minimize the cost and curriculum disruption, the program fee was limited to $2,500 and the 10 days coincided with the students’ academic spring break. Academic credit was not offered in the 2010 initial class, but since 2012 – 2017, the class has been offered as a construction elective within the Building Science curriculum. The students and faculty typically work with a community construction project, usually an after school care center for 200-350 underprivileged children, consisting of a 4-story, 30,000-sf concrete framed building. Students are given the opportunity to work on an Ecuadorian construction site using rudimentary tools and methods in order to serve an underprivileged population. This paper describes the design, implementation and evolution of this International Service-Learning class and international experience offered in the construction management curriculum.