intl_sw_final.pptx | |
File Size: | 703 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
International Social Work-Seeking Justice Abroad
Self-Assessment:
I am interested in a career in international social work because of the growing interdependency of the international community in terms of economic trade, political and social justice, and the need for comprehensive and mutually beneficial international collaboration. I think a career in international social has great promise in terms of career advancement potential and the likelihood of working in areas of great need. For example, on an international level, social workers have the opportunity to seek solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems like the reality of abject poverty, ethnic strife and genocide, and human trafficking.
I am interested in working on a global/international level to affect change. I think working on a macro level is critical as many of the social and economic conditions that cause social and economic ills require engagement of a macro and systems level. I think I would enjoy working within large social and governmental structures to bring about the change needed to address some of the world’s most challenging issues like genocide, poverty, and human trafficking. I think working in an international context would give me the opportunity to learn about different cultures and give me a breadth of experience as it relates to other ways of life. Many of the guest speakers we have had have all shared how international work has broadened their perspectives and given them additional insight into social work from an international context.
My interest in international social work includes working within my home country including social work positions within US-based governmental and non-governmental institutions as well as short-term international-based work and intervention. When assessing my ability to travel abroad, I have to take my family into consideration. I am not interested in a living abroad for extended periods of time unless my family can be come as well. I think having short-term international social work practice would be a fair balance between my family commitments and my desire to work within other nations and cultures. I think working within a US-based IGO or NGO would be a good international social work alternative to being stationed or living abroad on a long-term basis.
I do think I have some international cultural experiences that would give me a greater perspective when it comes to international social work. When I was growing up my parents accepted a foreign-exchange student from Peru into our home. This gave our family the opportunity to interact with a person from a culture different than our own as well as exposed my family to cultural customs much different than our own. Moreover, my mother later accepted two summer foreign-exchange students from Spain. This again, afforded me and my family the opportunity to live with two students from a culture different than our own. Another invaluable international experience was a faith-based construction/mission trip to Iquitos, Peru. The village we traveled too had no roads. We have to travel up tributaries of the Amazon River and hike into jungle-surrounded communities. Having the opportunity to participate in mission trip to a developing country was really a shifting point for me. It put many of the modern conveniences I enjoy into perspective and really helped me see how many modern accoutrements Americans and other westerners enjoy.
I would bring my existing social work skills and abilities to my international social work practice including my experience with psycho-social assessment skills, family and child engagement abilities, as well as critical thinking skills related to policy and program guidelines. I have various experiences working with multiple special populations including those in poverty, families within the child welfare systems, juvenile delinquency, runaway/homeless youth and families, as well chronic substance abuse and mental illness. I do think I would have some international social work areas of growth including the need to learn language skills. I took Spanish in high school, but I currently have no proficiency at a language other than English.
When considering an international social work practice area, I desire to work in areas that most interest me. Three of these international practice areas include macro-level economic development, international trafficking of persons, and genocide. I would be interested in gaining experience from both a micro and macro practice, but I think my practice interests are stronger on the macro level including administrative, research, and administrative work related to economic development, genocide and human trafficking.
As noted above, my main concern related to international work is its impact on my family. I am not willing to be away from my family for long periods of time. Moreover, I would only consider a long-term international position if my family could relocate with me. Currently, I would rather seek out international-focused social work within US-based entities including government, non-government, and research/advocacy non-profits. It is hard for me to think of my dream job as I have many interests and would be open to many opportunities that allow me to work on an international level. I think work within the social issues that concern me including economic development, genocide, and human trafficking could be considered dream jobs. Working for social change in those areas are more important to me that job pay, benefits, conditions, etc. Although, earning an honest and reasonable income would be expected.
Background Research:
I think reading a weekly news magazine is a good suggestion for becoming more internationally aware and for civil service preparation. A magazine that I began reading many years ago comes to mind, The Week Magazine published by the New York Times is a weekly news magazine that covers mainly national news, but also includes international news as well. While investigating international news and current affairs, I found a publication I would be interested in reading called Foreign Affairs magazine published by the Council of Foreign Relations a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to improving the understanding of US foreign policy and international affairs.
