Ev
Eilkje van der Kooij
  • Class of 2013
  • Nobleford

Eilkje van der Kooij Wrapped Up Social Work Internship

2013 May 21

Eilkje van der Kooij of Nobleford, Alberta, finished up a semester-long internship at Hope Haven Psychiatric Rehabilitiation Program in Rock Valley, Iowa. van der Kooij is a Dordt College 2013 graduate with a major in social work. Vander Kooij worked with a licensed, master's-level social worker who provides mental health treatment to adult clients of Hope Haven's residential program as well as to children within the community who have behavioral and emotional problems. Vander Kooij met with clients in Rock Valley and traveled to area schools to provide counseling and educational sessions with kids. She worked with her supervisor to teach kids appropriate coping skills, communication skills, and ways to effectively control their feelings and emotions.

Social work seniors at Dordt College spend four full days every week in an internship under the supervision of a practicing social worker. They practice the skills they've learned and work directly with clients. "These internships are valuable because they allow students to begin practicing under the supervision of a supportive person who helps them recognize their abilities and encourage improvement where needed," said Abby Foreman, Dordt College social work professor.

With more than 90 programs of study, Dordt College equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive college named to the best college lists by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. To learn more about Dordt College, visit www.dordt.edu.