Community? Whose Community? Lessons Learned on Community Engagement in International Contexts

Presenter: Christopher Johnstone, Ph.D.

Christopher Johnstone is an Assistant Professor of Comparative and International Development Education at the University of Minnesota. In his research, he explores operationalizations of inclusiveness as they relate to both international development and campus internationalization. Prior to his new role (started this month), he served as Director of International Initiatives and Relations at his university’s College of Education and Development for seven years.

This presentation will focus on understandings of “community” and its complex meanings. The presentation will begin with reflections on Johnstone’s recent student projects in Cameroon and Kenya, then draw connections to literature from service learning and inclusive education to help find solutions to challenging community engagement dilemmas. Participants will engage in small- and large-group conversations about their own projects and the community-based elements of learning and research abroad courses.