School of Social Work study abroad service project builds a better life for women and children in the Dominican Republic

A group of seven students and two faculty members from VCU’s School of Social Work recently spent 11 days in the Dominican Republic as part of a study abroad experience.

Assistant Director of Field Instruction Randi Buerlein said a service learning component was added to the trip, allowing students to learn about the history, culture and social problems of the Dominican Republic and to explore similarities and differences in how social work is practiced in that country and the United States. Students then applied what they had learned in the rural community of Las Pamillas by helping to build a community center for women and working with children.  

The VCU delegation was hosted by the Community Service Alliance, a non-profit organization that helps facilitate volunteerism and cross-culture study in the Dominican Republic.