Service-Learning Pioneers

On Wednesday, June 29, three Citadel cadets, Keegan Bailey, Devon Smith and Matthew Stewart headed to Hanoi, Vietnam to launch the Citadel’s first service-learning program devoted to international politics and military affairs. 

As a teaching method, service-learning falls into the category of experiential education, as it combines meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the overall learning process. According to the National Service-Learning Clearing House, service-learning programs teach not only the subject matter at hand, but also civic responsibility and the tools of lifelong civic engagement.

During the month-long service-learning Vietnam program, the three seniors will undertake course work in economic development, particularly  in Southeast Asia while serving as volunteers in a variety of nongovernmental organizations actively engaged in furthering development and well-being in Vietnam. 

Keegan Bailey, a native of Florence, SC and a graduating senior from Oscar Company, says he was initially attracted to the program because he had never traveled outside of the United States before coming to The Citadel. As a major in international politics and military affairs he was keen to witness some of the challenges involved in economic development first hand.  Agreeing with Bailey, Matthew Stewart, of Simpsonville, SC, added that he was enthusiastic about the program the minute he learned the School of Humanities and Social Sciences was considering it. In fact, Stewart, a rising senior from Oscar Company, helped promote the program among his classmates.  Devon Smith, a native of Eagle Idaho, added, “Many students travel to Europe as part of the undergraduate experience, but the Vietnam program offers a truly unique opportunity to do something really valuable for the people we meet.”

Sarah Tenney, an Assistant Professor in the Political Science and Criminal Justice Department, says she first got the idea for the program after attending a college-wide faculty meeting on the value of service learning.  “When I came away from the meeting, I was really excited to find a way to offer this type of experience to students majoring in international politics. Clearly, that was likely to take our groups beyond Charleston.  The Vietnam program, working with local nongovernmental organizations will give the cadets an opportunity to relate the theoretical concepts involved in economic development with the practical experience they gain on the ground. Moreover, it will encourage them to hone and practice critical communication skills while reflecting on their personal and career interests.

-Dr. Sarah Tenney