Local connections, global perspectives

Higher education is increasingly focusing on facilitating agentic, outward-looking, globally minded graduates. International mobility experiences are positioned as key to developing these qualities; however, not all students have the inclination, resources, or support to enable them to participate in such experiences. Student surveys reveal that the top barriers to participation—time, finances, work, and family commitments—are outside the influence of educators. In response, educators need to look to opportunities afforded through both local and international experiences. Service learning can enable students to explore democratic action in a local space within a framework that accounts for global perspectives. This chapter draws on findings of six local and international case studies to explore curriculum and pedagogical frameworks that facilitate global perspectives through community-based learning experiences.