Community project in culturally and linguistically diverse settings for tertiary language students.
What is it about?
The article discusses the implementation and benefits of a community engagement program which provides tertiary language students with opportunities for language and intercultural development in near immersion settings which encourage students’ prosocial behavior, and facilitates meaningful interactions and relationship satisfaction through social connections with individuals from migrant groups.
Why is it important?
Our findings show that in addition to improving skills in the target language and fostering the achievement of the course’s learning outcomes, the placement constitutes a personal journey grounded in humanistic experience and a desire to ‘do good’ in the community. Indeed, students’ post-evaluation reflections suggest a level of self-awareness and a sense of achievement and purpose realised through the placements.