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The Faculty of Social Work's International Social Work Diploma program (ISWD) provides you with an opportunity to advance your knowledge and theory of social work practice in countries with social, economic and political contexts that are significantly different than Canada, while encouraging the sharing of ideas among social work students, schools and practitioners around the world. The ISWD fosters your understanding of global interdependence, the universality of social problems, and the need to develop responses grounded in the local community.
The ISWD includes course requirements as well as an advanced placement in an international setting. The placement component of ISWD is not available as a foundational placement.
Master of Social Work (MSW) students can apply to the ISWD when they have successfully completed their first foundational placement. Successful completion of all first-year courses and ISWD courses are requirements of the diploma.
Student participation in ISWD varies. On average, six to eight students participate in the program each year.
The ISWD combines courses with an international advanced placement. Students interested in the diploma apply during the first term of their MSW program. The international placement is in lieu of a student's second advanced placement, and takes place between mid-August and mid-December.
These courses are a part of the core and elective courses of the MSW program for students who intend to complete the program and participate in an international placement. Students who do not wish to participate in the ISWD or an international placement may enrol in SK596 (Research in International Social Work) and SK592 (Transnational Social Work practice), which are open to all students. The remaining courses are only open to students approved for participation in the ISWD.
Students participating in ISWD are exempt from a few courses listed in the appropriate course sequence.
ISWD students are exempt from courses that are tailored to the learning needs of students completing a local advanced placement. In lieu of these exemptions, ISWD students complete the courses outlined above. For example, all students completing a local advanced placement in micro social work practice are required to enrol in SK621 (Reflexive Practices). A student participating in ISWD is exempted from SK621 and is instead required to enrol in SK622 (Personal and Professional Identity: Reflexivity and Growth in International Context).
The Faculty of Social Work collaborates with international non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations and academic institutions that meet the requirements for providing a MSW level placement opportunity. Placement availability varies from year to year, and depends on various factors, including the political context of the country and staffing changes. MSW students apply for field placement opportunities with international agencies that the Faculty of Social Work has an established relationship with. Detailed information about available placements are shared with students every fall term during the orientation sessions.
Students interested in participating in the ISWD must complete a two-step application process that includes a written application and an interview. Applicants must submit the completed International Social Work Program Application no later than the due date. Students are then invited for an interview with a committee consisting of field staff and faculty. Interviews are required for all applicants. Students will be selected for ISWD on the basis of various factors including the following criteria:
Students pay tuition fees at Laurier and are responsible for all expenses incurred towards the international placement, including travel, accommodation and health insurance. In the past, students have offset their expenses through scholarships and organizing various fundraisers. There may also be opportunities to apply for external grants.
Some funding to help support student travel may be available, but this funding fluctuates year to year and is not guaranteed. Students should plan to finance their international placements from their own funds. Any Laurier scholarships available are posted online.
Many countries require internship students to obtain a Visa. It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that they have obtained the necessary documents and permissions necessary for travelling to, and completing their placement. In most cases, students will apply to renew their visa while on an international placement. Students are advised to prepare for costs and deadlines associated with renewing a visa.
Student fees include supplementary health insurance. Students should obtain detailed information about this coverage and determine its suitability for their individual circumstances. Health requirements for each placement country may also require vaccinations and advance preparation. It is the student’s responsibility to visit their doctor and or a travel clinic well in advance of their anticipated departure.
Prior to departure, students are highly encouraged to purchase insurance that provides mental health support such as Guard Me International Insurance (guard.me).
Students are encouraged to register online with the Registry of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) managed by Foreign Affairs Canada. When students arrive at the placement destination they should contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate and request the activation of the student’s ROCA registration. This can be done by telephone, email or in person.
While away, there may be university registration and/or OSAP requirements as well as financial issues that might be expedited through the identification and naming of someone who can act on the student’s behalf. Giving a power of attorney to a family member or friend can be done through a legal document that can be notarized for a small sum.
Contact Us:
MSW Field Education Office
E:
mswfield@wlu.ca
T:
519.884.0710 x5269
Office Location: 120 Duke St. W., Kitchener, ON