The China Program at
the USC School of Social
Work is committed to
providing innovative
education and training
opportunities for American
and Chinese leaders in
the business, government,
academic and non-profit
community who desire
to be more effective
in their roles and respond
creatively to change.
The leadership training
program promises an enriching,
cross-cultural learning
experience for individual
growth and optimal organizational
impact. Among the areas
of emphasis are institutional
capacity building, personal
empowerment, social networking
and change management
as they relate to economic
development, social welfare,
public policy and governance
in China.
Mission
Our mission is to encourage a better understanding of the challenges facing a changing China; nurture a learning environment through community and government outreach, multidisciplinary teacher training, curriculum development, public symposia, seminars and comparative research; facilitate leadership development and improve the quality of life in the United States and China.
Goals
- To provide leadership training programs
- To promote social development through social work education in China
- To encourage cross-national and multidisciplinary collaboration among schools within and outside USC
- To provide a platform for USC faculty to explore and experiment with new teaching approaches and research interests
Events and Projects
- Distinguished Lecture Series on Chinese Social and Economic Development
To commemorate USC’s 125th anniversary, the USC School of Social Work in conjunction with the school's China Program, presented a series of lectures with experts from around the world who shared their insights on China’s rapid urbanization and resulting social issues including poverty, care for the disabled, economic security for retirees and governance. - Distinguished Lecture Series on the Global Challenges of Biosocial Science and Practice
The continuation of the 125th anniversary celebration featured a series of lecturers specializing in the interdisciplinary practice area of biosocial science, the common ground between biology and sociology. Guests presented data about new trends related to health behaviors among the Chinese. - Peace Initiatives in Modern China with Zhong Jianhua, Consul General of the People's Republic of China
Special guest Zhong Jianhua discussed socio-economic development and public policies in China today and elaborated on U.S and China collaboration. - Sixth International Campbell Collaboration Colloquium: Chinese Symposium Series
The Campbell Collaboration, an international body of scholars committed to evidence-based policymaking, convenes an annual colloquium, bringing together participants from more than 20 nations on more than five continents. In 2006, the USC School of Social Work hosted the group’s sixth international colloquium, “Producing Systematic Reviews of Evidence,” which featured a series of discussions and presentations relevant to social issues in China. - When East and West Meet: Global and Local Perspectives from Social Policies to Social Work Practice, the first international social work conference organized by the Chinese Association of Social Work Education, Beijing.
- Chinese Social Work Faculty Training Workshops on Child Welfare and World of Work, Beijing
- International Social Policy Forum, Nankai University, Tianjin
- China Entrepreneur Century Forum
- Educational Resources
WHERE (Web Health Education Resources for Elders) is an Internet portal that provides links to health information on the Internet targeted to seniors whose language preference is not English. - Consultation
Dean Marilyn Flynn and Prof. Iris Chi were appointed external examiners for the MSW and BSW programs at Renmin University of China and Chinese Women's College. Prof. John Bola was appointed visiting professor at Beijing Normal University, Institute of Social Development and Social Policy.
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Iris Chi
Director, China Program
213.821.1360
ichi@usc.edu




















