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Transform your education with Community Service Learning

Community Service Learning (CSL) is an innovative form of education that connects students with societal actors to collaborate on real-world challenges. VU Amsterdam encourages lecturers to incorporate CSL in their education, and offers support throughout the process.

Educating students through a Community Service Learning approach fosters deeper understanding of course material, personal growth, and social responsibility. Because of these features, CSL is incorporated in the VU strategy as part of A Broader Mind.

Teach career-oriented skills and societal engagement

CSL equips students with a wide range of skills that are crucial for their future careers, such as critical thinking, problem solving and cultural understanding. At the same time, CSL enhances students’ societal engagement. It creates a sense of ownership and empowers them to become change agents, driving positive transformations in society.

Easy implementation through tailored support

Community Service Learning is integrated in all VU faculties and can be modified to most courses with a practice-related component. You, as a lecturer, do not have to reinvent the wheel; the CSL team provides support, from orientation phase, to identifying societal challenges that match your course objectives, to practically implementing CSL activities. Next to years of experience across disciplines, the CSL team has a network of community partners, and offers year-round workshops, learning labs, practical tools, and more. Find details on support offerings below.

Get Inspired by our Events: the Quarterly Learning Labs

Our Learning Labs are designed to inspire, educate, and immerse you in all things CSL. Join us for these lunch events to learn the basics of CSL, stay updated with the latest developments, and explore innovative ways to integrate Community Service Learning into your courses. Each session focuses on a unique theme, offering practical insights and strategies.

  • June 18 (Wednesday): 12.00 - 13.00 - Sustainability in Community Service Learning - International Learning Lab during Science with Society Week
  • September 23 (Tuesday): 12:00 - 13:30  - Theme: Implementing CSL into your education
  • November 25 (Tuesday): 12:00 - 13:00  - Theme: Transformational Partnerships

For more details, visit our event page.

Photo: ©Florencia Jadia

Meike Morren, lecturer at the School of Business and Economics

"I immediately liked the idea behind CSL; to connect students to actual professionals in the field. This was perfect for my course Marketing Sustainable Innovations, in which students design a marketing plan and integrate theories that we've discussed. I highly recommend other courses to collaborate with a societal partner through CSL, as the CSL team makes it really easy to find a match, and partners are very motivated to work with students."

View more experiences

Support & resources

CSL course highlights

Get in touch

Exploring if CSL suits you? Let’s find out together!

CSL@vu.nl

Athena Institute, Faculty of Science
Main Building (HG-0E), ground floor, wing E

Contact

Prof. dr. Marjolein Zweekhorst
Dr. Eduardo Muniz Pereira Urias
  • Dr. Sarju Sing Rai
  • Assistant professor of competencies development through public engagement
  • s.s.rai@vu.nl
Dr. Sarju Sing Rai

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