Student Voices: Stockholm 2012

For 11 days this summer, students from the Human Services Program experienced first-hand the theory behind their study.

“Field practicum is a very important part of our program,” says Paul Sherman, Human Services Program Head.  “It’s really what Guelph-Humber is all about:  integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience.”

“You can’t ask for a more unique practical experience than a Study Abroad.”

Professor Sherman chose Stockholm, Sweden, for this year’s international learning experience primarily because it was playing host to a global conference on social work and social development.  Here, students joined more than two thousand frontline professionals, other students, educators and policy makers from around the world to hear about how social policy and practice are shaping the future.

Learn more about the Stockholm 2012 experience – during the conference and after - by hearing from this year’s participants.

Mistie Pelastik, Early Childhood Degree Completion Program, graduating in November 2012

Early Childhood Degree Completion student, Mistie Pelastik, describes a field visit she took to the Salem Municipality Office.  During the conference, students were given the opportunity to see first-hand how social services are offered in Sweden.  Some students visited hospitals, others went to child welfare agencies and housing facilities.

I listened as the presenters outlined how social assistance is delivered in Sweden.  It came as a surprise to me that as they described the structure and guidelines of this program that it was quite similar to the way social assistance is managed in Canada.  During a conversation with the manager at a coffee break, this manager inferred that Sweden actually looks to Canada as a guide for the successful architecture of social services.

Lindsay Lee, Early Childhood Degree Completion Program, graduating in November 2012

Early Childhood Degree Completion student, Lindsay Lee, describes her thoughts on the final day of the 2012 Joint World Conference on Social Work and Social Development.

I am feeling quite heightened with knowledge and perspective and find myself engaging in deep conversation with other attendees as well as my peers in this course. I feel like the flood gates have opened in my mind and that I am very aware of many different issues that are faced around the world working with children and families, as well as back home. I feel very inspired to make a change, even if it is only in my own day-to-day practices.

Felecia Douse, Early Childhood Program, 3rd year student

Felecia Douse describes one of her most memorable sightseeing experiences.  Along with attending the world social work conference, students were able to experience Stockholm culture during free time.
 

Today we went to the Fotografiska (Photography Museum), Transportation and Toy Museum, Gamla Stan (Old Town), and had a Royal Canal Boat Tour.  The Photography Museum was by far my favorite museum in the whole world.  Overall, it was a great experience, and I met a lot of amazing people. It was a life changing experience.