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[OVERVIEW]

• Term: Spring Break
• Location: Amsterdam & the Hague, Netherlands
• Credits: 3
• Eligibility:
  • Graduate Students: Enrollment in a MSW Program is required
  • Undergraduate Students: Enrolled in the BSW degree program is required; preference given to upper-class students.
  • All Ramapo College students in good academic and judicial standing are eligible.
  • Students of other U.S. colleges or universities are also eligible.
• Course Credit
  • Graduate Students: Earn 3 MSW credits towards your degree requirements
  • Undergraduate Students: Earn 3 credits that can be used as an undergraduate social work elective; can also be used as 3 MSW credits if future enrolled in Ramapo's MSW program

[Course Description] - "Immigrant & Refugee Trauma & Social Justice" (MSWK 690)

This course will focus on the topic of trauma in the community of immigrants and refugees, and the meaning and implications of social justice as we consider the causes, experience, and consequences of human migration. The course will take place in the Netherlands where students will participate in multiple presentations and site visits to community, non-governmental, and governmental organizations. Throughout the course, social justice will serve as a lens through which we consider the nature of immigrant and refugee trauma, as well as a response to it that is consistent with the values of the Social Work profession. Students will be aided in comparing and contrasting their experience in the Netherlands with that of the current context in the United States.

[Our course of study]  

In this course, the issue of immigrant and refugee trauma will be examined on three levels. On the local level, students will explore the biopsychosocial needs of immigrant and refugee communities in Amsterdam, and learn how Social Work and other humanitarian/human service organizations are striving to address those needs. On the national level, students will examine how the Netherlands has dealt with the influx of immigrant and refugee populations, as well as the national policies and programs that have been enacted or implemented to respond to the needs of these individuals, families, and communities. On the global level, students will visit The Hague to learn about programs and processes that are being implemented through the International Court of Justice to address the causes and consequences of refugee movement, in addition to efforts that are being made to advance the cause of peace and justice on an international level. 

[Program Activities]

• Guided canal tour of Amsterdam, let by immigrants or former refugees

• Visit to the Resistance Museum and Anne Frank House Museum

• Learn about efforts to integrate refuges from the Refugee Company

• Spend time with undocumented migrants working to create a supportive community at Worldhouse

• Speak with Dutch Leaders at the Municipality of Amsterdam

• Guest lecture by renowned researcher in Psycho-traumatology

• Guest lecture on Race issues in the Netherlands & Dutch Migration Policies

• Listen to personal stories of immigrants and refugees

• Interact with Dutch journalist covering the European refugee crisis

• Visit the Hague International Court of Justice

• Engage with young people dedicated to peace and justice at the Hague Peace Projects
  
  

[Preparations]

There will be an extensive pre-departure orientation on culture, health, safety, as well as on- and off-campus meetings prior to the departure from the U.S. 

[Accommodations]  

Students will reside in hotels throughout the program.

[Cost]

Program fee: 
Program fee includes: Tuition fees for 3 credits; program reading materials; round-trip international airfare; pre-departure and on-site orientation; comprehensive health & security insurance; accommodations; some meals; excursions and entrance fees; in-country program transportation; pre-departure and on-site orientations. 
Program fee does not include: US airport transfers; some meals; personal expenses and immunization costs.