International Field Experience in Social Work: Outcomes of a Short-Term Study Abroad Programme to India

India and Us: Student Development of Professional Social Work Identity through a Short-term Study Abroad Program

“…Two possible exceptions for the Australian literature base are Pawar et al (2004) and Bell and Anscombe (2012). The former explored the experience of organizing a field placement for Australian social work students to India and the benefits to student learning as a result.…”

“…In light of this, there is a need to explore the impact of study abroad programs (Pedersen, 2010), especially as little is known about the efficacy and outcomes of short-term international experiences across disciplines and degree levels within Australia, including social work (Bell and Anscombe, 2012;Blumenfield and Nerad, 2012).…”

“…Alternatively, Bell and Anscombe (2012) specifically focus on the inaugural two-week CSU study abroad program to India in 2010. Findings indicated that the program was personally and professionally challenging in a valuable way, especially for social work studies.…”

“…Student learning in key social work areas, such as social justice and human rights, international social work and community development, were identified as outcomes (Bell and Anscombe, 2012). These objectives reflect ongoing critical debates within social work on the ethics and structure of exchange/study abroad programs (Hockensmith, 2004;Heron, 2006).…”

“…A particularly important achievement was the opportunity to participate in the program by our diverse student cohort who may not have access to longer-term exchanges due to work and family commitments (Bell and Anscombe, 2012).…”