University trip helps to strengthen links (From Worcester News)

University trip helps to strengthen links

3:26pm Tuesday 5th May 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

LINKS between a university in Russia and Worcester have been strengthened.

Staff and students from the University of Worcester have just returned from a trip to the Perm State University in Russia.

BA social welfare students Karen Noke and Racheal Taylor, both from Worcester, and MA social work student Simon Beale, from Ross-on-Wye, took part in an exciting programme of events which included a joint seminar and visits to several social welfare agencies.

The aim of the trip was to build stronger links with the Russian university and to share their experiences.

Miss Taylor, aged 21, said: “We visited many different services, which provided us with an opportunity to experience what was offered there and how it was presented to children and adults.”

Miss Noke, 32, said the trip had helped with her research into homelessness in Russia in comparison to the UK.

“It was really interesting to see the services they provide within welfare and the approaches they use,”

she said.

“Everyone was so welcoming and kept us entertained all week.”

The students were joined on the trip by Joy Gauci, senior lecturer in the University of Worcester’s Institute of Health and Society, Anna Popova, lecturer in the Institute of Education and Catherine Hyde, international development officer at the University of Worcester.

During the trip, a memorandum of understanding was signed by Perm State University, which is an agreement between the two universities to work together.

Anna Popova, who is an alumnus of Perm State Pedagogical University and a native of Perm, visited her former department and took part in the discussions about the possibility of developing research links with the University of Worcester in the future.

PICTURE CAPTION: VISITORS: The group of students from the University of Worcester pictured with their Russian translators.