Evaluating Integrated International Community Services in Malaysia: The Benefits and Possible Improvements

Abstract

In light of the importance of understanding real situation in the community, it is imperative that higher education institutions provide students opportunities with activities off the campus. In 2022, the Association of Educational Institution of Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah Universities (ALPTKPTM) launched a program called integrated international community services which was held in some districts in Malaysia. Considering the role of feedback, this study sought to evaluate the implementation of the community service program by highlighting the benefits and possible improvement. The participants were eleven teachers from eight different SB. The data were collected through a survey which was distributed electronically through Google Form link. The quantitative data from teachers' demographic characteristics were analyzed statistically to obtain the frequency and percentage, while the qualitative data were analyzed through the framework of qualitative data analysis by Miles et al., (2014). The results indicated that the benefits were received by SB in the form of improvement in education and health. The community service teams also introduced some innovations like using creative media and establishing honesty canteen. Furthermore, both teachers and students showed positive responses to this program. Finally, it is suggested that the program initiators should take into account the quality of the program along with the quantity.