From 17 May to 23 May 2026, APSS organised a rewarding and enriching study tour to Taiwan. A total of 30 students from the Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling, Master of Arts in Mental Health, and Master of Arts in Social Work participated in the tour, which was led by Prof. Herman LO (Associate Professor), Prof. Angel LAI (Assistant Professor), and Dr Stella WONG (Clinical Associate).
During the seven-day visit, the group visited a range of social service organisations, rehabilitation centres, and higher education institutions to gain insights into local practices in social work, mental health support, rehabilitation and child protection. Key destinations included Chaolu Farm (朝露農場), a therapeutic community offering rehabilitation services for adults recovering from drug addiction; the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (家扶基金會), which focuses on child protection and volunteer services; Shi Yu Community Recovery Home (蒔寓康復之家) and Taichung Concentric Circles Community Recovery and Wellness Centre (同心圓社區復健中心), both of which specialise in community-based mental health rehabilitation. The group also visited Xizhi district (汐止區) in New Taipei City, home to a community of urban indigenous children and adolescents, to learn about indigenous culture and co-living arrangements. In addition, they engaged with a student-led self-help group on mental health and well-being at Soochow University (東吳大學藍灰社).
Students remained actively engaged throughout the exchange. For example, students delivered a presentation introducing child protection services in Hong Kong to local faculty members and students, followed by in-depth discussions on child abuse issues in both regions. This study tour broadened students’ professional perspectives, strengthened cross-regional academic exchange, and created opportunities for future collaboration in counselling, mental health and social work.
Online coverage:
Chaolu Farm (朝露農場): https://www.chaolu.org.tw/OnePage.aspx?tid=109&id=380
Concentric Circles Community Recovery and Wellness Centre (同心圓社區復健中心): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FnxuRXcmW/
