International Practicum

UW SSW Students interested in international placements have done practicums in many parts of the world, including India, Thailand, Botswana, the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Vietnam, and Canada. Students work with their assigned Practicum Coordinator to research and identify a placement compatible with their program of study and to develop an approved timeline and plan for MSW supervision.

International practicums must meet all of the usual requirements for practicum, including the development of a Learning Contract with specific educational activities as determined by the School, weekly supervision by an MSW with two year's post graduate experience (or exact equivalent), and quarterly evaluation. Additional practicum requirements include an Affiliation Agreement between the practicum site and the UW School of Social Work, the student's Acknowledgement of Risk form, health insurance that covers a student out-of-country, and any inoculations, physical examinations, medications, and/or visa arrangements determined by the country, agency or program hosting the student.

Students may also pursue an independent study abroad, which does not need to meet practicum requirements but does necessitate the sponsorship of a faculty member for developing a curriculum, evaluating progress, and assigning credit.

The following are resources to assist students in working with faculty, identifying sites, and exploring practical arrangements and funding possibilities:

• Funding Resources
• BASW Students: International Practicum Information
  • International Practicum Information
  • International Practicum Application (Fillable Word Format)
  • BASW Program: International Practicum Proposal PDF FILE OR (Fillable Word Format)
• UW School of Social Work Proposal for International Practicum PDF FILE OR (Fillable Word Format)
• International Placement Checklist: Step-by-step guidelines for developing an international practicum placement
• International Letter of Understanding (sometimes described as the "International Affiliation Agreement") PDF FILE OR Fillable Word Format
• Acknowledgement of Risk and Consent for Treatment
• Portfolio Submission: The Portfolio is produced AFTER your Proposal has been accepted, and BEFORE you leave the United States for your practicum. This must be turned in well in advance to your leaving, and be approved by your Practicum Coordinator as to its completion and your readiness for International Practicum.
  
  Included in the Portfolio should be a copy of your Portfolio Materials List. This Portfolio Materials List is used as a checklist to make sure you have all the items necessary for the Portfolio.  This list must also be signed off on and approved prior to your leaving the United States.
  
  Make a total of 3 copies of your Portfolio, 2 to submit to your Practicum Coordinator, and one for your records, for easy access to forms you will need on your return.
  
  Schedule to meet with your Practicum Coordinator to review your completed Portfolio, go through the Portfolio Materials List checking of the content of your Portfolio as you go, and, if approved, your Practicum Coordinator will sign off on your Portfolio Materials List.
  
  Download the Portfolio Materials List here.
  
  Here are some sample Portfolios from previous years for your review.  You will find additional sample Portfolios in the Social Work library reserves as well:
  • Student Portfolio Sample - England, 2008
  • Student Portfolio Sample - Philippines, 2007
  • Student Portfolio Sample - Vietnam, 2006
• Office of International Programs and Exchange: UW department listing a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate opportunities by country/area, and including information on scholarships and financial aid to cover study abroad
• Global Health Resource Center: Sign up here for "ghrcmail" (a weekly of summary of global health related announcements). GHRC hosts a database of faculty projects (LIFE database), funding opportunities, and program information for potential collaborations, including Puget Sound Partners for Global Health.  Link to GHRC webpage: http://depts.washington.edu/deptgh/ghrc/index.html
• State Department "Students Abroad" Web Site The U.S. State Department has launched Students Abroad, a Web site designed to offer college-age Americans a one-stop reference for international travel. Resources target students, their parents, education abroad professionals, and universities. The site provides Country Specific Information, tips for safe travel, and other important information about traveling and living overseas. Students may download flyers called go! guides as well as a Tips to Go Wallet Card. http://studentsabroad.state.gov/