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Careers in Social Work
International Social Work
International Federation of Social
Workers
Social workers can work internationally, abroad or in one’s country
of origin. Look for entities that have international concerns. For
example, there are international opportunities in:
- United Nations and other international and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), including social service agencies, foundations, and
educational institutions
- Government and governmental agencies
- Corporations
- Banks
- the Media
Strong social work experience/education grounded in an understanding
of human behavior in the social environment are first steps in launching a
career in international social work. You must develop an area of
expertise and also acquire knowledge and understanding of:
- World history
- World geography
- Economics
- Politics
- Culture
- Language (your own and at least one other)
- Literature
- The arts
- Social behavior/customs
- Social welfare policy
- Program development and evaluation
It is important to have lived and/or worked abroad even if you seek
an international job in your country of origin. You can gain
international experience abroad through:
- Internship
- Volunteerism
- Travel
- Language or other study
Living and working abroad is exciting and challenging. To succeed
in international work abroad you must:
- Be flexible, adaptable to change and difference
- Love to travel, despite discomfort
- Enjoy meeting people, making strong ties even though they may be
short-term
- Like being alone, for at times you will be or simply will feel so
In seeking international work, employ traditional job-search
techniques. Expect to fill out complicated application forms. Be sure to
check with the embassy of any country where you intend to work to find out
about legal and medical requirements/restrictions for doing so. Once you
are on-the-job:
- Scope out the formal and informal ways of getting things done
- Find a mentor
- Create learning opportunities for yourself (join local organizations)
- Document your experiences
prepared by the Core Group of the Career Development Directors in Social
Work Education, 7/99 |