I think that research is a critical part of any social or public policy. Without solid facts and basic understanding of historical trends, social dynamics, and other impact factors related to national and international events, change agents are seriously limited in implementing effective and evidence-based practices and interventions. As discussed in our handout, several critical places to research and gain greater international understanding and background include 1. Libraries 2. Embassies and consulates 3. International/foreign national faculty, students, alumni, friends of friends 4. International-focused organizations.
Some resources for doing background research on economic development include:
International Economic Development Council
Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED)
Economic Development Quarterly
Economic Development Directory
American Economic Development Institute (AEDI)
Some resources for doing background research on human trafficking include:
Humantrafficking.org by Academy for Educational Development (AED)
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Human Trafficking
Federal Bureau of Investigation – Human Trafficking
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Human Trafficking & Migrant Smuggling
United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT)
The Project to End Human Trafficking (PEHT)
Polaris Project – For a World Without Slavery
Free the Slaves
Some resources for doing background research on genocide include:
International Network of Genocide Scholars
Journal of Genocide Research
Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Genocide Prevention Now
The International Alliance to End Genocide – Genocide Watch
United to End Genocide
Gendercide Watch
The Crimes of War Education Project
Albert Einstein Institution
Bridging Gaps:
Language development is more than likely to be a critical component of international work preparation. Having language development prior to international placement and work will make overseas transition less problematic by removing the language barrier. Immersing oneself into the target culture is critical to being culturally competent and equipped to handle the potential for culture shock. I’ve heard that Rosetta Stone is one of the most widely recognized language learning system on the market today. In preparation for foreign travel, I would utilize the Rosetta Stone software to aid in my language learning.
Experience abroad can be gained by seeking our short-term international work including international relief efforts, short-term study abroad or summer semesters, as well as internship opportunity with organizations that coincide with my areas of interest. Volunteering is another opportunity to gain experience with a culture or people group of interest and gain valuable experience leading to more effective international social work practice.
Skill development can be gained by enrolling in specialized training and/or certificate programs. Many universities, research organizations, and specialized institutes offer certificate training programs for people interested in gaining additional skills and education targeted for the one’s particular interests. There are several training/certificate programs of interest to me right here at Wayne State University including the Economic Development Certificate within the Department of Urban Studies & Planning as well as the Dispute Resolution Graduate Certificate through the Department of Communication. I think both of these certificates would give me additional skills related to my international social work interests. There are many other forms of training and specialized educational opportunities available to me and I look forward to learning about other areas to enhance my knowledge based and expertise.
Finding a Position:
Following my self-assessment, background research, and bridge gapping, I will be well equipped for competing for a long-term international social work related position. There are endless employment opportunities for those interested in international social work. As our handout indicates, there are numerous positions within International Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs), International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), United States Government agencies, U.S.-Based Non-Governmental Agencies, Country- Based Services Agencies, University-Based Programs, Foundation Programs, Religious Organizations, and Social Work in Corporate Settings.
A key to my interest in doing international social work is finding and researching organizations that are already doing work that interests me. I think networking and building relationships with others that area already doing the work I wish to do is a great way to get my foot in the door. Once I have found people doing work I wish to do and I find out how they have gained the necessary skills to perform their current positions and give me insight on how I can build my skills as well.
Several employment search links that I have found to be helpful include:
International Career Employment Weekly
Interaction
UN Careers
Peace Operations Training Institute
NGO jobs online
International Development Jobs
Faith-based NGO jobs
In conclusion, some of the biggest challenges facing our global community take place across international borders. As a social worker, I want to take my place in the global community as a problem solver and employ social work principles internationally to confront the world’s biggest problems. Utilizing an international social work perspective is critical to approaching the problems of our day with evidence-based practices and in a culturally competent fashion.
