International Social Work Courses and Internships

Preparation for Global Social Work Practice

A growing number of social workers are choosing to live, learn and work abroad in nongovernmental organizations and service agencies. Whether you aspire to work abroad, study social work abroad or build your cultural competence to work with diverse populations in the U.S., the international social work course, internships, Global Social Work certificate at Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) are a great place to start.

We approach international coursework in long-term partnership with communities, adjusting our course content to address what communities need most. Guided by the principles of human rights and global justice and with an emphasis on community impact, our international immersion course and international internship process will help you understand the impact of global forces on the vulnerable populations we serve, both at home and abroad. You’ll gain critical skills such as problem solving, a deepening of empathy, and understanding of and respect for other cultures. Most important, you’ll build relationships with and provide support to communities that experience significant hardship.

35,000 Over the last 10 years, GSSW students spent over 35,000 hours learning and making a difference abroad.

Social Work and Social Justice in South Africa International Course

Social Work and Social Justice in South Africa exposes students to community-development challenges as well as environmental and social justice issues in a South African context. Students work directly with South African social workers to empower each other, exchange ideas and build coping skills.

This course, offered in partnership with Educo Africa, includes travel to the Black and Coloured townships of Cape Town, South Africa where students will experience a wilderness component with South African social workers to lay a foundation for understanding local and global issues.

“Sometimes we have to leave our familiar surroundings and immerse ourselves in a place far away that is different enough to make our eyes and ears and heart open wide to see, hear and feel what is going on in our own communities back home,” says course instructor and associate professor Karen Bensen. “Learning about social justice issues in post-Apartheid South Africa and connecting deeply with South African social workers helps us learn about ourselves and racism in our own communities.”

Students

Social Work in South Africa
For the past decade, a popular international course has taken MSW students to South Africa to explore social justice and social work.

International Field Internship Opportunities

We recognize the value of diverse, real-world experiences in shaping future social work professionals. MSW students are eligible to propose an international field placement to fulfill their concentration-year internship requirement. Requests for foundation-year internships in another country are considered on a case-by-case basis.

International internships require early preparation and adherence to deadlines. Students interested in international or out-of-state internships are responsible for independently identifying a placement, securing a qualified supervisor, coordinating travel logistics, and ensuring compliance with all DU international study protocols.

For more information and guidance on proposing an international or out-of-state internship, please request information and we will connect you with an admission ambassador.