There are two options at the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work for students interested in International Social Work.
1. Global Practice: For those who hope to practice in a global context, we offer a Global Practice field of practice concentration. GSSW students entering their final full-time year will choose a concentration that combines field work, advanced policy, and advanced practice courses. Because of the rigorous nature of this concentration, students must go through a separate application process during their first year of study in order to participate in the Global Practice concentration.
The Global Practice concentration exposes students to the skills necessary to becoming effective international social workers. Students learn how to collaborate with local partners around issues of humanitarian aid, social development, and capacity building. Final year field placements are with international organizations around the globe.
2. International Trips & Exchanges: For students interested in adding an International Social Work experience to their graduate studies, students in all concentration are able to participate in international trips or exchanges focused on social work issues.
The GSSW has always been committed to the international dimensions of social problems and social justice. Human needs, rights, issues, and solutions are intertwined with culture. We respect diversity knowing we have much to learn from each other. Service systems may not be interchangeable, but knowledge, insights, and skills can be adapted, as our graduates working in countries throughout the world demonstrate.
University Exchange:
BC and Universidad Alberto Hurtado (UAH), Santiago, Chile
A limited number of BCGSSW students in the Global Practice concentration may enroll at UAH for their final semester, taking a short Spanish course early in the semester, participating in a field practicum, and taking academic courses. UAH students can acquire an MSW degree from BC through our advanced standing program.
Academic courses with international field visits:
The availability of faculty, international environment, and hosting organizations determine current offerings. Courses with international field visits are only open to GSSW students.
Comparative Social Policy Analysis
Field experience is basic to an appreciation of the host country and the process of comparative policy analysis. This field research includes interviews, cultural activities, and community functions. Students have visited Cuba, Greece, and China; this year’s site is contingent on federal travel policies.
GSSW in Africa: Tanzania
Students spend three weeks working with the International Rescue Committee exploring issues affecting refugees from the Great Lakes region, East Africa. Students learn about child protection, repatriation, and child/ maternal health clinics.
GSSW in Asia: India, Thailand, & Nepal
This three-week experience includes study and community service in one or two Asian countries (varies from Thailand, India, & Nepal). Students examine social problems and the cultural context of social work practice in developing countries.
GSSW in Europe: Northern Ireland
Students spend two weeks of coursework and agency visits in Belfast at Queens University studying the extensive human care system and its response to the social problems in the region.
GSSW in Europe: Romania
This three-week field experience combines community service with Habitat for Humanity and Fundatia Inocenti, a Romanian child welfare agency, with the study of social, political, and economic issues in a transitioning country.
