Global Service Learning

CSUF STRATEGIC PLAN, GOAL 1, STRATEGY:

“Enhance global competencies through increased access to and participation in immersive learning experiences, including those focused on internationalization and home and study abroad”

The social work profession is unique in that we have an ethical and 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” (CSWE, 2015).

Our program introduces 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.

In response to the students’ growing interest in global social work, the Social Work Department developed a 2-week international service-learning program, MSW 575 – International Social Work:

MSW 575 - Course Overview:

Offered during summer session
Includes three-weeks of classroom instruction to prepare students with concepts and theories related to international social work and two-weeks of service-learning activities aboard
Service-Learning Abroad:
- A two-week immersion in a selected country, where students apply classroom concepts to social work within the context of the country's society and culture.

**Summer 2025 Service-Learning Abroad Destinations:**
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	San Juan, Puerto Rico

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

Our Global Reach and Program Overview

We collaborate with a variety of CSUF partner universities and programs to enhance global social work education. Our partnerships include Universidad Tecnológica de Chile (INACAP), Pyeongtaek University, and Bienestar, providing students with opportunities for meaningful service-learning and cross-cultural experiences. These collaborations strengthen our commitment to preparing social workers for diverse, global communities.

Past Trip Overviews

Chile Program:

Established in 2014 in collaboration with Universidad Tecnológica de Chile (INACAP), a CSUF partner university.
Designed for bilingual Spanish-speaking MSW students.
A required component of the 3-unit elective course, MSW 575: International Social Work.
Program Highlights
- Service-Learning in Chile:
  - CSUF MSW students completed 40 hours of service-learning during a two-week immersion in Santiago.
  - Students worked closely with:
    - INACAP faculty and social work student
    - Local social service agencies in Santiago.
- Language and Culture:
  - All participants are fluent in Spanish, making interactions with local residents and service recipients highly meaningful and impactful
  - Classroom instruction includes:
    - Chilean history and culture
    - The Chilean social welfare system
    - Advanced Chilean Spanish, which differs from U.S. Spanish dialects.

Integration with MSW 575:

The service-learning experience is closely tied to the MSW 575 course through:
- Structured reflection papers
- Daily group discussions

CSWE Award Plaque

The CSWE Commission on Global Social Work Education is pleased to announce the recipients of the 16th annual Partners in International Education (PIE) Award program that honors 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. The PIE Awards are given in recognition of conceptual, curricular, and programmatic innovations in education for international social work.

The 2020 Organization award is presented to California State University, Fullerton Department of Social Work/ Universidad Tecnológica de Chile (INACAP) CSUF/INACAP Service-Learning Program.