Document Type

Grant

Project Title

Virtual Service-Learning Study Abroad: Medical Electives Belize

Principal Investigator

Kevin Hunt

Publication Date

2026

College or Department

Health and Human Performance

Funder

Academic Affairs

Award Date Range

FY 2024

Award Amount

$4,000

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional service-learning study abroad programs offer pragmatic learning opportunities for students to advance the declarative knowledge promoted in the classroom setting into procedural knowledge that is applicable in authentic environments. Such experiential-learning opportunities are foundational elements in the development of autonomy-supportive behaviors required for transition from student to practitioner. Unfortunately, study abroad opportunities are not available to many students for a variety of reasons. Parental hesitancy, parental safety concerns, economic status and monetary constraints, physical disabilities and mobility limitations, dietary restrictions and food allergies, travel anxiety and mental-health limitations, and many other factors impede students from taking advantage of the available service-learning study abroad programs on campus. One solution to this issue may be virtual study abroad options. The question is, can a virtual study abroad experience provide similar pragmatic learning opportunities to those experiences provided by an in-person experience. Methods: The COHS Belize study abroad experience has been reimagined into a virtual study abroad experience; the first of its kind at GCSU. This virtual experience will run in tandem with the traditional in-person experience; where every aspect of the traditional experience will be incorporated into the virtual option; including all service-learning workshops and all cultural experiences. This virtual experience will provide students, who may never have considered study abroad as a realistic possibility, with an option to engage in international service-learning. Data Analysis: Quantitative data-analysis will revolve around descriptive statistics evaluating participant inclusivity demographics. Qualitative data-analysis will revolve around participant development of autonomy supportive behaviors and cultural competence.

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