Costa Rica– Expanding and Strengthening International Partnerships with the University of Costa Rica and Rajagiri College of Social Sciences
Caroline Long, MSW, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of Global Engagement, UM School of Social Work
Dr. Yorleni Aguilar Castillo, Head of Social Work, University of Costa Rica
Cindy Calvo, Head of International Office, University of Costa Rica
Binoy Joseph, Academic Head, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous)
Fr. Saju, MD, Associate Director and Administrative Head, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous)
Dr. Kiran Thampi, Assistant Director, Office of International Relations, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous)
Funds will be used to expand the UMB partnership with the University of Costa Rica, with Dr. Calvo and Ms. Aguilar visiting UMB from the University of Costa Rica (UCR) when the Rector visits in Fall 2022. The agenda will include presentations to students, staff, and faculty at UMB, meetings with faculty about potential research collaborations; and meetings with faculty about planning joint courses and internship opportunities.
As funding allows, a second concept will provide accommodation for Drs. Joseph, Saju, and Thampi of Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous) (RCSS)in India for three evenings while they visit UMB. They will be responsible for all other travel costs. RCSS has been a partner with the SSW at UMB for more than 15 years, providing an amazing opportunity for internships and coursework for UMB students. A number of UMB students travelled to RCSS and participated in international conferences there. In addition, we previously hosted faculty and students from RCSS for short-term visits to UMB and have jointly taught COIL courses. As with the UCR visit, the RCSS visitors’ agenda at UMB will include presentations to students, staff, and faculty across the campus; meetings with faculty about potential research collaborations; and meetings with faculty about planning joint courses and internship opportunities. This activity will deepen our relationship with RCSS and in particular will extend the UMB/RCSS partnership beyond social work, adding to its sustainability.