Case study : essential elements of organizing a student-initiated service-learning project in developing countries

Abstract

Service-learning brings different benefits to the undergraduate students including personal development, social responsibility, and improvements in academic learning (Eyler et al., 2000). In 2013, 12 students from 3 disciplines, engineering, health sciences and hotel management, initiated a service-learning project to Cambodia for 12 days. In this case study, we review the process of team formation, preparation and implementation. Finally, we suggest 7 essential elements as a guideline for implementing a student-initiated project.