When Elisabeth Reichert takes a trip to her native home of Germany this May, she will be bringing SIUC students with her. Reichert, an associate professor in social work from Leutkirch, Germany, has planned a study abroad trip to Austria, Germany and Switzerland May 14 through May 30. The trip will focus on how other countries approach social problems. This is the third year Reichert has taken students to Europe. The trip is open to undergraduates and graduates in any program of study, as well as professionals who need continuing education credits.
Financial assistance is available for students.
The itinerary includes a field visit to the Drug Foundation in St. Gallen, Switzerland, a town in the foothills of the Alps. We go to an agency where there are people addicted to heroin. The Drug Foundation attempts to integrate heroin addicts into society. Treatment includes daily doses of heroin administered by professionals until the clients are weaned off the drug. Street work is prevalent, and social workers spend time talking with runaways, prostitutes and homeless people.