International Social Work Programs in the US

Background/Rationale: There is an intrinsic link between social work and human rights (Lundy, 2004; Healy, 2008). The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW, 1988) states that “social work has, from its conception, been a human rights profession, having as its basic tenet the intrinsic value of every human being and as one of its main aims the promotion of equitable social structures, which can offer people security and development while upholding their dignity.” Nonetheless, the schools of social work in the United States have yet to universally claim international human rights as one of its main domains for social work education and training and be recognized by the larger, global community as producing professionals in the field. This study, therefore, provides an overview of existing international social work programs in U.S. Schools of Social Work with CSWE-accredited MSW programs. The study aims to empirically assess the current state of international social work curriculum development and training among the top schools of social work, in hopes of beginning a constructive dialogue among social work educators and practitioners on future directions for international social work training and education.

Data and Method: The study has conducted a preliminary analysis of 100 social work programs and schools in the U.S. across diverse regions, based on the ranking of the U.S. News and World Report. For data collection, we first researched websites of the schools.

1. In what year a MSW program began?

2. How many students and faculty members?

3. Among the entire student body, how many students pursue an international track?

4. Does the international program provides a (i) concentration, (ii) specialization, (iii) certificate, or/and (iv) dual degree with an international focus (e.g., MSW/MBA, etc)?

5. Is the international program selective or open to those who are interested?

6. If selective, what is required to be in the international track?

7. What are specific requirements to complete the international track?

8. What are core course(s) for the international track?

9. Is there an opportunity available for an internship abroad? If so, how long is it?

11. In which countries are students placed for internships?

12. With what organizations/agencies/schools do you have a working relationship/partnership?

13. Who is the person (or people) in charge of the international program? Provide their name, title, and contact information.

Results: Our preliminary observations include: (1) US domestic social work curriculum focuses on civil rights, but lacks a universal human rights frame work in understanding “international social work.” (2) Programs lack in courses on essential economic/political/historical knowledge. (3) US-centered “international social work” programs for students from abroad do not seem to efficiently utilize what those students bring to the table.

For our on-going analyses, we will examine what factors influence the development of comprehensive international social work programs (e.g., existing interdisciplinary collaborations or the availability of external funding). After discussing some of the challenges for pursuing an international program, our paper concludes with suggestions and recommendations that may be helpful for program and curriculum development in international social work.