APSS organised four study tours aimed at broadening students' global horizons, facilitating cultural exchange, and fostering knowledge sharing with university students, non-governmental organisations, and local communities. These tours offered students a comprehensive learning experience, merging academic knowledge with cultural exploration, thereby deepening their understanding of social work, social policy, counselling, mental issue issues and vibrant heritage.
Taiwan Study Tour (19-26 May 2024)
A group of 30 students from the Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling, Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Mental Health (MAMH) programmes joined the department's exchange tour to Taiwan from 19 to 26 May 2024. The tour was led by Dr Herman LO, Associate Professor and Programme Leader of MAMH and Dr Yao FU, Research Assistant Professor of APSS.
The students provided excellent feedback about the tour, which included visits to four sites in Taiwan: Taiwan Lourdes Association Choulu Farm - Therapeutic Community, Taiwan Fund for Children and Families, Concentric Circles Community Recovery and Wellness Centre, and Shi Yu Halfway House, and participation in four lectures on expressive arts, sexuality and relationships, and multidisciplinary collaborations organised by National Changhua University of Education.
Singapore Study Tour (27-31 May 2024)
Dr Herrick WONG (Lecturer of APSS and Programme Leader of Master of Applied Psychology), Dr Kevin CHAN (Lecturer of APSS), Dr Hannah TAI (Instructor of APSS) and Dr Algae AU (Research Assistant Professor of APSS) led a study tour to Singapore. A total of 37 postgraduate psychology students from APSS participated in this enriching experience.
The study tour, centred around the theme of "Exploring Diversity in Human Service and Psychological Practice," and aimed to broaden students' perspectives, cultivate cultural sensitivity, and foster global mindsets. A key highlight was the visit to Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where students engaged in insightful presentations and discussions with postgraduate students from both universities. The tour also included a visit to the Project Dignity which is a social enterprise in Singapore that trains and employs a range of people with disabilities, intellectual and social challenges. Additionally, a Psychodrama workshop, co-organised with a psychotherapist from Promises Healthcare Singapore, provided students with first-hand experience and understanding of the practice of psychodrama, offering immersive exposure to diverse approaches in the field of human services and psychology.
South Korea Study Tour (27 May – 1 June 2024)
Led by Dr Grace SEO and Dr Lin NIE, both Assistant Professors of APSS, 18 undergraduate students from BA (Hons) in Social Work and BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (SPSE) joined the study tour to Seoul, South Korea. Students participated in engaging activities such as meetings with renowned institutions like Sogang University's Department of Sociology and Korea's social enterprise, Sosohan Sotong. The group also had the opportunity to tour the National Assembly, explore Seoul's social economy centre, visit historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, and witness the innovative NANTA SHOW.
Thailand Study Tour (17-23 June 2024)
13 students from the BA (Hons) in Social Work and BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (SPSE) programmes embarked on a fruitful study tour accompanied by Dr Raymond TAM, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of SPSE and Mr Vincent YEUNG, Lecturer of APSS. The tour encompassed various engaging activities, including a Chao Phraya River Cruise, visits to esteemed institutions such as Chulalongkorn University, and the Parliament House of Thailand. The students also had the opportunity to explore cultural landmarks like Wat Pho (The Reclining Buddha) and Museum Siam, as well as the Ayutthaya Historical Park (UNESCO). The tour concluded with visits to Chiang Mai University, participation in the Alpha Café & Future Entrepreneur Project, and a visit to Wat Chedi Luang, providing a well-rounded and enriching experience for the students.
