Routledge Broadening Horizons: International Exchanges in Social Work (Contemporary Social Work Studies)

Product Description While the remit of social work professionals is, in general, locality-based, social work has a long tradition of concern about international issues. Broadening Horizons provides an engaging and original contribution to the debate on how to tackle social work problems on a global scale. Filling both a theoretical and a practice gap in the literature, the book discusses the experiences of academics, practitioners and students involved in international exchanges in social work. It draws on a major EU-Canadian exchange project as well as separate projects in countries including South Africa, the USA, China and Australia. The contributors highlight the opportunities and barriers that shaped their experience and give guidance on how to deal with both the practicalities and aspirations of living and working across borders. This book will thus be invaluable both to readers interested in the meaning and realities of international social work and to those hoping to embark on an exchange programme themselves. Review ’In this globalized age, departments of social work are seeking to establish international exchanges yet there is little in the literature providing descriptive analyses of how these exchanges actually work out in practice. Broadening Horizons not only takes readers through the details of the process, but uniquely paves the way to non-exploitative relationships so vital to anti-oppressive practice. This informative book thus should be read by program directors and students alike to learn of the link between values and policies internationally...’ Professor Katherine van Wormer, University of Northern Iowa, USA ’...an important publication for social work...’ Community Care ’This book should be essential reading for all those involved in international partnerships and exchanges, as well as those questioning the relevance of introducing international opportunities to social work education. It is refreshing to hear the voices of students and practice teachers, as well as academics, reflecting on the challenges and professional development to be derived from experience outside one’s home country, and beyond familiar university and social work systems.’ Professor Karen Lyons, University of East London, England ’...has value to all programmes considering international exchanges.’ Social Policy About the Author Lena Dominelli is President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work and Director of the Centre for International Social and Community Development, The University of Southampton, UK. Wanda Thomas Bernard is Director of the Maritime School of Social Work, Dalhousie University, Canada.