1. Spanish Immersion Program, Study Abroad, University College, University of Denver, December 2006
Service Learning Project:
Soup kitchen and a home for the elderly in Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico

2. Spanish Immersion - experiencing classroom learning/teaching in Mexico.

3. Soup Kitchen Project, Progreso
Students and locals converse in Spanish, exchange cultures and prepare a meal for the needy.

4. Soup Kitchen Project, Progreso
Service learning increases retention by providing quality educational experiences.

5. Soup Kitchen Project, Progreso
SL emphasizes the relevancy of education to students living in a real world.

6. Soup Kitchen Project, Progreso
SL empowers students as learners, citizens, teachers, achievers and leaders.

7. Soup Kitchen Project, Progreso
SL encourages faculty to be innovative and creative in their teaching strategies.

8. Soup Kitchen Project, Progreso volunteers

9. Soup Kitchen Project, Progreso Yucatecan volunteers

10. Home for the Elderly Project, Mérida
Students interacted with a sometimes forgotten population at the home for the elderly.

11. Home for the Elderly Project, Mérida
Elderly residents’ eyes lit up when Santa Claus appeared with candy and soap for them.
Reaction and feedback from students was surprisingly positive.

12. Study abroad, Universidad de Marista
Formal classes were held at Universidad de Marista, Mérida
Global economics class
Horticulture experiment

13. Study abroad, Universidad de Marista
Agriculture and seed development
Maya culture and language class taught by a Maya professor

14. SL has a positive impact on reducing stereotypes and facilitates cultural and racial understanding.
Service Learning combines community service with classroom instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking, as well as personal and civic responsibility.

15. SL teaches positive values, leadership, citizenship and personal responsibility.

16. References
Photos courtesy of Greg Pickett, MA, Spanish Immersion Class (December 2006). Center for Teaching and Learning, University College, University of Denver at

17. References
Astin, A.W., & Sax, L.J. (1998). How undergraduates are affected by service participation. Journal of College Student Development, 39,
Eyler, J.S. & Giles, D.E., Jr. (1999), Where’s the learning in service-learning? San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc.
Tennessee State University, Benefits of Service Learning. Retrieved March 10, 2008 from