United Planet Hosts Transformative Webinar on Global Collaboration and Service-Learning Opportunities

Published on September 23, 2025

United Planet, one of the top names in international service-learning and global engagement, hosted a groundbreaking online seminar on September 16, 2025. The event/Webinar titled “Transformative Learning Through Global Collaboration,” attracted teachers, professors, and school leaders from every corner of the globe. Together, they explored how service-learning experiences in other countries can foster a strong sense of global citizenship and bring lasting rewards to students and the communities they serve.

The session, presented by Dr. Tim Stanton, a renowned scholar-practitioner, explored how service-learning has evolved into a robust educational approach. Dr. Stanton shared his personal journey in the field, beginning as a student at Stanford University and moving through his career, which saw service-learning become a widely adopted model in higher education. The discussion touched on the growth of service-learning from a simple pairing of community service with academic curricula into a method that promotes civic responsibility, critical reflection, and international collaboration.

Service-Learning: Building Reciprocal Global Partnerships

Service-learning is not serving the community and then going back to class it is a whole collaborative journey. Dr. Stanton pointed out that real impact happens when partnerships are built on equal respect and the promise that they won’t end when the semester does. Teachers everywhere are now finding creative ways to weave service-learning into college courses so that students grow and the planet does, too.

A key aspect of the webinar was understanding the role of critical reflection, where students connect their academic knowledge with real-world community experiences. The session highlighted real-world examples where international service-learning has made a meaningful impact, both in student development and the communities they serve.

The Future of Service-Learning: Seminar in Quito, Ecuador

One major highlight of the webinar was the announcement of United Planet’s upcoming Seminar in International Service-Learning (SISL), scheduled to take place in Quito, Ecuador, from January 8–15, 2026. This event will bring together educators from diverse disciplines to explore service-learning in practice.

The seminar will include theoretical learning, practical workshops on curriculum development, and immersive experiences working alongside local community partners. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into how service-learning initiatives function on the ground, while also exploring topics like intercultural humility, partnership development, and service-learning pedagogy.

Professional Development Grants Available for Educators

United Planet is offering competitive professional development grants to support participation in this unique seminar. These grants are designed to help educators deepen their professional practice and enhance their understanding of global collaboration in educational settings. The SISL seminar promises to be an invaluable opportunity for educators to build international partnerships, broaden their global perspectives, and develop new strategies for integrating service-learning into their work.

United Planet’s Mission: Connecting Communities Across the World

United Planet’s mission is centered around fostering cross-cultural understanding and addressing shared global challenges. Through service-learning programs, volunteer opportunities, and professional development initiatives, United Planet connects individuals from all backgrounds, providing them with the tools to work together to build a more united and compassionate world.

The organization’s work is rooted in five core pillars of global citizenship: relational diplomacy, global understanding, civic engagement, leadership, and academic and professional competency. By engaging with thought leaders like Dr. Stanton and offering opportunities like the SISL seminar in Ecuador, United Planet continues to lead efforts to reimagine education as a bridge between cultures, disciplines, and communities.

Guide for Educators Interested in International Service-Learning

For educators looking to explore international service-learning, the upcoming SISL seminar in Quito is an excellent opportunity. In addition to workshops and discussions, participants will have the chance to engage directly with local communities in Ecuador. This hands-on experience offers invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of implementing service-learning programs internationally.

Teachers and administrators interested in participating should apply early to take advantage of professional development grants that will help cover costs.

Conclusion: A Transformative Approach to Global Education

United Planet’s recent online webinar, plus its coming on-site seminar in Quito, spotlight how service-learning can really change higher education for the better. When schools team up across borders, ask tough questions in the classroom, and dive hands-on into real projects, they prepare young people to be responsible global citizens. Anyone involved teachers, learners, and the communities they serve will benefit if this approach keeps expanding.