Social Welfare: Hong Kong, offers a uniquely rewarding academic, humanitarian, and cross-cultural experience open to all majors. During Winter term of 2012, students will travel to Hong Kong to learn, work, and explore the social welfare system through lecture, readings, assignments, and experiential learning.  Participants will have the opportunity to visit various social welfare agencies, and participate in volunteer activities to enhance the international learning experience. Students will witness daily life and agency services in one of the most populated cities in the world, with an eclectic blend of western practices and eastern traditions and culture.  Participants will explore the cultural realm of the people of Hong Kong, while also visiting and assisting in social welfare agencies.  During the course, participants will travel to Hong Kong by plane and take ground transportation to the accommodations at a Hong Kong Guesthouse. Throughout the stay in Hong Kong, public transportation via ferry, train, bus, and subway will be utilized daily.

CLASS:  SOWK 499: International Social Welfare (3 credits).  This course counts as an upper level elective for Social Work majors.  It is also open to ALL majors as a free elective.  The only prerequisite is permission of the instructor.  Coursework includes lectures, readings, assignments, and experiences. Attendance is required.  Travel and Semester Enrollment Notice: This entire course will be completed during the Winter term of 2012.

HOST INSTITUTIONS AND SERVICE PROJECTS: Students will visit various social welfare agencies, including the Social Welfare Department, Hong Kong’s equivalent of Maryland’s Department of Social Services.  Other agencies will be announced closer to the travel date.   Students will have the opportunity to participate in several service and volunteer projects while in Hong Kong.  Students will also have invaluable interaction with people of all ages from another culture. This experience allows students to cross cultural boundaries on multiple levels, while caring for those less fortunate.

HOUSING: Throughout their stay in Hong Kong, students will be housed in modest, Guesthouse accommodations in Kowloon.

COST:   Estimated costs are $3500. A final cost will be determined early in fall semester 2011.  The price will include all tuition, round-trip international airfare, housing, most meals, academic excursions throughout Hong Kong, international health insurance, and substantial travel support by Mrs. Habeger. Not included: passport and visa fees, some meals, and personal spending money.

APPLY NOW!

Admission is competitive and enrollment is limited.  Students will be admitted on a rolling basis until the program is full.  

Students should also submit the following directly to Mrs. Habeger:

- An unofficial transcript demonstrating that the student maintains an overall minimum GPA of 2.5;

- A 1 page typed essay answering the question, "Why do I want to participate on the Social Work: Hong Kong study abroad program?"

- A completed faculty recommendation form from a faculty member or academic advisor who knows the student well.    Recommendation form available here.