Thank you. ~dgb
I am interested in a career in international social work because of the growing interdependency of the international community in terms of economic trade, political and social justice, and the need for comprehensive and mutually beneficial international collaboration. I think a career in international social has great promise in terms of career advancement potential and the likelihood of working in areas of great need. For example, on an international level, social workers have the opportunity to seek solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems like the reality of abject poverty, ethnic strife and genocide, and human trafficking.
I am interested in working on a global/international level to affect change. I think working on a macro level is critical as many of the social and economic conditions that cause social and economic ills require engagement of a macro and systems level. I think I would enjoy working within large social and governmental structures to bring about the change needed to address some of the world’s most challenging issues like genocide, poverty, and human trafficking. I think working in an international context would give me the opportunity to learn about different cultures and give me a breadth of experience as it relates to other ways of life. Many of the guest speakers we have had have all shared how international work has broadened their perspectives and given them additional insight into social work from an international context.
My interest in international social work includes working within my home country including social work positions within US-based governmental and non-governmental institutions as well as short-term international-based work and intervention. When assessing my ability to travel abroad, I have to take my family into consideration. I am not interested in a living abroad for extended periods of time unless my family can be come as well. I think having short-term international social work practice would be a fair balance between my family commitments and my desire to work within other nations and cultures. I think working within a US-based IGO or NGO would be a good international social work alternative to being stationed or living abroad on a long-term basis.
I do think I have some international cultural experiences that would give me a greater perspective when it comes to international social work. When I was growing up my parents accepted a foreign-exchange student from Peru into our home. This gave our family the opportunity to interact with a person from a culture different than our own as well as exposed my family to cultural customs much different than our own. Moreover, my mother later accepted two summer foreign-exchange students from Spain. This again, afforded me and my family the opportunity to live with two students from a culture different than our own. Another invaluable international experience was a faith-based construction/mission trip to Iquitos, Peru. The village we traveled too had no roads. We have to travel up tributaries of the Amazon River and hike into jungle-surrounded communities. Having the opportunity to participate in mission trip to a developing country was really a shifting point for me. It put many of the modern conveniences I enjoy into perspective and really helped me see how many modern accoutrements Americans and other westerners enjoy.
I would bring my existing social work skills and abilities to my international social work practice including my experience with psycho-social assessment skills, family and child engagement abilities, as well as critical thinking skills related to policy and program guidelines. I have various experiences working with multiple special populations including those in poverty, families within the child welfare systems, juvenile delinquency, runaway/homeless youth and families, as well chronic substance abuse and mental illness. I do think I would have some international social work areas of growth including the need to learn language skills. I took Spanish in high school, but I currently have no proficiency at a language other than English.
When considering an international social work practice area, I desire to work in areas that most interest me. Three of these international practice areas include macro-level economic development, international trafficking of persons, and genocide. I would be interested in gaining experience from both a micro and macro practice, but I think my practice interests are stronger on the macro level including administrative, research, and administrative work related to economic development, genocide and human trafficking.
As noted above, my main concern related to international work is its impact on my family. I am not willing to be away from my family for long periods of time. Moreover, I would only consider a long-term international position if my family could relocate with me. Currently, I would rather seek out international-focused social work within US-based entities including government, non-government, and research/advocacy non-profits. It is hard for me to think of my dream job as I have many interests and would be open to many opportunities that allow me to work on an international level. I think work within the social issues that concern me including economic development, genocide, and human trafficking could be considered dream jobs. Working for social change in those areas are more important to me that job pay, benefits, conditions, etc. Although, earning an honest and reasonable income would be expected.
Background Research:
I think reading a weekly news magazine is a good suggestion for becoming more internationally aware and for civil service preparation. A magazine that I began reading many years ago comes to mind, The Week Magazine published by the New York Times is a weekly news magazine that covers mainly national news, but also includes international news as well. While investigating international news and current affairs, I found a publication I would be interested in reading called Foreign Affairs magazine published by the Council of Foreign Relations a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to improving the understanding of US foreign policy and international affairs.
