International Journal of Social Work
The Shifting Landscape of International Practicum in Social Work Education
Abstract
International practicum, or international field placements, create opportunities for social work students to address global social challenges in an international setting and prepare for social work practice. The landscape of international practica in social work has evolved and shifted over the last two decades. This article reports on the findings of a literature review that was conducted to understand how international practicum has changed over time. The study established search criteria that led to the inclusion of 70 publications, 16 in the first decade (2000 to 2010) and 54 in the second decade (2011 to 2020) utilizing the web of Science and Social Work Abstracts, as well as specific searches conducted on the University of Calgary Library Database, EBSCO host, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The results of the literature review show that there were fewer publications in the first decade and the emphasis was on understanding international practicum and field models. During the second decade, the published literature on international practicum tripled, focusing predominantly on developing new field education models, engaging in critical reflection and theory, and how to create successful field placements for students through preparation, teaching, and discussion. International practicum opportunities are critical to fostering transformative learning in social work students, and post-secondary institutions will need to re-establish international field education programs after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Ali, W., & Drolet, J. (2021) Field education and practice research. The Advocate, 46(2), 33-35.
Askeland, G. A., Døhlie, E., & Grosvold, K. (2018). International field placement in social work: Relevant for working in the home country. International Social Work, 61(5), 692-705. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872816655200
Ayala, J., Drolet, J., Fulton, A., Hewson, J., Letkemann, L., Baynton, M., ... & Schweizer, E. (2018). Field education in crisis: Experiences of field education coordinators in Canada. Social Work Education, 37(3), 281-293. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2017.1397109
Barlow, C. A. (2007). In the third space: A case study of Canadian students in a social work practicum in India. International Social Work, 50(2), 243-254. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872807073990
Bell, K. & Anscombe, A. W. (2013). International field experience in social work: Outcomes of a short-term study abroad programme to India. Social Work Education, 32(8), 1032-1047. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2012.730143
Caragata, L., & Sanchez, M. (2002). Globalization and global need: New imperatives for expanding international social work education in North America. International Social Work, 45(2), 217-238. https://doi.org/10.1177/00208728020450020201
Caron, R. (2020). Anti-imperialist Practice and Field Placements "Researcher/educator/practitioner" Model for International Social Work Practice. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 40(1), 71-85. https://doi.org/10.1080/08841233.2019.1694619
Corbin, J. (2012). Ethical tensions and dilemmas experienced in a Northern Ugandan social work internship. Journal of Social Work Education, 48(4), 817-836. https://doi.org/10.5175/JSWE.2012.201100136
Cleak, H., Anand, J., & Das, C. (2016). Asking the Critical Questions: An Evaluation of Social Work Students' Experiences in an International Placement. British Journal of Social Work, 46(2), 389-408. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcu126
Crabtree, S., Parker, J., Azman, A., & Carlo, D. (2014). Epiphanies and learning in a postcolonial Malaysian context: A preliminary evaluation of international social work placements. International Social Work, 57(6), 618-629. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872812448491
Crabtree, S., Parker J., Azman A., & Mas'ud F. (2014). A sociological examination of international placement learning by British social work students in children's services in Malaysia. Journal of Comparative Research in Anthropology and Sociology, 5(1), 133.
Cwikel, J., Savaya, R., Munford, R. and Desai, M. (2010). Innovation in schools of social work: An international exploration. International Social Work, 53(2), pp. 187- 201. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872809355393
Das, C., & Anand, J. C. (2014). Strategies for critical reflection in international contexts for social work students. International Social Work, 57(2), 109-120. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872812443693
Dominelli, L. (2010). Globalization, contemporary challenges and social work practice. International Social Work, 53(5), 599-612. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872810371201
Dunlap, A., & Mapp, S. C. (2017). Effectively preparing students for international field placements through a pre-departure class. Social Work Education, 36(8), 893-904. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2017.1360858
Engstrom, D., & Jones, L. P. (2007). A broadened horizon: The value of international social work internships. Social Work Education, 26(2), 136-150. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615470601042631
Fox, M. (2017). Student isolation: the experience of distance on an international field placement. Social Work Education, 36(5), 508-520. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2016.1215418
Fox, M., & Hugman, R. (2019). International field placements: The models Australian social work programmes are currently using. International Social Work, 62(5), 1371-1383. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872818767252
Gamble, D. N. (2011). Advanced concentration macro competencies for social work practitioners: Identifying knowledge, values, judgement and skills to promote human well-being. Journal of Community Practice, 19(4), 369-402. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2011.625914
Greenfield, E. A., Davis, R. T., & Fedor, J. P. (2012). The effect of international social work education: Study abroad versus on-campus courses. Journal of Social Work Education, 48(4), 739-761. https://doi.org/10.5175/JSWE.2012.201100147
Ghaffari, A., & Naderi, M. (2013). The effects of globalization on Islamic education. International Journal of Management Prudence, 5(2), 7.
Giles, H. C. (2014). Risky epistemology: Connecting with others and dissonance in community-based research. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 20(2), 65-78.
