Smith’s SSW announces partnership with Asian universities

Smith College’s School for Social Work (SSW) is internationally recognized for its specialization in clinical social work. This summer, three Asian social work scholars are observing SSW classes in order to develop some best practices for their home universities.

Two of the visiting scholars—Sha Wei and Li “Joyce” Jie—are doctoral students at the University of Hong Kong. The two hope to develop a clinical social work program at Fudan University in Shanghai. The third visitor, Preeyanuch Choktanawanich, is a faculty member at the School of Social Administration at Thammasat University – the only university in Thailand that grants master and doctoral degrees in social work.

SSW Dean Carolyn Jacobs hopes that these scholars are just the first of many visitors from Asia. She also hopes to continue to develop ongoing partnerships with Asian universities.

“In and out of the classroom, there is much we can learn from each other,” said Jacobs. “Connecting with other scholars around the world and forging opportunities for our students and faculty will enrich the learning that happens here and abroad.”