International Practicum Training Module
for Social Work Students and Field Educators in Canada
Welcome to the International Practicum Training Module created by the Transforming the Field Education Landscape (TFEL) Project. This module is designed for both students who have an interest in completing their social work practicum internationally and the field educators who are involved in facilitating such practicum. The information contained in this module will benefit students, field instructors, field education coordinators, and social work field education programs involved in the international practicum process. The training module is divided into three parts. Part one of the module presents an overview of international social work, with attention given to the contemporary context of globalization, critical social work practice, and social work values and principles in international contexts, including the benefits, challenges, and ethical dilemmas associated with international practicum. Part two of this training module addresses international field placement preparation, and part three focuses on supervision, the use of technology, and the importance of debriefing after an international practicum. While much of this module is relevant to both students and field instructors, some additional information specific to either students or instructors will be provided; this information will be highlighted under separate headings labelled for the intended audience. The combination of this information may also provide a reasonable guideline for expectations between students and field instructors.
Learning Outcomes for Students
- To develop critical knowledge, values, and principles of international social work.
- To demonstrate the benefits, challenges, and ethical dilemmas of international practicum.
- To guide the planning and preparation for the international practicum.
- To help students understand current international practicum and field supervision models.
- To provide an overview of the post-departure and return orientation process after an international placement.
Learning Outcomes for Field Educators
- To support students before, during, and after international field placements.
- To identify the benefits, challenges and ethical dilemmas associated with international social work field education and practice experiences.
- To be aware of the current models and the theories that guide international social work and international field placements.
- To create respectful, open, and safe learning environments for students and field educators.