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Global Service Learning

The Social Work Department offers a 2-week international service-learning program, MSW 575 – International Social Work, to enhance students’ global competencies working with diverse people from across the world.

Photo Collage of different pictures from past study aboard trips

Background

The social work profession stands apart in its explicit ethical and educational commitment to global justice. As outlined by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE, 2015), the social work profession is unique in that curricular mandate to “understand the global interconnections of oppression and human rights violations,” as well as being “knowledgeable about theories of human need and social justice and strategies to promote social and economic justice and human rights.” 

CSUF also emphasizes advancing global competence through immersive learning experiences, as noted in the University’s Strategic Plan, Goal 1: “Enhance global competencies through increased access to and participation in immersive learning experiences, including those focused on internationalization and home and study abroad”. 

Our MSW program responds to this mandate by weaving global perspectives throughout the classroom experience. We introduce students to related concepts and theories in the classroom by infusing global content throughout the curriculum, but the only way we can effectively address the global mandate experientially is through a global service-learning experience. This is particularly vital for students who plan on practicing either international social work or with an international population, such as refugees and immigrants. 

MSW 575 - Course Overview:

  • The course is offered during the summer session, including classroom learning with hands-on international experience.
    • Three-weeks of classroom instruction to prepare students with concepts and theories related to international social work and
    • Two-weeks of immersive service-learning activities aboard that students apply classroom learning to social work practice within the context of the country's society and culture. 
  • How to Apply 
    • Students MUST register for MSW 575.

Applications for the summer 2025 MSW 575 programs are currently closed.

Summer 2025 Destinations:

Landscape of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Landscape of Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

Previous Destinations

Since 2015, the CSUF MSW program has proudly offered students the opportunity to engage in global learning experienes through travel to other countries, such as South Korea, Chile, Germany, and more. This international service-learning course was honored by the CSWE Commission on Global Social Work Education with the 16th annual Partners in International Education (PIE) Award, which recognizes the contribution of social work faculty members, social work students (BSW, MSW, or PhD), and organizations as partners in advancing education for international social work. We invite you to explore reflections and highlights from our students’ past international social work experiences!

See Past Trips