Preparing international social work students to engage with unequal power relations

Abstract

Global processes with their political, economic, social, and environmental implications have led to growing awareness of the need to train social workers for transnational/international practice. In this article, we propose a model to prepare students for the complexity of international social work practice in an arena characterized by unequal relations between the parties taking part on international social work training. Helms’ White and People of Color Racial Identity Model will serve to conceptualize the process that students go through in relation to themselves, the Other and sociopolitical realities while learning and training in international social work.

Keywords:

• International Social Work
• power relations
• white identity
• training students
• anti-discriminatory practice
• reflection
• adult learning