The University of Michigan (U-M) School of Social Work has reinforced its collaboration with India’s Madras Christian College (MCC), extending their partnership for a second renewal since its initiation in 2016. This initiative highlights U-M’s dedication to fostering global academic relationships, with 16 active partnerships across Indian institutions in fields such as engineering, medicine, business, and social work.
“We have been partnering with Madras Christian College since 2016,” noted Dr. Katie Lopez, director of the office of global activities at the U-M School of Social Work. “We have found it so valuable that we’ve renewed the five-year partnership program twice. We offer an exchange of faculty and students, research collaborations, and a global course introducing key social work issues in India.”
This year marked a significant milestone for the partnership with the introduction of the Global Course Extension (GCE), a faculty-led international initiative held in Chennai. Eleven Master of Social Work (MSW) students from U-M participated in the program, which explored the “Grand Challenges for Social Work.” Key issues addressed included combating racism and caste discrimination, reducing health disparities, responding to environmental challenges, and addressing violence against women by fostering healthier relationships.
Dr. B. Prince Solomon Devadass, associate professor and fieldwork coordinator at MCC, emphasized the mutual benefits of the collaboration. “Both schools are passionate about a shared value system, professionalism, and global engagement. That is our connection and why the partnership is so successful,” he explained.
The GCE program was spearheaded by Dr. Ashley Cureton (Bhavalkar) and blended academic coursework with immersive fieldwork. Participants began their journey with a one-credit preparatory course in Ann Arbor, where they gained foundational knowledge before traveling to Chennai for a two-credit experiential learning segment. Once in Chennai, the program offered a holistic experience, including Tamil language classes, lectures from local experts, and visits to field sites.
One of the notable sites was a home for mentally disabled women, where students learned about the challenges and care provided to this vulnerable group. Another impactful visit was to the Irula Tribal Women’s Welfare Society, which works to empower marginalized tribal communities in the region.
Kelz Cousins, an MSW student who took part in the program, reflected on the immersive and transformative experience. “Our days were long and extremely impactful. In the mornings, we learned Tamil and heard lectures from amazing local experts. In the afternoons, we visited communities and organizations doing incredible work. The Irula communities, in particular, stood out as some of the greenest, most sustainable places I’ve ever seen,” Cousins shared.
For many participants, the program provided not only professional growth but also a deep personal connection to the field of social work. “This course deepened my connection to the field of mental health,” said Shreeja Vachhani, a U-M MSW student originally from India. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that allows students to explore a different culture while gaining meaningful professional insights.”
The program concluded with a farewell dinner, offering students and faculty a chance to reflect on their experiences and celebrate the knowledge they gained. This moment of closure was an emotional highlight for many, underlining the program’s lasting impact on both academic and personal levels.
Through this renewed partnership, U-M and MCC have demonstrated the power of cross-cultural academic collaboration. By addressing critical social issues and providing hands-on learning opportunities, the initiative is preparing the next generation of social work professionals to tackle global challenges with empathy and expertise.
