September 03, 2008
SIUC to host German students for five-day visit
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Fifteen German students studying social work at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich will arrive on the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus Sept. 21 for a five-day visit that will include class work, agency tours and social activities.
“It’s like ‘Study Abroad’ for them,” said Elisabeth Reichert, a professor in SIUC’s School of Social Work, who is coordinating the exchange.
Media Advisory
Reporters may meet the German “Study Abroad” students at a picnic to be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the Lake on the Campus boat dock pavilion. For more information, call Elisabeth Reichert at 618/684-5687 or e-mail her at reichert@siu.edu.
“Their particular university has a strong international focus. They want to learn about social work theory and practice in the United States. How does the richest country in the world deal with poverty, diversity, health care? These are problems they have, too.”
Reichert, who was born in Germany, has taken SIUC students there to study for a number of years. The connections forged through those visits led to the current exchange.
In addition to learning about American approaches to social problems, the students will also hear about internship possibilities and graduate education at the University.
“It’s a good opportunity for them to find out more about the school,” Reichert said.