Placement Educators' Experiences and Perspectives of Supervising International Social Work Students in Australia. Issue 2 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ross, Bella; Ta, Binh; Grieve, Averil
• Is Part Of: Australian social work. Volume 72:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 188
• Page End: 205
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Social Work -- Field Education Placements -- International Students -- Student Supervision -- Social Work Supervision -- Cultural Diversity -- Field Education; Social service -- Periodicals; Social service -- Australia -- Periodicals; Social Work -- periodicals; Social Work -- Australia -- periodicals; Periodicals; 361.3
• DOI: 10.1080/0312407X.2018.1557230
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0312-407X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: International social work students in Australia have reported difficulties in finding quality placement opportunities and dealing with issues such as language and cultural barriers. While placement issues have been mostly investigated from a student perspective, this study explores the experiences and perspectives of placement educators towards supervising international social work students. It draws on an online survey of 83 placement educators working for an Australian university. The majority of placement educators reported that they supervised international students differently to domestic students. These differences were negatively framed as challenges involving students' language competence, their understanding of cultural norms, and knowledge of Australian welfare systems. This framing implies that cultural and linguistic differences between international students and placement educators are viewed in terms of student deficiency rather than as a positive opportunity for mutual learning and professional development. IMPLICATIONS: Enhancing international social work student supervision practice involves a focus on supervisor interaction with international students and professional training for placement educators. An inclusive approach towards cultural and linguistic diversity in supervising international social work students is needed.