I think that research is a critical part of any social or public policy. Without solid facts and basic understanding of historical trends, social dynamics, and other impact factors related to national and international events, change agents are seriously limited in implementing effective and evidence-based practices and interventions. As discussed in our handout, several critical places to research and gain greater international understanding and background include 1. Libraries 2. Embassies and consulates 3. International/foreign national faculty, students, alumni, friends of friends 4. International-focused organizations.
Some resources for doing background research on economic development include:
International Economic Development Council
Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED)
Economic Development Quarterly
Economic Development Directory
American Economic Development Institute (AEDI)
Some resources for doing background research on human trafficking include:
Humantrafficking.org by Academy for Educational Development (AED)
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Human Trafficking
Federal Bureau of Investigation – Human Trafficking
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Human Trafficking & Migrant Smuggling
United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT)
The Project to End Human Trafficking (PEHT)
Polaris Project – For a World Without Slavery
Free the Slaves
Some resources for doing background research on genocide include:
International Network of Genocide Scholars
Journal of Genocide Research
Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Genocide Prevention Now
The International Alliance to End Genocide – Genocide Watch
United to End Genocide
Gendercide Watch
The Crimes of War Education Project
Albert Einstein Institution
Bridging Gaps:
Language development is more than likely to be a critical component of international work preparation. Having language development prior to international placement and work will make overseas transition less problematic by removing the language barrier. Immersing oneself into the target culture is critical to being culturally competent and equipped to handle the potential for culture shock. I’ve heard that Rosetta Stone is one of the most widely recognized language learning system on the market today. In preparation for foreign travel, I would utilize the Rosetta Stone software to aid in my language learning.
Experience abroad can be gained by seeking our short-term international work including international relief efforts, short-term study abroad or summer semesters, as well as internship opportunity with organizations that coincide with my areas of interest. Volunteering is another opportunity to gain experience with a culture or people group of interest and gain valuable experience leading to more effective international social work practice.
Skill development can be gained by enrolling in specialized training and/or certificate programs. Many universities, research organizations, and specialized institutes offer certificate training programs for people interested in gaining additional skills and education targeted for the one’s particular interests. There are several training/certificate programs of interest to me right here at Wayne State University including the Economic Development Certificate within the Department of Urban Studies & Planning as well as the Dispute Resolution Graduate Certificate through the Department of Communication. I think both of these certificates would give me additional skills related to my international social work interests. There are many other forms of training and specialized educational opportunities available to me and I look forward to learning about other areas to enhance my knowledge based and expertise.
Finding a Position:
Following my self-assessment, background research, and bridge gapping, I will be well equipped for competing for a long-term international social work related position. There are endless employment opportunities for those interested in international social work. As our handout indicates, there are numerous positions within International Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs), International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), United States Government agencies, U.S.-Based Non-Governmental Agencies, Country- Based Services Agencies, University-Based Programs, Foundation Programs, Religious Organizations, and Social Work in Corporate Settings.
A key to my interest in doing international social work is finding and researching organizations that are already doing work that interests me. I think networking and building relationships with others that area already doing the work I wish to do is a great way to get my foot in the door. Once I have found people doing work I wish to do and I find out how they have gained the necessary skills to perform their current positions and give me insight on how I can build my skills as well.
Several employment search links that I have found to be helpful include:
International Career Employment Weekly
Interaction
UN Careers
Peace Operations Training Institute
NGO jobs online
International Development Jobs
Faith-based NGO jobs
In conclusion, some of the biggest challenges facing our global community take place across international borders. As a social worker, I want to take my place in the global community as a problem solver and employ social work principles internationally to confront the world’s biggest problems. Utilizing an international social work perspective is critical to approaching the problems of our day with evidence-based practices and in a culturally competent fashion.
Thank you. ~dgb
intl_social_work_final.doc | |
File Size: | 50 kb |
File Type: | doc |