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Mentor Advice

Question

Do you have any advice for students of diverse backgrounds who want to study abroad and engage in humanitarian or intl social work?

1 Replies from Mentors

  • mentor picture Kenya Casey
     
    Kenya Casey
    Study Abroad Advisor
    Emory University
    When exploring study abroad options, look for programs that allow you to engage in...
    When exploring study abroad options, look for programs that allow you to engage in experiential learning and/or research. Think about how your study abroad experience will complement your major and better prepare you for graduate school or the work force. International social work is a field of practice that can be very broad. Through my MSW program, I gained many of the skills that prepared me for working abroad such as qualitative research, crisis management, outreach and community development, and problem solving. Even though my professional training was in social work, I worked on public health projects while living in Jamaica; therefore, I was not confined to doing "social work." With a degree in social work, some of your career options include community development/outreach work and/or research. Many graduate school programs are looking for candidates who have experience working with diverse populations as a result of working or living abroad. Often they look highly upon those who have worked internationally and have gained transferable skills because of their international experiences. If you don't know where to begin looking for experiential learning based programs, speak with faculty in your department and visit the study abroad office. Ask your study abroad advisor if he/she knows of any international service learning and/or research based programs.