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Masaomi Kondo Ph.D.
Social Welfare English Testing Association president
Osaka University (Emeritus Professor) |
As we enter the 21st century, we expect to raise awareness of the welfare problems in our country and we hope that efforts will be made to catch up with the global standard. This means welfare is also going to become globalized and social workers are not only expected to grow but also to look forward to developing their status in the future. Therefore, cultivating human resources capable of social work who have an international sense is important.
We also hope that social workers can learn, understand, and discuss global standards of welfare and the latest information regarding them. In a career with much potential, social workers need to learn social welfare English (ESP) in order that they can meet domestic and international standards. A variety of words such as normalization, ADL (Activities of Daily Living), and barrier free are from English, and also we have to know this language in order to meet international standards. I hope that internationally-oriented people who support welfare in the future develop through our organization.
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Glen Goltermann Ed. D.
University of West Florida (Social Work) |
The demand for well-trained care workers has exploded, especially in the international market place. Hospitals, institutions, and service organizations are actively seeking well-trained professionals.
These employers are seeking new employees who are sensitive to cultural differences and who can communicate in the international language - English.
English is the official language of business, airlines, and health care/social service systems. A working knowledge of English enables us to work with people from all countries; it makes us more aware of international matters; it makes us more culturally sensitive; and it helps us gain confidence. Employers realize that most workers don’t need to be functional in the English language, but these employers also realize that basic knowledge of technical terms and basic conversation is no longer a choice but a necessity.
Congratulations on your choice of this exciting field, and I thank each of you for your professional commitment to service, compassion, and human dignity