University of Wisconsin-Madison Social Work Students for International Outreach

Social Work has a history as an international profession and social work practice is becoming standardized internationally. This web page is part of a growing network of Universities, academic programs, faculty, and students, who are dedicated to the promotion of international social work through educational opportunities, volunteer placements, and international social work job opportunities.

History of SWSIO

• exchange information and learn about social work practice and social and political issues affecting human development and welfare in other countries.
• facilitate awareness and cooperation between persons of different nations.

Objectives of SWSIO

• Facilitate education, practice, and research opportunities in international settings.
• Provide information to the student body about international issues with implications for social work.

To meet these objectives the group has sponsored and facilitated a variety of activities:
book drives for the library of the former School of Social Work program at Ho Chi Minh University in Vietnam; Christmas card to benefit women's cooperatives in Bangladesh; a "Boots for Bosnia" project in association with World Reach; a "Walk for Peace" in El Salvador.

Each year Brown Bags and Colloquia presented by faculty, students, and practitioners have been regular activities. More importantly, the group serves as a clearinghouse, support group and information network for those students who enter the School of Social Work with international experience and interests.

The group also fosters relationships with the international students within the student body and has also opened participation to undergraduates and graduates from other departments.

Student representatives of SWSIO serve on the faculty's International Committee and help plan activities which serve both student and faculty interests.

Helpful Hints for Creating Your Own International Program

1. Creating an international program at the School of Social Work takes a great deal of initiative and perseverance.
2. You should begin planning for an international placement at least one year in advance.
3. If you wish to graduate in two years, you will have a heavy course load during the time you are planning for your placement.
4. Start by getting a general understanding of the campus and community resources.
5. Early on you need to decide where your interests lie:
   • a field placement abroad
   • a domestic issue which involves an international perspective, such as immigration issues or adoption.
   • a particular part of the world.
   • a comparative study in a substantive specific area such as mental health or child welfare services.
6. Once you know how you want to focus your program, investigate the resources available through the School of Social Work and the larger University campus.
   • Talk to students involved in SWSIO, students from other coutries, the Director of Field Education, and the Chair of the International Committee.
   • Check the campus directory for listings of events that might be relevant.
7. The School of Social Work curriculum leaves little room for electives. You may consider taking summer classes or auditing courses during the regular semester.
8. Volunteer opportunities in Madison, working with people from cultures other than your own, will provide you with an international perspective.

International Social Work Field Units

• Advocacy in Multicultural Settings
• Aging and Mental Health
• School Social Work
• Mental Health
• Social Work Practice in Health Care Settings

Field Placements in Madison with International Populations

• Centro Hispano:This organization empowers Hispanics to be full and active participants in the community and to preserve and promote knowledge and pride of Hispanic culture and heritage.
• Dane County Committee for UNICEF: This group of volunteers supports the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) with education and fund-raising for it's humanitarian aid projects in the developing world. The committee serves under the UNICEF office in New York.
• Fair Housing Council of Dane County: The purpose of this agency is to combat housing discrimination.
• Jewish Social Services:This agency assists individuals and families through information, referral, counseling, advocacy and education to achieve quality in their lives.
• Kennedy Heights Association/Community Center: This association provides community support for moderate to low income persons and works to empower residents to enhance their quality of life.
• United Refugee Services of Wisconsin: The agency assists refugees with resettlement issues and provides services with the goal of self-sufficiency.
• Sister City Projects: Sister City Projects links cities throughout the world with Madison. These projects are operated out of the Mayor's office. Madison has Sister City Projects in El Salvador, Germany, Lithuania, Nicaragua, and Norway.

Creating an International Field Placement

1. Have a good idea of where you want to go.
2. Contact members of SWSIO to see if any of these students have been to that country.
3. Get in touch with the chairperson of the faculty's International Committee.
4. Speak with professionals in the community with international contacts (this can be obtained from the chairperson).
5. Speak with the Director of Field Education for information on theapproval process.
6. Find a University in the area in which you wish to study and/or a qualified social worker who can serve as a supervisor while you are in that country.
7. Identify a School of Social Work faculty member who will be the person responsible for monitoring and evaluating your performance.
8. Make certain that you, and your faculty mentor, the Director of Fiels Education, and your in-country supervisor, develop and approve an individualized learning plan.
9. Investigate the several funding and fellowship opportunuties through the Office of International Studies and Programs.

After Your Field Placement is Arranged

1. Complete the necessary paperwork such as visas and any letters needed for permission to enter the country. Verify these documents with the embassy of the country and through your supervisor.
2. Contact the State Department's Hotline to check on current political situations prior to finalizing your plans.
3. Obtain proper vaccinations and tend to other medical matters.
4. Arrange for health insurance.
5. Read about the country you will be going to. Find out about proper dress code and etiquette; about diet.
6. Be knowledgeable about the social work problem area you will be working in.
7. If necessary, take a language course. UW offers intensive language courses during the summer session.
8. Arrange for housing and prepare a budget for daily living expenses.
9. Attende international studies orientation programs on campus.
10. Be prepared for culture shoch when you arrive, while you are there, and when you return home.
11. Be prepared for unexpected delays and problems with your plans.
12. Be flexible!