This paper outlines a study abroad experience involving Japanese, Vietnamese and United States university students which took place in central Vietnam in August 2019. The research paper discusses the fundamentals of Asset-Based Community Development by outlining the general history and a few examples of projects in central Vietnam. Further, through discussing the curriculum aims and design, the experience is discussed from an ESD perspective, touching on themes of place-based education, principles of genuine co-production as an aspect of sustainability education, and the student/community-generated projects themselves. The discussion is further informed by quantitative and qualitative feedback obtained from student participants and interviews with community members. This case study provides a valuable opportunity to examine the intersection of community development in developing contexts and sustainability education in developed higher education institutions. The paper examines the uptake of ABCD knowledge and affective development on the part of the Japanese participants, utilizing interviews and analysis of pre and post-fieldwork project conceptions of ‘assets’. Also, the important issue of host community responses and reflections are outlined. It is argued that only where affective development, meaningful, co-produced projects, and positive community responses are achieved can the course and fieldwork component be considered successful.

Authors:
Robert Dormer, Hiroshima Jogakuin University, Japan
Chu-Manh Trinh, Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area Authority, Vietnam
Ashley Hollenbeck, Western Washington University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Robert Dormer is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Hiroshima Jogakuin University in Japan

See this presentation on the full schedule – Schedule

Bookmark