Canadian and EU social work students in a cross-cultural program: What they learned from the experience

Abstract

A four-year student exchange project took place between Canadian and EU universities that engaged in a reciprocal agreement between social work students, social service agencies and universities. Sixty-four students completed their practicum through this program. The article gives an account of the students' learning experiences and their evaluation of this Downloaded from 246 International Social Work 55 (2) program. It concludes with a discussion of their learning experiences in cross-cultural exchanges and future recommendations for enhancing international social work field exchanges.

The Learning Outcomes of an Australian Social Work Student’s Study Tour to India

“…Reported outcomes from international social work student experiences include: personal growth; consolidated professional identity (Kreitzer et al, 2009;Nuttman-Shwartz & Berger, 2012); cultural competence/sensitivity (Gilin & Young, 2009;Krause & Broderick, 2005;Kreitzer et al, 2009;Nuttman-Shwartz & Berger, 2012); and increased understanding of the impact of poverty, oppression and human rights (Bell et al, 2015;Gilin & Young, 2009;Kreitzer et al, 2009;Larson & Allen, 2006;Saunders, Krause, & Focht, 2012;Wehbi, 2009). …”

“…The potential for international study experiences to facilitate personal growth and consolidated professional identity is identified as an important outcome (Gilin & Young, 2009;Kreitzer et al, 2009;Nuttman-Shwartz & Berger, 2012). A Canadian study reports that all students participating in a social work cross-cultural exchange reported impact on both-their commitment to the profession and their personal values and beliefs (Kreitzer et al, 2009).…”

“…A Canadian study reports that all students participating in a social work cross-cultural exchange reported impact on both-their commitment to the profession and their personal values and beliefs (Kreitzer et al, 2009). They also reported an enhanced confidence in their ability as a social worker and respect for the social work profession.…”

“…Internationalisation has come to play an increasingly important role in social work curriculum both in Australia and overseas (Kreitzer, Barlow, Schwartz, Lacroix, & Macdonald, 2009) Mathieson and Lager 2007, Nagy & Falk 2000, Healy 2001, Panos et al 2004). In the current climate of globalisation and international resettlement, social work graduates must develop competencies to work locally with issues arising from international mobility including work with migrants, asylum seekers, refugees as well as in overseas contexts (Payne & Askeland, 2008).…”

“…It is reported that one in five accredited social work schools in the USA include options for international practica in their programmes (Panos, Pettys, Cox, & Jones-Hart, 2004). Research into the impact or outcomes of these activities has however, not kept pace with these initiatives (Kreitzer et al, 2009;Lough, 2009). In the Australian context, reports of internationalisation strategies within social work curriculum are limited as are evaluations of these strategies (Bell, Moorhead, & Boetto, 2015;Fairchild, Pillai, & Noble, 2006).…”