Applied Learning on A Study Abroad: Teaching Community Emergency Preparedness in the Balkans

Abstract

Natural disasters and human-made hazards in the Western Balkan region have led seven countries and territories to meet, discuss, and attempt “to create a sophisticated network of disaster experts and officials” (United Nations Development Programme, 2017). This is the fourth study abroad where students from Utah Valley University went to Kosovo and North Macedonia to study emergency response and teach community preparedness. In addition to earthquakes, fires, floods, and other disasters, the region has suffered through wars, forced-evacuations, economic and political instability and other human-caused tragedies. In 2015-2016, these countries were faced with a large migration of refugees from passed through to Western Europe. Most students on the study abroad were studying emergency response and community resilience. The Western Balkan region provided an ideal situation to learn about disasters and refugees. This study shows how applied learning approaches like a study abroad, community service, and teaching practicum can enhance student learning and prepare them for future careers.