International Opportunities
The social work department highly encourages its majors to study abroad, either in a traditional long-term study abroad program such as BCA or through one of the many short-term opportunities offered by the College.
Semester study abroad
Social work students have traditionally done study abroad semesters either in the Spring of their sophomore year or Fall of their Senior year. In an effort to promote study abroad in the Fall of the senior year, the department has worked with BCA to establish internships abroad in English-speaking and Spanish-speaking countries.
New this year is our India program. Students will study in Mangalore, India at Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work. A range of internship possibilities are available including children's organizations, women's rights groups and organizations working with those who are HIV positive. Students will also take courses at the school including Social Problems in India. More information is available at the BCA website
BCA is working on developing a partnership in the Gambia in western Africa for future internships.
Short-term study abroad
The social department has sponsored three different short term trips. One is a trip to Ireland during the May term, one is to Thailand over winter break and one to Vietnam over Summer Break. Each trip encompasses service learning with members of the culture together with cultural excursions.
May Term in Ireland
Since 2002, the Social Work Department has led a May Term class to Ireland. The route taken has varied each year and has included both the Republic of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland. Students visit social service agencies and schools to gain knowledge of the Irish social educational system. They also visit sites of historical and cultural interest to gain an understanding of these areas as well. Click the link to see pictures from different years.
Winter term in Thailand
In Winter 2007, the college took its first trip over Winter Break to Thailand. Students stayed in the cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as participating in excursions outside of these cities. Students visited Buddhist temples, social services agencies (including an orphanage, an agency assisting victims of sex trafficking and an agency working with those with HIV) and other sites of cultural interest. See pictures here.
Summer trip to Vietnam
In June 2007, the department traveled to Vietnam to conduct service learning in orphanages and street children centers. This trip was developed in conjunction with Brittany's Hope, an international adoption advocacy agency. See pictures here.
