South Korean University Students Take Study Tour via UAlbany School of Social Welfare Partnership
For the past 15 years as part of a partnership with Hallym University in South Korea, the UAlbany School of Social Welfare has hosted Hallym faculty and students. This summer, Dr. Yojin Kim and 4 social work students from Hallym participated in the Study Tour Exchange. They visited a variety of agencies in the capital district -- including the NYS Office of Mental Health, Center for Disabilities, Alzheimer’s Association, The Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Center, Senior Hope, Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home, The Addictions Center of Albany, Inc., and Hospitality House --to learn about best practices in social work. Each agency conducts a presentation and tour, enabling the Hallym group to acquire a better understanding of each agency’s service delivery and the programs they offer. In addition, SSW faculty conduct lectures in their area of expertise.
Since 1999, UAlbany's School of Social Welfare has had a formal contract with Hallym, which encourages yearly one to two-week student and faculty exchanges. Some Hallym faculty members have spent a sabbatical semester at SSW. A number of UAlbany students have visited Hallym, which is located in Chuncheon City. In addition, University faculty members have been guest lecturers, addressing such topics as child welfare, family violence, aging, social service interventions, and social work education. The visits represent a strong community partnership, since many agencies in the Capital Region have hosted the Hallym students during their stay in Albany.