Sustaining quality learning abroad opportunities in Australian schools of social work. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zuchowski, Ines; Miles, Debra; Howard, Elise; Harris, Nonie; Francis, Abraham
• Is Part Of: International social work. Volume 62:Number 2(2019:Mar.)
• Page Start: 980
• Page End: 993
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Internationalisation -- learning abroad -- resourcing -- social work education -- student exchange -- sustainability; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1177/0020872818757590
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8728

Abstract

Student learning abroad experiences are encouraged to develop students' intercultural understanding and global citizenship. This article reports internationally collaborative research exploring social work student short-term mobility programmes and international field education placements. Findings from interviews with staff from Australian schools of social work are presented. Themes developed from the data explore the establishment and ongoing resourcing and sustainability of international exchange programmes, including implications for risk and safety, relationships and partnerships, and reciprocity. The complex landscape of student international experiences is discussed, and it is proposed that the lack of adequate resourcing of learning abroad opportunities threatens their sustainability.