ABSTRACT
In the introduction to this book, Marianne Larsen outlined the need for a book such as International Service Learning: Engaging Host Communities to enhance our understanding of international service learning (ISL) and host communities. The 21 authors who have written chapters for this book have attempted to address the existing gaps in the research literature and ISL practice by teasing out the complicated and complex impact and influence of ISL programs in global South host communities. To do this, International Service Learning: Engaging Host Communities brought together a wide range of individuals from a variety of countries, sectors (educational, non-profit, private), and backgrounds. This book would not have happened without the contributions of members of global South communities from the Caribbean, Central America, East, West, and Southern Africa who have reflected upon and shared their experiences, positive and negative, about hosting North American ISL students. Indeed, the goal of this book was to give voice to the communities hosting international volunteers, and their contributions provide us with invaluable insights about existing programs and what needs to be done to improve them. Their voices are represented in this collection as authors, co-authors, and participants in the wide spectrum of research studies presented.
