A transatlantic event celebrated the link between two UK and US universities this week as Social Work students from the University of Northern Iowa visited their compatriots at the University of Chichester.
Around 25 students from the US university visited the Chichester campus of the University of Chichester for a day of academic collaboration and learning.
Libby Fry, BSW Programme Director at the University of Northern Iowa said: “For a lot of our students this is their first time out of the US. It’s a great opportunity for them to experience how social welfare services work from a UK perspective and they are also excited to see what professional preparation for a career in social work looks like here.”
This visit is the first time the Social Work team has welcomed overseas visitors to the Chichester campus. Students from the University of Northern Iowa enjoyed a campus tour before being welcomed to the university by Helen Moss and Dannii Tully, Co-Academic Leads for Social Work at the University of Chichester.
Libby added: “Helen and Dannii arranged for social work partners from local councils to come in and talk to our students about their jobs, which was a great chance for them to learn more about what a social work career looks like in the UK.”
A busy programme saw the students learning about a variety of topics in social work, including professional preparation and practice in the UK, with a chance to hear from social work professionals from West Sussex County Council, Surrey County Council and Portsmouth City Council. They also heard about the University of Chichester’s innovative ‘From Adversity to University’ programme which widens access to higher education through a tailored access programme for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Colleagues from Iowa also shared insights into their social work programme and the context that they work in.
Helen Moss and Dannii Tully, Co-Academic Leads for Social Work at the University of Chichester said: “We were delighted to welcome colleagues and students from our partner institution in Iowa to the University of Chichester for a day of academic exchange and collaboration. This event highlights our shared commitment to social work values, including social justice, human rights, inclusion, and the empowerment of individuals and communities. Together, we celebrate the role of education in addressing global social challenges and improving lives. Through dialogue and the exchange of ideas, we aim to strengthen our transatlantic partnership and explore new opportunities for learning and practice in social work, while deepening our cultural understanding.”