This Summer University of Guam Social Work students study social development in Macao, China. Back row: Chelsea Resurreccion; 2nd Row left to right: Tanya Simer, Serena Pecha, Mariecar Patino, and Emilani Blas; Front row left to right: Alyssa Roberto, Paul Chi Meng Pun, and Dr. Gerhard Schwab.

At the University of Guam, opportunities abound that lead students to every corner of the globe.

One such occasion brought a special group of six social work students to Macao, China this summer to study social development abroad.

With the guidance of Social Work Professor Dr. Gerhard Schwab and the expertise of Caritas Social Services Director and UOG alumnus Paul Chi Meng Pun, students visited assisted living homes for the elderly, family counseling and education centers, and services for the homeless and disabled.

Pun, who received the University’s 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award for the School of Health, has been looking for ways to collaborate with his alma mater.

“I am very happy to host students from the University of Guam and show them our work here in Macao,” Pun said. “For me, it is a way of giving back to the University and the people of Guam.”

The group also had the privilege to talk with Secretary General of the Philippine Consulate in Macao Lilybeth Deapera about social issues of migrant workers and families from the Philippines living in the region.