Realities and Realizations: Reflections on a Social Work Exchange Program between the United States and China

Authors

  • Jennifer Cullen Widener University, United States
  • Jolynn L. Haney Widener University, United States
  • Linda Houser Widener University, United States
  • Jun Cao Widener University, United States
  • Xi Mi Widener University, United States

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v6i4.333

Keywords:

cultural exchange programs, international social work education

Abstract

China has a long and complex history of political, economic, and educational shifts that have resulted in and from changing cultural values. Over time, the significance and format of social work education in China has changed, as has the need for professionally educated social workers that can support the ever-evolving social needs of China. To this end, some Chinese schools have begun to partner with schools in the U.S. to support the professionalizing of social work in China. This article presents the reflections of faculty and students involved in an exchange program for Chinese students to study in a U.S.-based master of social work program. Expectations, realities, needs, and recommendations of both faculty and students are discussed.

Author Biographies

  • Jennifer Cullen, Widener University, United States

    JENNIFER CULLEN, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Center for Social Work education at Widener University. Her research focuses on the transition to adulthood including the needs of vulnerable adults, young adults diagnosed with ASD and the professional identity development of social work students. 

  • Jolynn L. Haney, Widener University, United States

    JOLYNN L. HANEY, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Center for Social Work Education at Widener University whose research is focused on studying women living on the autism spectrum. She uses a neurodiversity framework to conduct emancipating research, build on strengths, and counter deficit-based disability discourse. 

  • Linda Houser, Widener University, United States

    LINDA HOUSER, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Doctoral Program Director at Widener University's Center for Social Work Education. Her research focuses on public policy in the areas of employment, caregiving, health, and economic security. 

  • Jun Cao, Widener University, United States

    JUN CAO is a student from Chongqing Technology and Business University participating in a cultural and educational exchange program in Widener University’s master of social work program.

  • Xi Mi, Widener University, United States

    XI MI is a student from Chongqing Technology and Business University participating in a cultural and educational exchange program in Widener University’s master of social work program.

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Published

2016-10-01

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 4 (2016): Journal of International Students

Section

Cross-Border Narratives

Categories

License

Copyright (c) [year] [author]
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

How to Cite

Cullen, J., Haney, J. L., Houser, L., Cao, J., & Mi, X. (2016). Realities and Realizations: Reflections on a Social Work Exchange Program between the United States and China. Journal of International Students, 6(4), 1038-1044. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v6i4.333