By Silvana Medukic
Under the direction of Dr. Murali D. Nair, a Cleveland State University’s School of Social Work professor, students have been traveling the world to experience social work in practice.

Through their travels, students become engrossed in the life and culture of many areas of the world including areas as far away as India. 

“There is a defining moment in an individual’s life when they decide to turn to social work,” Nair said. “Social work students have strong convictions of social justice. Experiences beyond Cleveland give students a lens to the world.”

The India Experience, in cooperation with the social work department, provides students with an opportunity to obtain a greater appreciation for the traditions, language and society of India.

“What I experienced (in India) is priceless, beyond dreams,” commented India Experience participant La Wana Westmoreland on the reflections page of the India Experience web site.  

Participants’ schedules are filled with activities that allow them not only to apply their social work skills, but also to become active participants in the society of India. 
Students have made baskets for children at local shelters, taken part in games and crafts with children at orphanages, attended a traditional Indian wedding, visited Hindu temples, walked the beaches of the Indian Ocean, sampled local foods, visited neighboring flea markets and participated in other culturally rich experiences.  
Students are not limited to the India Experience; the School of Social Work gives students the opportunity to travel to other places throughout the world. 

Dr. Nair has created several documentaries profiling areas including Sri Lanka and areas damaged by hurricane Katrina, helping students to create anthologies in response to experiences in these areas. 

“We attempt to create a wider vision for the students in our department,” said Dr. Maggie Jackson, Director of Social Work at CSU. “The students that graduate from CSU become leaders by appreciating differences and seeing beyond Cleveland. That’s why ‘Engaged Learning’ is essential in the daily curriculum of our future leaders.”