'I am delighted to have successfully completed my summer social work placement organised by the Department of Social Work and IAO in 2023. During this placement, I had the opportunity to work as a student counsellor at the Community Family Services of Ontario in Toronto. It was an incredibly valuable experience that allowed me to acquire essential counselling skills and gain insights into the welfare system in Canada.
This overseas internship provided me with a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the local community. Interacting with different people allowed me to appreciate and embrace different cultures, fostering moments of mutual understanding and cultural exchange. Through my work as a counsellor, I felt the power that talking therapies can have for both counsellors and clients. This first-hand experience reinforced my belief in empowerment work and therapeutic interventions.
Additionally, visiting various social service agencies in Ontario was an inspiration for me. Understanding their innovative ideas and feeling the passion they had for their work left a lasting impression on me. These encounters helped as a constant reminder for me to reflect on the significance of being a social worker and the potential for positive change within communities.
Looking ahead, I am eager to bring the knowledge, skills, and ideas I have gained during this placement back to Hong Kong. My future goal is to contribute to the enhancement of social services in Hong Kong. I am motivated to implement innovative approaches and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in need.'
