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Abstract
The best practices for Service-Learning indicate that reciprocity between community partners and universities is a critical component of a successful Service-Learning model. There is an abundance of research discussing the benefits of Service-Learning for students, and a growing amount of literature that discusses the community and university partnerships that facilitate Service-Learning projects and activities. However, a gap remains in the literature in regard to the benefits of Service-Learning for community members. This study investigates some of the impacts Service-Learning has on communities based on the perceptions of community members in San Luis, Costa Rica, home to the University of Georgia Costa Rica Campus. Twenty-three community members were interviewed on their experiences with Service-Learning and how it affects them and their community as a whole. The researcher found several community identified benefits of Service-Learning as well as areas that need to be improved in order for Service-Learning to provide the most positive impacts for the community.