Service Learning in Developing Nations

In this chapter, we discuss two short-term, international service-learning trips where US graduate students, faculty and program advisors (I-O-trained management consultants) traveled to developing nations to complete projects in local schools. Drawing from these experiences, we discuss lessons we have learned regarding the challenges and benefits of the trips. Although it may be easier to imagine how people from nursing, construction, or education might serve the disadvantaged, we have found that the skill set of I-O psychologists can be of great benefit to people who need to manage their way out of poverty. I-O psychologists can, for instance, teach job search, interviewing, and supervisory skills. They can help the agencies who serve the poor by providing organizational development, managerial and problem-solving expertise. The skills of researchers and grant writers can be of immense help to those who serve and those who are served. Service learning is of growing interest to I-O psychologists and our hope is that the chapter will be useful as a resource for professionals who would like to start an international service-learning program.