What is International Social Work and why is it important?

At the onset of the new millennium, The UW School of Social Work realizes the importance of fostering practice in an international context. The realities of an ever-increasing globalized world and inequities between the rich and poor across the globe demand that Social Workers be at the forefront of international practice. Cultural, economic, social welfare, environmental, and security interdependence between all countries makes it essential for social workers to consider the global implications of practice, advocacy, and exchange of knowledge. It is critical for social workers to understand that globalization is not only a matter of economics and trade, but a social welfare, human rights, and social justice issue as well.

In its historic agreement on the definition of International Social Work, the International Association of Schools of Social Work responds to the needs of education and practice in an increasingly globalized world.

Definition of International Social Work

"The social work profession promotes change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilizing theories of human behavior and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work."