The scientific seminar "International cooperation on building a master's program in social work" was recently held at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities on August 5, 2010.The seminar focused mainly on discussing effective solutions to help clarify the most important theoretical and practical issues of social work. At the same time, it created arguments for the establishment of a joint training program for masters in social work with San Jose University (USA) organized at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU. Speaking about the joint training program, Prof. Alice Hines - San Jose University - said: The Master of Social Work program is designed to suit the specific economic conditions, with the unique values of Vietnamese culture. Students will be able to choose one of four training majors according to their interests and the needs of the locality where they want to work: Children, Youth and Family; Labor and Social Security; Education / School; Health, Public Health and Mental Health.
In addition, Prof. Alice Hines also presented specifically about the Master of Social Work training program. In which, the Prof. emphasized that this Master of Social Work training program ensures that students have the opportunity to study in three specific areas as follows: lecture theory (35 credits), internship (12 credits), thesis (10 credits). Classes are divided into 2 types: basic classes and specialized classes. In which, specialized classes are divided into compulsory classes and elective classes. In addition, the graduation conditions of the Master of Social Work program as well as the special graduation conditions for students who have completed the 22 post-graduate training program sponsored by UNICEF for the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2009-2010 were also specifically mentioned at the discussion. And a Master of Social Work internship program was also presented in great detail and clearly for both the first and second years. Currently, there are 32 universities and colleges nationwide that train bachelors in social work, but there is no institution that trains social work at the postgraduate level. In his opening speech, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Kim - Vice Principal of the University said: In the past, with the support of UNICEF and the coordination of the School of Social Work, San Jose University, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has implemented a program to foster knowledge about social work. The program has gone through 3 training courses, and the school has now organized the 4th training course with the participation of 97 students. Through the program, students not only receive theoretical lectures but also exchange many practical experiences with Vietnamese and international lecturers. He expressed his hope that the first Master of Social Work program in Vietnam will soon be opened at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Many other opinions also pointed out the need to develop and train social work in a more systematic and in-depth manner. Therefore, international cooperation in training masters in social work will contribute to building a program that meets international standards and is suitable for Vietnamese social reality, practically meeting the requirements and demands of Vietnamese society at present and in the future.
