Expect the Unexpected: International Short-Term Study Course Pedagogies and Practices

Abstract

Given the United States' population changes and the increasing impact of globalization, international context and experience in the MSW curriculum are essential. Gaining popularity as a vehicle for such experience are short-term international courses, defined as educational trips outside the United States lasting from 1 to 3 weeks. To achieve desired outcomes, courses must include both strong course curriculum and pedagogical approaches that support learning from experience and critical reflection. In this article, we describe our short-term international MSW school-supported course methodology. We use three critical incidents to illustrate tensions and challenges inherent in MSW study abroad programs. Finally, we offer three pedagogical approaches to deepen and enhance learning in short-term international courses: experiential learning, transformative learning, and decolonizing pedagogy.