Social Work Abroad
Research the expansion of human rights, cultural competence, and empowerment in Ghana. Evaluate equality, social and political justice in China. Develop a global perspective in social work practice, and enrich yourself in a multi-cultural experience while traveling in Ireland. You can begin to shape the human service delivery systems worldwide by studying abroad in the country of your choice.
For those interested in combining their study abroad experience with service learning or an internship, or looking to focus solely on an internship or service learning, there are many options. Customized internships are available in a few locations through GVSU internships, as well as other programs such as ELAP and World Endeavors.
PROGRAM SUGGESTIONS
The programs highlighted on this page are a good fit for students in Social Work.
FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS
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Country |
Program |
Available Courses |
|---|---|---|
|
Ghana |
UNDERGRADUATE: SW 354: International Service (3 credits) Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement. Fulfills (1) General Education Issues course requirement. Reflection required. GRADUATE: SW 630: Social Work Global Service Learning (3 credits) Language of instruction: English
Honors students: can be used to fulfill HNR 300, HNR 401, or HNR 499 requirements |
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|
Ireland |
UNDERGRADUATE: SW 354: International Service (3 credits) Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement. Fulfills (1) General Education Issues course requirement. GRADUATE: SW 630: Social Work Global Service Learning (3 credits) |
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Peru |
Undergraduate students will register for a total of 3 credits: Undergraduate: SW 354: International Service (3 credits) Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement. Fulfills (1) General Education Issues course requirement. Reflection required. Graduate: SW 630: Social Work Global Service Learning (3 credits) Language of instruction: English Honors students: can be used to fulfill HNR 300, HNR 401, or HNR 499 requirements. |
SEMESTER AND ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
|
Country |
Program |
Program Type |
Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Australia |
Exchange |
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United Kingdom |
Exchange |
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Ghana |
Exchange |
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Scotland |
Provider |
ACADEMIC ADVICE
GENERAL ADVICE
- The earliest you can go abroad is the summer of your first year.
- Students may fulfill General Education Foundation and Issues requirements abroad. Find out how!
- Students taking at least 3 credits abroad will fulfill their Global Perspectives requirement.
- Students can and are encouraged to go abroad anytime throughout their time at GVSU; however, if they wish to participate in a full year/semester long program and stay on the 4-year plan to degree completion, they should plan to go abroad during their sophomore year.
SOCIAL WORK-SPECIFIC ADVICE
- Students may NOT take the Social Work core courses abroad - SW 316, SW 317, SW 318, SW 319, SW 340, SW 341, and SW 348 must be completed at GVSU.
- Courses will be reviewed on a case by case basis through the course equivalency process.
- Students should be working with their CECI advisor to plan and make appropriate course selections for study abroad.
- As juniors and seniors, students may wish to consider taking SW 354 abroad on Faculty-led programs in Ireland, Ghana, and El Salvador/Guatemala. CECI encourages them to begin looking at these programs as early as possible for planning purposes.
- Students interested in completing their Field Practicum abroad must discuss this possibility well in advance with Dr. Robin Smith-Colton and their field coordinator. While rare, it may be possible.
- Students interested in earning Social Work elective credits abroad can have their study abroad program reviewed for potential SW 100, SW 380, and/or SW 499 credit. Prior planning is strongly encouraged so CECI advisers can figure out where these best fit into overall student degree goals.
To determine the GVSU Course Equivalencies for courses taken abroad, please visit our Course Approval page.
INTERNSHIPS
Gain real-world experience globally and build your international network by participating in a Social Work internship abroad.
*PLEASE NOTE: Social Work only approves of the EUSA Dublin program for SW 490, and Graduate students can complete only SW 630 abroad.
EXPLORE OTHER PROGRAM OPTIONS
There are other program options available. Schedule a study abroad advising appointment to learn more or browse our other program options:
IMPORTANT: You can also complete your General Education requirements abroad.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The McFadden International Child Welfare Scholarship
Explore more scholarship opportunities through our scholarship page.
