Service learning in developing countries: Student outcomes including personal successes, seeing the world in new ways, and developing as health professionals

Abstract

Background Service learning in developing countries (SLID) can develop students’ skills such as teamwork, cultural responsiveness, ethical practice, and professional skills. However most research has been done in a single country, does not include multiple professions, involves small sample sizes, and only includes service learning at a single time point. Purpose This research explores physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology student outcomes from interprofessional service learning in Vietnam and Timor Leste over three years. Method Post-placement questionnaires (n = 30) were analysed thematically. Findings ‘Personal successes’, ‘seeing the world in new ways’, and ‘developing as health professionals’ were identified as student outcomes. These outcomes arose from new experiences and relationships. Discussion and conclusions Interprofessional education can occur in SLID placements. Transformative learning might occur for students on SLID placements and SLID placement outcomes align with requirements for graduating health professionals, supporting the legitimacy of SLID as a formal aspect of professional education programs.