UWF hosts 18th annual symposium for U.S. and Japan social welfare and caregiving

The University of West Florida recently hosted the 18th annual U.S.–Japan Social Welfare and Caregiving Symposium, where UWF faculty, staff, students and members of the general public gathered to hear presentations on and discuss how to improve social work programs through an understanding of cultural differences.

The symposium, organized by the Japan Center at UWF and the UWF Department of Social Work, welcomed more than 70 students and faculty members from the Saitama College of Social Welfare and the Tokyo College of Social Welfare – both of which are part of the Jikei Group of Colleges, a system of professional training colleges and support companies located throughout Japan.

“We make sure that we have interpreters with the appropriate knowledge of special terminology to bridge the language barrier during these programs, but the resourcefulness of students today is amazing,” said Dr. Douglas Trelfa, director of the Japan Center. “The students are learning about each other and making friendships on their own using online translators and other applications on their smartphones.”

Misao Ohno, founder and director of the Tomoiki Social Welfare Corporation, was the keynote speaker at the event and presented on the role of social work and caregiving professions in the local communities of Japan and the United States. Department of Social Work faculty then led discussion groups focused on various topics, including innovative treatments for the elderly; mental health and employment; and cognitive and intellectual developmental disabilities.

During their visit to Pensacola, the students also had the opportunity to visit the Brookdale Senior Living Center and share Japanese cultural activities with the clients. They also visited the The Friary, a residential treatment center in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and the Gulf Coast Kid’s House, a children’s advocacy center in Pensacola. Afterwards, they enjoyed a farewell dinner with UWF Department of Social Work students and faculty at the Museum of Commerce in Historic Pensacola.

UWF and the Jikei Group of Colleges have partnered since 1989 to provide American and Japanese students with opportunities to learn about each other’s country and culture. In addition to the U.S.-Japan Social Welfare Symposium, the Japan Center at UWF also organizes the annual Summer Semester in Japan, where UWF students study at Jikei sites under the direction of UWF faculty.

To learn more about the Japan Center at UWF, visit uwf.edu/japan. For additional information about the UWF Department of Social Work, visit uwf.edu/socialwork.