Abstract:

Acknowledging the historical context of international engagement in Africa, this paper pivots its focus towards contemporary initiatives, specifically delving into the topic of service-learning oriented student projects on the continent. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of collaborative efforts between students from various international institutions and local communities in Africa that may evolve into dynamic avenues for cross-cultural exchange, community engagement, knowledge transfer, and sustainable development.

The significance and impact of such student-led projects are examined with a case study performed in collaboration with the NGO Zerca y Lejos, using Geospatial Information for decision-making with the Baka population from South Cameroon.

The paper also addresses the unique situations that may be presented to a student when facing challenges such as resource constraints and regional disparities, proposing tailored approaches to ensure the sustainability and scalability of internationalization efforts. It underscores the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge systems into the globalized curriculum, fostering a balanced and culturally sensitive educational environment.

In conclusion, we present a compelling argument for the strategic integration of international collaboration into the fabric of the current university student curriculum. Outlining a vision for mutually beneficial collaboration that respects the autonomy and cultural richness of African nations and highlights the importance of fostering partnerships built on trust, equality, and shared goals, transcending traditional donor-recipient dynamics.

Keywords:

Service-learning, International cooperation, Sustainable development.