Short-term study abroad programmes in social work: a scoping review of the literature on learning outcomes

ABSTRACT

Study abroad programmes are an increasingly popular component of social work education worldwide and a range of claims have been made about the associated benefits of these programmes. To explore the nature and extent of current knowledge in relation to student learning outcomes, a scoping review of social work literature was undertaken. A comprehensive search of scholarly databases for peer-reviewed social work studies, which examined student learning outcomes during and/or after participation in a short-term study abroad programme revealed a body of literature, predominantly from the Global North, with a wealth of qualitatively rich information and in-depth reflection on student experiences. While enhanced learning and understanding of social work were identified as primary benefits, increased intercultural awareness and enhanced professional identity were discussed as additional benefits. Emergent themes also exposed some gaps in knowledge about the longer-term outcomes of short-term study abroad programmes as well as equity and access issues for students. Drawing on the findings of the scoping review, implications for ethical programme development and delivery are considered, including the nature of relationships between host and destination countries, and the need for more comprehensive, longitudinal and mixed-methods research to assess the learning outcomes for programme participants.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work education
• study abroad
• international social work
• short-term international programme
• mobility programme
• global social work

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Research assistance was provided under the CSU Faculty of Arts and Education Research Officer Support Scheme;Charles Sturt University.

Notes on contributors

Bernadette Moorhead

Bernadette Moorhead is a lecturer in Social Work and Human Services at Charles Sturt University.

Nicola Ivory

Nicola Ivory is a research officer and sessional lecturer in psychology at Charles Sturt University.

Heather Boetto

Heather Boetto is a senior lecturer in Social Work and Human Services at Charles Sturt University.

Karen Bell

Karen Bell is an associate professor in Social Work and Human Services at Charles Sturt University.