Service-Learning Overview

One of the objectives of the Partnership is to extend UGA’s expertise in public service and outreach to a new part of the world and to work with the Tunisian higher education system to (1) reinforce a culture of university public service and outreach, (2) help with the development of expertise as well as structure necessary for university public service and outreach, and (3) help create effective linkages between the university and the community through pilot projects.

The Civic Engagement Service-Learning summer program offers students from UGA and other American universities the experience of working on a community-based project in Tunisia as part of an international and multidisciplinary collaboration. The course, which includes daily Arabic lessons and guided visits to historical sites, allows American university students and faculty to work closely with Tunisian university students as well as local elementary and high school students.

Though collaboration with elementary and high school students is common at UGA, the program is the first of its kind to create the opportunity for a Tunisian university to collaborate with students at these levels. As part of this project, students from the three layers of education come together to discuss social issues using art in various forms as a vehicle for communication and self-expression.

By engaging with the Tunisian students in this project, American students and faculty have the opportunity to share their experiences with service and outreach projects and motivate the Tunisian students to create their own.