Harrison, G., & Ip, R. (2013). Extending the terrain of inclusive education in the classroom to the field: International students on placement. Social Work Education, 32(2), 230-243. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2012.734804
Henley, L., Lowe, S., Henley, Z., Munro, C. (2019). Overseas social work placements: Can a well-designed workflow increase the success of an overseas placement? Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 31(2), 69-76. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol31iss2id634 Heron, B. (2019). Critically considering international social work practica. Critical Social Work, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.22329/csw.v7i2.5737
Hay, K., Lowe, S., Barnes, G., Dentener, A., Doyle, R., Hinii, G., & Morris, H. (2018). 'Times that by 100': Student learning from international practicum. International Social Work, 61(6), 1187-1197. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872817702707
Healy, L. M., & Thomas, R. L. (2020). International social work: Professional action in an interdependent world. Oxford University Press.
Hong, P. Y. P., & Song, I. H. (2010). Glocalization of social work practice: Global and local responses to globalization. International Social Work, 53(5), 656-670. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872810371206
Johnson, A. K. (2003). Increasing internationalization in social work programs: Healy's continuum as a strategic planning guide. International Social Work, 47(1), 7-23. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872804036445
Jones, D. N., & Truell, R. (2012). The global agenda for social work and social development: A place to link together and be effective in a globalized world. International Social Work, 55(4), 454-472. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872812440587
Jönsson, J. H., & Flem, A. L. (2018). International field training in social work education: beyond colonial divides. Social Work Education, 37(7), 895-908. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2018.1461823
Jönsson, J. H., & Flem, A. L. (2020). Global social work ethics and international field training: The experiences and practice dilemmas of Norwegian and Swedish social work. International Social Work, 1 - 14. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872819889398
Karadagli, E. C. (2012). The effects of globalization on firm performance in emerging markets: Evidence from emerging-7 countries. Asian Economic and Financial Review, 2(7), 858.
Kreitzer, L., Barlow, C., Schwartz, K., Lacroix, M., & Macdonald, L. (2012). Canadian and EU social work students in a cross-cultural program: What they learned from the experience. International Social Work, 55(2), 245-267. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872811427047
Khan, P., & Dominelli, L. (2000). The impact of globalization on social work in the UK. European Journal of Social Work, 3(2), 95-108. https://doi.org/10.1080/714052817
Lanteigne, I. (2018). The International Field Placement Experience: A Continuous Process with Learning Moments and Outcomes. Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland. https://research.library.mun.ca/13623/
Law, K. Y., & Lee, K. M. (2016). Importing Western values versus indigenization: Social work practice with ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. International Social Work, 59(1), 60-72.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872813500804
Liley, D. G. (2015). Sherpa in my backpack: A guide to international social work practicum exchanges and study abroad programs. Social Work Education, 34(3), 359-360. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2015.1005994
Link, R. (2015). International social work student exchanges. International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, 562-567. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-097086-8.28049-5
Lough, B., (2009). Principles of effective practice in international social work field placements. Journal of Social Work Education, 45(3), 467-479. https://doi.org/10.5175/JSWE.2009.200800083
Lough, B. J., McBride, A. M., & Sherraden, M. S. (2012). Measuring international service outcomes: Implications for international social work field placements. Journal of Social Work Education, 48(3), 479-499. https://doi.org/10.5175/jswe.2012.201000047
Lyons, K. (2006). Globalization and social work: International and local implications. British Journal of Social Work, 36(3), 365-380. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcl007
Maidment, J. (2003). Problems experienced by students on field placement: Using research findings to inform curriculum design and content. Australian Social Work, 56(1), 50-60. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0312-407X.2003.00049.x
Mapp, S. & Gatenio Gabel, S. (2019). Educating students on international social work issues in U.S. social work programs: How is it done? Journal of Social Work Education, 55(2), 238-250. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2018.1513881
Matthew, L. E., & Lough, B. J. (2017). Challenges social work students encounter in international field placements and recommendations for responsible management. Journal of Social Work Education, 53(1), 18-36. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2016.1246268
McMichael, A. J. (2013). Globalization, climate change, and human health. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(14), 1335-1343. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1109341
Miles, D., Jones, P., Gopalkrishnan, N., Francis, A., Harris, N., Howard, E., King, J., Zuchowski, I., Dhephasadin N. P., & Puthantharayil, G. (2016). Contested concepts of 'partnership' in international student exchange programs. Research and Development in Higher Education: The Shape of Higher Education, 39, 202-211. Retrieved from https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/44590/
Nadan, Y. (2017). Rethinking 'cultural competence' in international social work. International Social Work, 60(1), 74-83. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872814539986
Numann -Shwartz, O., & Berger, R. (2012). Field education in international social work: Where we are and where we should go. International Social Work, 55(2), 225-243. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872811414597
Nuttman-Shwartz, O., & Ranz, R. (2017). Human rights discourse during a short-term field placement abroad: An experience of social work students from Israel and India. International Social Work, 60(2), 283-296. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872815598568
