The Center for International Social Work

International social work goes beyond the needs of the people in our own country and looks at people around the world that need help. International social work not only looks at the immediate emergencies that happen around the world but the everyday problems that people in other countries have to live with in their everyday lives. International social work works to promote social changes where they are necessary, helps to solve problems in human relationships and to enhance the well being of people's lives. 

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Featured Story

International Social Work
Collaborating with Theater in Tanzania
By Delma S. Jackson, PhD
Fayetteville State University

Turning the Corner
 
Turning the international social work corner for me came during PhD studies in social work. I had been fortunate to work as a social worker in the Caribbean for many years, but I had never taken any coursework pertaining to international studies. I realized that I wanted and needed a more in-depth insight into other worlds. The School of International Affairs was the telescope I needed to further expand my cultural knowledge and sensitivity. The experience was just terrific, and helped me to better understand social welfare from a global perspective.
 
Through the School of International Affairs, I was able to do a summer internship with the Agency for International Development in South Africa and two summer internships to Tanzania with a program sponsored by Brown University. In Tanzania the university does not have a school of social work. However, there is an Institute of social work in Dar es Salaam. In 2005, they were transitioning into a four year bachelor program. Social work as a profession continues to grow, and although, degreed social work programs are abundant in the United States it is not the case in Africa. However, there are some places that offer diploma and certificate programs. Tanzania is among them.
 
My most memorable insights came from Tanzania where I studied social development in the rural areas using Theater for Development as an intervention tool. This research technique is taught in the Fine and Performing Arts Department of the University of Dar es Salaam. I continue to work with colleagues at the university. I am on the board of a village women’s AIDS education group. I continue to work on mental health and other village research projects. Future plans include internships for social work students.

Things I Have Learned

As our world shrinks, social workers will sooner or later face cultural, linguistic, and political challenges in international social work. I have used the following methods to assist me. I have developed relationships with international students who can be allies in bridging cultural differences. I have joined international organizations that focus on improving social welfare. I have paid attention to regional political climates prior to visiting. I have visited foreign social welfare agencies. They are usually glad to speak with foreign colleagues about social concerns in their countries. I read interdisciplinary professional journals and attend professional conferences to further my knowledge and understanding of international issues; examples are, The Association of Third World Studies and the Caribbean Studies Association.

I’ve tried to be open, friendly, and receptive to learning from other cultures, and to sometimes look outside the social work profession for solutions. I think about how others attempt to solve their social problems, what their resources are, what I can share, and what I might learn about intervention methods no matter the discipline. I try to assess what locals expect so they will feel more comfortable with me. If I can, I participate in ceremonies, births, weddings because cultural events offer tremendous insight. They may stimulate research ideas, and offer lasting relationships.

Promoting International Social Work Education

Schools of social work are attempting to include a more global focus in social work education, but many are struggling. This is not an easy task because too often there is a tremendous focus by the media on social welfare problems and practices that are unfamiliar to Western practitioners. Ways must be found to engage student understanding of culturally sensitive issues and how they relate to social welfare worldwide without instilling fear and negativity about non-Western cultural practices and intervention methods. I work to sell myself as a cultural resource to others. As a social worker I am my own best marketing specialist to social workers on similar quests. I’ve learned to trade resources, information, business cards, e-mails, and make myself available to other social work professionals. I’ve learned to take a recorder, keep a journal and never be without a digital camera to capture special moments. I always respect the privacy and sensitivity of others. I try not to be afraid to take a chance. I think of the African proverb:
“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

Tanzania, Summer 2006