Most social work study abroad programs are available in Europe, Brazil, Chile, India, and Africa.

Europe. As one of the most socially developed regions in the world, students who study social work abroad in Europe will have the opportunity to study numerous models all over the continent. Many social work study abroad programs travel to multiple countries in Europe, including Spain, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Greece, or Turkey. These are all great locations to focus on subfields of social work such as healthcare, psychology, or child and adolescent development.

Brazil. While this country has seen a lot of improvement over the last few decades, Brazil still struggles with issues of poverty, welfare, and social injustice. Social work students will have the chance to work within a multiethnic environment, including indigenous peoples and those of European or African descent, and see first-hand the impact of economic and ecological factors affecting different populations while studying social work in Brazil. Some more common challenges in Brazil include social policy, sustainability, marginalization, and inequality.

Chile. Like Brazil, this South American country is a fitting place to explore the dynamics of social work in action. Social work study abroad programs in Chile often focus on the rhetoric of human rights, including international law, humanitarian intervention, peace-building, and gender equity. Students who study social work abroad in Chile can also investigate themes of cultural identity and community development.

India. Much of India’s cultural history and social policies are rooted in a caste system, and heavily affected by the environment. This is an ideal location for investigating the relationships among community, healthcare, and globalization. Women, children, and tribal populations tend to be marginalized and vulnerable to the power systems in place. Students will have access to case studies on the economy of health, malnutrition, and grassroots approaches to health care while studying social work abroad in India.

Africa. It’s not surprising that the most common type of social work study abroad programs found in Africa deal with health care concerns: treatment, diagnosis, access, training, and resources. Whether studying social work abroad in South Africa, Madagascar, or Ghana, students will explore these challenges through a service learning approach, in the context of civic and global responsibilities.