This article seeks to critically reflect on the experience and challenges of international social work research within a 10-country consortium of social work researchers examining the impact of neoliberalism on civil society and social work, under the auspices of a European Union, Framework 7, Marie Curie Action bid. The study enabled us to debate and examine the impact of neoliberalism on social work, to develop theory and perspectives, and to promote further debate on social work’s responses. We aim to critically explore the nature and growth of social work research collaboration, while reconnoitring the contextual difficulties for international social work research, along with the research trials, to enable collaborative research to be reflective, concerted and facilitative.