#WhiteSaviorComplex: Confidentiality, Human Dignity, Social Media, and Social Work Study Abroad

ABSTRACT

Many American social work education programs now offer study abroad components, which provide significant advantages to students, including cross-cultural exposure, personal and professional development, and preparation for a globalizing profession. However, multiple ethical challenges are presented when North American (often White) students interact with vulnerable populations abroad, including the use of social media. We searched for relevant institutional social media policies and found very little, except those encouraging students to post often while traveling. We offer case studies of potential model policies for both North American based universities and international-based hosting sites. Finally, we argue that study abroad programs in general, and social media policies specifically, must center the dignity, worth, and best interests of vulnerable populations.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Leah Hamilton

Leah Hamilton is an associate professor at Appalachian State University. Lisa M. B. Tokpa is the Social Work Coordinator and faculty member at Uganda Christian University, Mukono. Hannah McCain is a Foster Care Case Manager for the State of South Carolina, USA. Sarah Donovan is a senior lecturer at Appalachian State University.