97. Service + Learning + Trip = Deep Understanding: Creating Teachable Moments with Kimberly Haley-Coleman of GlobeAware

Are you lucky enough to work at an international school that offers service learning travel opportunities for students and staff? Many schools organize “weeks without walls” — immersive experiences that blend service, experiential learning, and travel. In this episode, we dive deep into all three as we speak with Kimberly Haley-Coleman who works with individuals, schools and organizations to design short-term volunteer abroad programs.

Kimberly shares valuable tips and practical insights on how international schools can strengthen their programs to create more meaningful learning experiences for students.

Kimberly is the Founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, a U.S.- and Canada-based nonprofit that has mobilized volunteers for short-term service projects in more than 25 countries since 2000. With a background in international business and finance, Kimberly has held leadership roles at organizations including CNBC, Space Services International, and Investtools.

Kimberly holds an MBA in International Business, an MA in Art History, and a BA from Emory University. A multiple patent holder and SMU Guest Lecturer, she has received the Texas Business Hall of Fame Award and serves in leadership and advisory roles with IVPA, UN ECOSOC, and numerous international service and community development organizations.

Our guiding question for this show was, “How can international schools foster the global awareness and citizenship of their students through service learning trips travel service learning programs?”

Some of the topics covered include:

• Defining “service learning” and “global awareness”
• What “travel” service learning entails
• What some learning objectives look like in action
• How schools can optimize their current "Week Without Walls" programs 
• Tips for planning your own travel volunteer experience
  
  

Resources Mentioned in the Episode: 

Global Aware - https://www.globeaware.org/

Connect with Kimberly: 

Globe Aware website | LinkedIn | Other social media platforms: @globeaware

This episode was recorded on October 28, 2025.

Categories: Experiential Learning | Service Learning | Travel