Parker, J., Crabtree, S. A., Baba, I. B., Carlo, D. P., & Azman, A. (2012). Liminality and learning: International placements as a rite of passage. Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, 22(3), 146-158. https://doi.org/10.1080/02185385.2012.691715
Parker, J., Crabtree, S. A., Azman, A., Carlo, D. P., & Cutler, C. (2015). Problematising international placements as a site of intercultural learning. European Journal of Social Work, 18(3), 383- 396. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2014.925849
Pawar, M., Hanna, G., & Sheridan, R. (2004). International social work practicum in India. Australian Social Work, 57(3), 223-236. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0748.2004.00150.x
Payne, M., & Askeland, G. A. (2016). Globalization and international social work: Postmodern change and challenge. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315585093
Pettys, G. L., Panos, P. T., Cox, S. E., & Oosthuysen, K. (2005). Four models of international field placement. International Social Work, 48(3), 277-288. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872805051705
Rankopo, M. J., & Osei-Hwedie, K. (2011). Globalization and culturally relevant social work: African perspectives on indigenization. International Social Work, 54(1), 137-147. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872810372367
Ranz, R. (2017). A psycho-educational learning framework for international field work abroad. International Social Work, 60(4), 954-965. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872815594227
Ranz, R. & Langer, N. K. (2018). Preparing international social work students to engage with unequal power relations. Social Work Education, 37(4), 535-545. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2018.1444158
Ravulo, J. (2018). Australian students going to the Pacific Islands: International social work placements and learning across Oceania. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 30(4), 56-69. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol30iss4id613
Ravulo, J. (2016). Pacific epistemologies in professional social work practice, policy and research. Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, 26(4), 191-202. https://doi.org/10.1080/02185385.2016.1234970
Razack, N. (2002). A critical examination of international student exchanges. International social work, 45(2), 251-265. https://doi.org/10.1177/00208728020450020801
Roe, E. P. (2015). Exploring the influence of international social work practicums on career choices and practice approaches. Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland. https://research.library.mun.ca/9735/
Sandlin, J. A., Wright, R. R., & Clark, C. (2013). Reexamining theories of adult learning and adult development through the lenses of public pedagogy. Adult education quarterly, 63(1), 3-23. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713611415836
Sewpaul, V., & Henrickson, M. (2019). The (r)evolution and decolonization of social work ethics: The Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles. International Social Work, 62(6), 002087281984623-1481. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872819846238
Schwartz, K., Kreitzer, L., Lacroix, M., Barlow, C. A., McDonald, L., Lichtmannegger, S., ... & Meunier, D. (2011). Preparing students for international exchanges: Canadian/EU experiences. European Journal of Social Work, 14(3), 421-434. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2010.488213
Song, K., (2016). Multicultural and international approaches in social work practice: An intercultural perspective. Hamilton Books.
Small, E., Nikolova, S. P., & Sharma, B. B. (2017). Cultural competency in the global setting: Are social work students prepared to serve in a culturally diverse world? British Journal of Social Work, 47(3), 666-682. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcw050
Thampi, K. (2017). Social work education crossing the borders: A field education programme for international internship. Social Work Education, 36(6), 609-622. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2017.1291606
Tesoriero, F. (2006). Personal growth towards intercultural competence through an international field education programme. Australian Social Work, 59(2), 126-140. https://doi.org/10.1080/03124070600651853
Tight, M. (2021). Globalization and internationalization as frameworks for higher education research. Research Papers in Education, 36(1), 52-74. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2019.1633560
Todd, S., & Drolet, J. (Eds.). (2020). Community Practice and Social Development in Social Work. Singapore: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1542-8
Wittmann, V. (2014). World society and globalisation. Journal for Multicultural Education, 8(3), 194-206. https://doi.org/10.1108/JME-05-2014-0021
Van Wormer, K. (2005). Concepts for contemporary social work: globalization, oppression, social exclusion, human rights, etc. Social Work & Society, 3(1), 1-10.
Vassos, S. (2019). Challenges facing social work field education. Australian Social Work, 72(2), 245- 247. https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2018.1557232
Wiebe, M. (2012). Shifting sites of practice, field education in Canada. Social Work Education, 31(5), 681-682. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2011.642249
Willis, T. Y., Wick, D., Han, T. M., Rivera, J., & Doran, J. K. (2019). "If I did it over there, I can do it here": U.S. Latinx social work students in Costa Rican service placements deepening their professional identity and skills. Journal of Social Work Education, 55(4), 710-723. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2019.1611513
Zuchowski, I., Miles, D., Howard, E., Harris, N., & Francis, A. (2019). Sustaining quality learning abroad opportunities in Australian schools of social work. International Social Work, 62(2), 980-993. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872818757590
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/ijsw.v9i1.19129
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2022 Wasif Ali, Julie L. Drolet, Kamal Khatiwada, Emmanuel Chilanga, Mohammed Nurudeen Musah
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
International Journal of Social Work ISSN 2332-7278 E-mail: ijsw@macrothink.org
Copyright © Macrothink Institute
To make sure that you can receive messages from us, please add the 'macrothink.org' domains to your e-mail 'safe list'. If you do not receive e-mail in your 'inbox', please check your 'spam' or 'junk' folder.