Reflections on Cross-Cultural Learning: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Students Shared Their Experiences with the Crown Family School Community
The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice recently hosted four exceptional master’s level social work students from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai, India. Now in its 14th year, this exchange program fosters meaningful cross-cultural collaboration and enriches the academic experiences of students from both institutions.
The visiting students—Vaishali Garg, Trupti Meshram, Divyani Sahu, and Aradhana Srikanth —spent four weeks on the University of Chicago campus from October 21 to November 24. During their stay, they attended classes and seminars, shadowed Crown Family School students in their field placements, and visited local social service agencies. These activities allowed them to gain firsthand insight into social work education and practice in the United States while sharing their perspectives from India.
A Culmination of Learning
On November 21, the TISS students delivered a final presentation to the Crown Family School community, reflecting on their experiences and key takeaways. They discussed their observations from shadowing field placements, engaging in classes and seminars, and interacting with Crown Family School students, faculty, and staff. Their insights underscored the importance of understanding social work in different cultural and systemic contexts, highlighting similarities and differences in addressing global social challenges.
Their reflections gave the Crown Family School community an opportunity to learn from social work practices in India, sparking meaningful discussions about innovative approaches and shared goals in the field.
Strengthening Partnerships
This program is part of a long-standing partnership between the Crown Family School and TISS, including reciprocal learning experiences for Crown Family School students studying in Mumbai over the years. The exchange program enhances cross-cultural understanding and prepares future social work leaders to navigate complex global challenges with a broader perspective.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
This exchange program would not have been possible without the generous support of Marilyn B. Rusnak, AM’71, who has provided steadfast financial backing since 2011. Many thanks also go to the faculty, students, and staff who welcomed the TISS students and made their stay a memorable and enriching experience.
As we reflect on the impact of this exchange, we celebrate the ongoing collaboration with TISS and the shared commitment to advancing the field of social work across borders. We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership in the years to come.