Field Education Coordinator Julie Drolet looks forward to sending BSW students to India

TRU’s collaboration with Madras Christian College (MCC) in Chennai, India for international social work practicum placements is one of 37 Canadian university projects selected by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) for its Students for Development (SFD) program, funded through CIDA.

“International social work practice: A joint project between Thompson Rivers University (Canada) and Madras Christian College (India)” builds on existing agreements between TRU and MCC. It aims to enhance international learning for social work students at TRU by undertaking international practicum and public engagement activities for academic credit in India, and to pilot practicum placements for Indian students in Canada, while working to secure the future of children and youth. Through AUCC’s Students for Development program, TRU will receive $117,720 in CIDA funds for the project.

“The international practicum placements will provide our students with valuable learning and work experience abroad in support of children and youth,” says Dr. Julie Drolet, Bachelor of Social Work Field Education Coordinator at TRU’s School of Social Work and Human Service. A total of twelve senior-level Bachelor of Social Work students from TRU and MCC will be able to do an international field placement and conduct public engagement activities abroad. Social work interns will undertake their placements in child and family service organizations addressing health, nutrition, education, child protection, and HIV/AIDS in children and youth.

“This funding will enable TRU to strengthen its collaboration with Madras Christian College“, said Dr. Charles Webber, Dean of the Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development. “Not only will students increase their understanding of global issues in social work in Canada and India, but we hope our community will become more aware of and involved in Canada’s contribution to international development efforts.”

Since its launch in 2005, nearly 1000 Canadian students from over three-quarters of Canada’s universities have participated in internships in developing and emerging countries through AUCC’s Students for Development (SFD) program.