'All social work takes place in a macro context': The gap between international social work training and practice. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Hanna; Sussman, Tamara; Khan, Mohammad Nuruzzaman; Kahn, Sarilee
• Is Part Of: International social work. Volume 66:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 373
• Page End: 387
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Competency -- education -- interdisciplinary curriculum -- international social work -- interprofessional perspectives -- knowledge -- skills teaching -- social work curriculum -- social work education -- social work training; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1177/0020872821993524
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8728

Abstract

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study combined data from an online survey with international social workers ( N = 44), and key informant qualitative interviews ( N = 6), to identify gaps and synergies between what is taught in graduate social work programmes and expected by employers. Findings suggested that although social work values align well with international social work, gaps exist between the macro knowledge and skills required for international work and that which graduate training offers. Findings further suggested that if unaddressed, these incompatibilities may contribute to the invisibility of social work as a viable training ground for practice in international aid agencies.