International social work practicum in India

Abstract

Keywordsinternational social work practicum, learning experiences.Manohar Pawar is a senior lecturer in social work with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and a key researcher and associate director

Problematising international placements as a site of intercultural learning

“…These papers emphasise the need for preparation of all concerned and readiness for the unexpected (Heron, 2005;Magnus, 2009;Pawar et al, 2004;Schwartz et al, 2011). The meanings of international social work itself are open to challenge (Hugman, 2010;Nuttmann-Schwartz and Berger, 2012), and issues arising from the support and need to sustain placements for international students studying abroad may also add to our knowledge base (Zunz and Oil, 2009).…”

“…It is recognized that international placements offer powerful learning environments (Barlow, 2007) for cross-cultural comparison (Pawar et al, 2004), but this does not necessarily lead to competence or capability in dealing with cultural diversity. Alongside research extolling the positive educative potential of international placements there are a number of papers reporting on the reflections of those involved in the process, including practice or field coordinators (Pawar et al, 2004), the perspectives of faculty partners (Barlow, 2010), and personal student reflections (Martone and Munoz, 2009). We have reported elsewhere some of the processes of learning and the reflexivity necessary for this to take place (Ashencaen Parker et al, 2012).…”

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

“…The importance of institutional support as well as the challenges in implementing international programmes is highlighted in the literature (Gilin & Young, 2009;Kreitzer et al, 2009;Lough, 2009;Nuttman-Shwartz & Berger, 2012;Panos et al, 2004;Pawar et al, 2004;Saunders et al, 2012). A high level of planning and administrative support often places strain on the resources of schools of social work and faculty.…”

“…Adequate preparation of students prior to departure for an overseas destination is considered crucial (Kreitzer et al, 2009;Nuttman-Shwartz & Berger, 2012;Pawar et al, 2004). Likewise, the need for onsite support, debriefing and supervision is highlighted (Kreitzer et al, 2009;Larson & Allen, 2006;Nuttman-Shwartz & Berger, 2012;Rai, 2004).…”

“…Likewise, the need for onsite support, debriefing and supervision is highlighted (Kreitzer et al, 2009;Larson & Allen, 2006;Nuttman-Shwartz & Berger, 2012;Rai, 2004). Both formal and informal support was considered central to the outcomes for students (Pawar et al, 2004). This has implications for the academic staff accompanying students, in terms of the personal demands on their time and energy (Krause, 2000), particularly when programs are intense and fast paced.…”