UWS/Tulane Service Learning Alliance Program

In mid 2008, Dr Carrie Wyland, Professor of Practice in the Psychology Department at Tulane University in New Orleans, America, visited UWS at the invitation of Professor Barbara Holland, PVC Engagement (2007-2010), to discuss a partnership which would see students from Tulane University undertake a service learning component in Australia as part of their course.

The objective of the UWS/Tulane Service Learning Alliance program is to immerse Tulane University students in the culture and society of Australia, with a particular focus on the cultural dynamics of Western Sydney.  The goal is for students to gain an appreciation of culture and history while also contributing to service focused on facilitating intergroup relations and social justice in the region. 

The first round of Tulane students came to Sydney in May 2009. UWS Engagement and the School of Education aligned 3 community partners to take the 6 Tulane University students on internships. Football United, Star Basketball and Mission of Hope provided community projects through which the US students completed their service learning course requirements (70hrs). The outcome of this pilot program was successful, with UWS staff and Tulane staff both keen on developing the partnership further.

In 2010 and 2011, Tulane students completed their placement with the Street University in Liverpool and feedback was very positive by both the Street University and by the international students. As Street University runs a free artistic, educational and recreational centre for marginalised young people in the South Western Sydney area, the placement was particularly useful for the students as they got to learn about and, become familiar with, Australian youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Street University benefited from these placements also as the American students assisted them with reviewing and conducting research of local communities and local community organisations. This is something that Street University found valuable as the organisation usually does not have the time or the resources for carrying out such tasks themselves.

In 2012, 7 Tulane students were placed with Karabi Community and Development Services in Constitution Hill, near Pendle Hill. The majority of the organisation’s clientele are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the placements proved to be a wonderful experience for the Tulane students. The students became involved in activities such as homework support for marginalised young people, Aboriginal dance class, playgroup for children not of school age, and cooking classes for ‘at risk’ young people.

Apart from liaising closely with Tulane University in organising relevant placements each year, UWS also plans and co-ordinates an orientation day for the students once they arrive in Australia, and arranges for students to undertake child protection training before they begin their placements.