Graduate College of Social Work Strengthens International Ties Through Faculty and Student Exchange
The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (UH GCSW) and Kaohsiung Medical University Department of Social Work (KMU) strengthened their partnership with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) on August 12, 2024. This agreement builds upon their ongoing collaboration, emphasizing educational, professional, and intercultural initiatives through faculty and student exchanges.
The initial MOU, signed in February 2023, was facilitated by Dr. Patrick Leung, Gerson & Sabina David Endowed Professor for Global Aging at UH GCSW. It laid the foundation for collaboration between the universities to enhance international experiences through research, joint programs, and exchanges. “My goal was for faculty and students from both universities to have the opportunity to work together,” Dr. Leung shared. The updated MOU solidifies this partnership by specifying tuition rates and hosting agreements for exchange students.
The new MOU focuses on three key areas of collaboration: increasing reciprocal student exchanges, enhancing faculty partnerships on research and publications, and fostering deeper engagement in international social work and cultural competency. “These efforts will foster ongoing dialogue and cultural awareness between both universities,” Dr. Leung emphasized.
Under the agreement, exchange students will pay tuition at their home institution and will not be charged additional tuition by the host institution, except for certain application or program fees. UH GCSW will also provide the necessary documentation to support exchange students’ visa applications. Reflecting on the broader impact of the MOU, Dr. Leung stated, “This collaboration envisions fostering global growth through increased student collaboration on cultural differences, higher enrollment of international students, and enhanced rankings for the GCSW. It will position both KMU and UH as leaders in international education.”
Kaohsiung Medical University’s Department of Medical Sociology and Social Work, established in 1989, focuses on providing professional and academic training in social services, with particular emphasis on healthcare. The department prepares students for careers as social workers or professionals in education, health administration, and other related sectors.
As part of the partnership, UH GCSW will host four students from KMU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Social Work, for six weeks beginning in late January 2025. Additionally, UH GCSW will lead a study abroad trip to KMU in May 2025, further strengthening relationships among students and faculty from both institutions.