Exploring semester abroad as a model for developing competencies for international social work

Abstract

Student exposure to international contexts can support students to develop a variety of knowledge, values and skills for social work practice in a globalised world. While various models of internationalisation in social work education exist, semester abroad models have received scant attention in international social work. This article presents perceived learning outcomes for German social work students who participated in an integrated semester abroad programme within the European Union, that are comparable to other international pedagogies. The model showcases reciprocal study abroad arrangements between universities located in neighbouring countries that has implications for such internationalisation beyond exchanges between North-South countries.

Decentralised international development aid from municipalities: Exploring its added value, challenges and implications for international social work

“…Concerning the knowledge required, authors mention general aspects such as knowledge of alternative paradigms beyond modernisation (Das and Rösner, 2022); knowledge of institutions, both within and outside the nation-state (Gray and Fook, 2004), including international treaties and conventions (Kahn and Sussman, 2015); knowledge of human behaviour and social environment practice (Voss et al, 2017) or knowledge of social change from a holistic perspective (Kahn and Sussman, 2015).…”

“…This study draws on the limited literature on generic capacities for international social work, which essentially differentiates competencies or abilities between knowledge, skills and values (Das and Rösner, 2022; Gray and Fook, 2004; Kahn and Sussman, 2015; Voss et al, 2017).…”

“…Regarding values , some of the general aspects mentioned are reflexivity (Das and Rösner, 2022; Kahn and Sussman, 2015; Voss et al, 2017); respect and interest for advancing human rights and global justice, with a gender orientation (Kahn and Sussman, 2015; Voss et al, 2017); cultural sensitivity, recognition and respect for differences (Gray and Fook, 2004; Kahn and Sussman, 2015); and adhesion to the ethical principles of the social work profession, such as the construction of quality relationships (Voss et al, 2017) and empathy (Das and Rösner, 2022).…”

“…With respect to skills , the literature mentions widely different aspects, ranging from project management to relationship building or critical thinking; the anti-oppressive and critical practice of social work; the deconstruction of norms and asking critical questions (Das and Rösner, 2022); understanding and responding to changing and complex environments (Das and Rösner, 2022; Voss et al, 2017); team building (Kahn and Sussman, 2015); grant application and report writing (Kahn and Sussman, 2015); international programme monitoring and evaluation (Kahn and Sussman, 2015); communication with media and high-level officials (Kahn and Sussman, 2015); research skills (Kahn and Sussman, 2015; Voss et al, 2017) and applying critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgement practice (Voss et al, 2017). As in other fields of social work and social services, the relevance of skills related to co-creation through networking and community engagement should also be emphasised (Toros et al, 2022).…”