WATER RESOURCES, SANITATION, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY, INTERNATIONAL, SERVICE-LEARNING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Taylor University offers a year-long series of courses focusing on international community development and appropriate technologies of water resources, sanitation, and hygiene training to improve community health. The course sequence climaxes in January during a three-week course conducted in Guatemala.

During the fall semester, students prepare in three pre-requisite courses: Hydrogeology, Introduction to Cross-Cultural Service, and Appropriate Technology. In addition to typical topics of physical hydrology, students learn to site and drill a well, and complete readings, research, discussion, and papers on topics of water resources, health and sanitation, as well as community development, cross-cultural communication, personal assessments, and characteristics of the host country, Guatemala.

During January in the three-week international service-learning course, Water Resources and Appropriate Technology, students assess hydrologic and environmental conditions and plan service/outreach projects while gaining cross-cultural experience, interpersonal development and communication, and personal reflection and integration. The projects include: well-drilling, well-head protection, pump installation/repair/maintenance, roof-catchment cisterns, latrine design and construction, water quality treatment/protection, community health and environment assessments, and hygiene and sanitation education. Students synthesize their academic preparation and service through project experience, host interactions, team discussions, personal journals, and examinations.

During the spring semester, students conclude the January experience with scheduled reflection and continued study in three optional courses: World Water Resources, Preparation and Strategy for World Mission, and International Community Development. Theses course expand students’ understanding of the need, potential, and complexity of water resources, issues of rural and urban international community development, and strategies for addressing the concerns.

For graduate students in Environmental Science, the year-long course sequence can be capped with a six-month graduate internship in international water resources and community development conducted through one of several partner institutions.