Help Kelsey study social work challenges in Europe immersion program!

Kelsey Sillerud Start Date: Apr 7, 2014 - End Date: May 31, 2014
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • London, England
  • Brussles, Belgium
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

My Travel Story

by: Kelsey Sillerud Start Date: Apr 7, 2014 - End Date: May 31, 2014
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Leadership/Training Program
I have been selected among my peers within USC's School of Social Work to participate in and represent my school in the Global and Intercultural Perspectives on Social Challenges, Solutions, and Engagement in Europe Program.  The intercultural immersion course addresses diversity and social challenges from a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspective.  More specificially, the program is focused on the relationship between sexual orientation, gender, and ethnicity and the development, conceptualization, and engagement of social challenges and their solutions.

The program will consist of lectures, discussion panels, reflective exercises, group-based assignments, and visits to social service, community, and human rights organizations. Ultimately, the program aims to enhance my depth of knowledge and ability to engage culturally diverse people and be a leader in establishing social work practices that are both ethical and effective in my community.

This program integrates all of my passions- travel,knowledge-building, community action and collaboration, and a passion for culturally competent and informed work for social justice.  I see this program as an opportunity to challenge, shape, and establish my professional and personal voice as a social worker, and ultimately, as a voice for social change.

I hope you understand that this trip is for a larger vision, and I plan on integrating the knowledge and experiences from this program into my practice and advocacy work for social justcie. Learning about how others approach these issues outside our own culture will help me become a more well-rounded professional.

As a grad student who has already incurred debt, a trip like this poses a challenge.  I have already applied for financial aid to assist me, but I am determined to not let money stand in my way from embracing this amazing opportunity.  I have included a breakdown of the cost of the trip:

Roundtrip flight to London: around $1,300
Train from London to Brussles: $68
Course fee (including room and board): $2,050
TOTAL: $3,418

I hope all of you will join me once I return from the trip for an event in which I will share what I have learned and spread the discussion as a way to involve and share with my community.  A slideshow and treats will be offered, so please donate and come! Thank you!!

-Kelsey
  • London, England
  • Brussles, Belgium
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands