Teaching International Social Work in a Global Classroom

ABSTRACT

Social work educators are challenged with preparing students for international social work and work with immigrant and refugee populations. This pilot project aimed to develop an online global classroom to teach an international social work course to social work students participating from five different locations: United States (N=25), South Africa (N=4), Mexico (N=11), Hong Kong (N=6), and Australia (N=2). Qualitative data were collected from students regarding their experiences in this global classroom. Thematic analysis revealed the development of rich authentic learning, where their interactions with international classmates led to a transformative learning experience and a beginning sense of social work in a global context. Implications for future leaning and teaching of social work content across global borders are discussed.

Additional information

Funding

This research project was funded by the International Association for Schools of Social Work.

Notes on contributors

Cindy Davis

Cindy Davis, PhD, is Professor at University of the Sunshine Coast, Nonie Harris, PhD, is Professor at James Cook University, Lambert Engelbrecht, PhD, is Professor at Stellenbosch University, and Terry Lum, PhD, is Professor at University of Hong Kong.