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IPS - Study Abroad Programs

Germany: Human Rights and Social Work within European Framework

This course examines human rights within a social work framework from a European perspective. The European focus is on Germany although discussion about Europe generally is also an important part of the course. The course provides students with an introduction to economic and political human rights in Europe, with a United States perspective integrated into the instruction. Field visits and course instruction illustrate human rights principles as they apply to social work. The location of Munich adds essential context to the study of human rights, as contemporary human rights arose from the history in this part of the world. Participants have the opportunity to explore human rights that apply to their own experiences, as well as historical events. This course is ideal for undergraduate or graduate students in social work, but would also be suitable for students and non students interested in a general, cross-cultural introduction to human rights.

Short-term Program Details

Location:

Munich, Germany
Highlights:
  • Tour of Dachau concentration camp, with contemporary perspective
  • Field visits to social work agencies in Munich, including visits to HIV-AIDS community center, child refugees, and women therapy center
  • Visits to historical museums
  • Other trips during the course may include a trip to Nuremburg and the human rights center, tour of a harm reduction center in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and various other field visits. The exact locations to be visited will varywith each program. Please see the syllabus for details.
Dates:

Jan. 4-10, 2010 and May 30 – June 10, 2010
Courses:
  • SOCW 478A International Social Work for SIUC students—3 credit hours
  • Elective or independent study for non-SIUC students
  • Continuing education credits available for professionals
  • Students need to examine the particular syllabus for the program they select for specific information as to course content and field visits. This syllabus is available on the website noted below about three months before the course occurs.
Level of Study:

Graduate or undergraduate
Eligibility:

Open to all disciplines. No language or other prerequisites

Staff:

Program Director: Elisabeth Reichert, MSW, Ph.D., Professor,

School of Social Work
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Dr. Reichert has written extensively on human rights and social work policy and practice:
http://socialwork.siuc.edu/resourcecenter/Bookndpaper.htm

She holds social work degrees from both Germany and the United States.
SIUC Sponsor:

SIUC School of Social Work, College of Education and Human Services
Number of Participants:

Minimum: 8 Maximum: 20
Program Fee:

The January program fee is $2,000, which does not include airfare from the US to Germany. Students must arrange their own airfare/transportation to the Munich airport. The program fee includes all necessary transportation relating to the program (e.g. field visits) within Germany, accommodations, and a small stipend for meals. We expect the May program fee to be similar.
Other Costs:

The program fee of $2,000 does not include tuition or airfare. It also does not include the cost of passports, laundry or other personal items.

Financial Aid:
  • Financial aid is available for SIUC students and requires full-time registration.
  • Two $500 scholarships are available for SIUC undergraduate students.
  • Students from other institutions should contact their home university for financial aid procedures. SIUC does not provide any financial aid or scholarship for non-SIUC students. However, SIUC works with other universities to assist non SIUC students arrange payment of any financial aid they receive from their own universities.
Housing:

Accommodation is in a hostel, centrally located in the city of Munich
Transportation:

Participants must arrange their own transportation from the United States to Munich. The program then covers all transportation necessary for field visits. Participants also receive a metro pass for Munich, which can be used for personal trips around Munich, as well as field visits
Website / Resources:

See website.  http://socialwork.siuc.edu/germany/

Additional Information:

Please see program website.
Application Deadline:

Applications for the January course should be received by SIUC no later than October 15, 2009. The application must be accompanied by a $250 deposit, which is refundable until November 1, 2009. After this date, the deposit is no longer refundable.

Application:

The application may be completed using Adobe Acrobat and then printed out for signature or simply printed and then completed. Please contact us if you have any problems opening the file. You will need to indicate your progam name and location. Short-Term Application
Contact:

Dr. Elisabeth Reichert, Professor, reichert@siu.edu; Tel. 618-453-2243

Trevor Gates, LCSW, MSW, Ph.D. candidate, Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Chicago, trevorgates@yahoo.com

 

The information contained here - including costs, program dates and program arrangements - is subject to change by the program sponsors and host institutions. There may also be changes once a program or exchange has started due to factors beyond our control. Please check with our office for the latest information.