Students' perceptions of international social work: A comparative study in the USA, UK, and Georgia. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lalayants, Marina; Doel, Mark; Kachkachishvili, Iago
• Is Part Of: International social work. Volume 58:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 97
• Page End: 110
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Comparative -- global social issues -- global social work -- globalization -- international social work -- social work education -- student perceptions; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1177/0020872812473140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8728

Abstract

The field of social work worldwide has been increasingly influenced by globalization, migration, and other conditions that require professionals to be responsive and knowledgeable in addressing them. This collaborative project examined students' perceptions of international social work at three universities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Georgia. Students' responses indicated an overall strong interest and widespread agreement that there is a link between local and global social issues. The findings suggest that social work education needs to be globalized and tailored to students' needs, which will help them identify social work strongly as part of a profession and affect change across the globe.