Description

Comparative Social Work in Germany

The Global Education Office and the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University are proud to offer the long-established summer study abroad program to Germany. This program examines social work clinical and policy practice, social pedagogy and the social welfare system of Germany taking in a range of issues including society, culture and history, social work education, the social welfare system, selected social programs, social work clinical and policy practice and comparisons of these topics to those of the United States.

Course and credit options: 3 VCU credits, undergraduate or graduate
* SLWK 391: International Social Work Studies
* SLWK 770: International Social Work Studies

Course description: This course focuses on the German and European systems of social welfare and service delivery and select areas of clinical social work, social policy, and social justice and prevention. The 9-day study abroad program includes agency visits, lectures, and field trips.

Highlights

Activities and Excursions: Agency visits focus on child welfare, substance abuse treatment, mental health, persons with MR/DD, rehabilitation, reintegration & criminal justice, and gerontological social work. Lectures at a German school of social work will cover topics on social work in Germany and Europe and the German social welfare system. Excursions to Old Town Munich, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles, Gondola ride to the Bavarian Alps, Salzburg (optional), and Dachau concentration camp.

Accommodations and meals: We will stay in B&B style accommodations in Grafing, a quaint Bavarian town 25 miles outside of Munich. Most meals are included in the program costs.

The program is led by Dr. Matthias Naleppa, Associate Professor of Social Work in the graduate program at VCU. He is a native of Germany and has extensive knowledge of the social work systems in Europe with multiple years of experience in leading this program.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Social Work

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD1,500 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD1,400 - USD1,600 and includes the following:
* Accommodations
* Breakfast each day
* Most meals
* Study visits and tours
* Ground transportation
* On-site Program Director support
* Application fee and deposit
* Pre-departure orientation
* VCU administrative fees
* International Student Identification Card

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
* Airfare
* VCU tuition and fees
* Some meals
* Passport application fee
* Personal expenses during the program (approximately USD150 - USD200)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip travel arrangements from the US to their destination city. Program directors will meet with accepted students to go over specific travel logistics and may help students in identifying low-cost travel options. For best fares, students are encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to April 15.

Experience Required

yes

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Home-stays
• Other

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

1838