Social Work Abroad
This page is being updated to reflect accurate program suggestions.
If you would like program suggestions, please make an appointment with a study abroad adviser or drop in for walk-in advising.
Come back to this page at a later date to see updated content.
Search courses in your major in the Course Approval Database to see other Pre-Approved Courses. If a course is not Pre-Approved, you can get it approved by following the Course Approval Process.
PROGRAM SUGGESTIONS
This page offers suggestions of programs that may be a good fit for social work majors. Social work students interested in studying abroad should aim to do so in their sophomore year (summer or semester), and should aim to complete general education credits (Issues and Foundations) or minor requirements. Students already accepted into the social work program are eligible to apply for the GVSU faculty-led program. Social work majors are not limited to these programs or locations, the Padnos International Center is happy to help students find study abroad programs that meet their specific requirements or desired location.
FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS
|
Location |
Program |
Notes |
Available Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ireland |
Summer 2027 Faculty-Led programs will be announced in September 2026 |
UNDERGRADUATE: SW 354: International Service (3 credits) OR Social Work Elective (3 credits) Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement. Fulfills (1) General Education Issues course requirement. Reflection required Honors students: Can fulfill HNR 300, HNR 401, or HNR 499 requirements.
GRADUATE: SW 630: Social Work Global Service Learning (3 credits) OR Social Work Advanced Policy (3 credits) |
SEMESTER AND ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
|
Location |
Program |
Program Type |
Notes |
Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Australia |
For more information or to apply, check out the Sunshine Coast program brochure |
Exchange |
University Sunshine Coast (UniSC) |
Pre-approved courses |
|
Chile |
For more information or to apply, check out the UBB program brochure |
Exchange |
Chile:Universidad del Bio Bio (UBB) - Chillan - Dual Degree - Non-Traditional AY This program may be a good fit for social work students who are spanish minors or are looking to fufill spanish credits. |
Pre-approved courses |
|
Czech Republic |
For more information or to apply, check out the WorldStrides Prague program brochure |
Provider |
ISA Prague, Czech Republic: Charles University: History, Culture & Politics Charles University |
Pre-approved courses |
|
Greece |
For more information or to apply, check out the WorldStrides Greece program brochure |
Provider |
ISA Athens, Greece: The American College of Greece: Arts, Business, Liberal Arts & Sciences + Honors Courses - Semester/Academic Year |
Pre-approved courses |
|
London |
For more information or to apply, check out the Kingston University program brochure |
Exchange |
Kingston University |
Pre-approved courses |
|
South Korea |
For more information or to apply, check out the GVSU in South Korea program brochure |
Provider |
Korea University (KU) This is a GVSU Signature program, featuring additional support and discounts for GVSU students. This program is also available to students during thier Freshman year. |
Pre-approved courses |
|
Thailand |
For more information or to apply, check out the WorldStrides Thailand program brochure |
Provider |
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) |
Pre-approved courses |
|
Spain |
For more information or to apply, check out the GVSU in Spain program brochure |
This is a GVSU signature program featuring additional support and discounts for GVSU students. This program is also available to students during thier Freshman year. |
Pre-approved Courses |
SUMMER PROGRAMS
|
Location |
Program |
Program Type |
Notes |
Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Greece |
For more information or to apply, check out the WorldStrides Greece program brochure |
Provider |
ISA Athens, Greece: The American College of Greece: Business & Liberal Arts + Honors Courses |
Pre-approved courses |
|
London |
For more information or to apply, check out the Kingston University program brochure |
Exchange |
Kingston University |
Pre-approved courses |
|
South Korea |
For more information or to apply, check out the GVSU in South Korea program brochure |
Provider |
Korea University (KU) |
Pre-approved courses |
|
Thailand |
For more information or to apply, check out the WorldStrides program brochure |
Provider |
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) |
Pre-approved courses |
ACADEMIC ADVICE
- Social work students should aim to study abroad before thier Junior year.
- Students may NOT take the Social Work core courses abroad - SW 316, SW 317, SW 318, SW 319, SW 340, SW 341, and SW 348 must be completed at GVSU.
- Students should be working with their CECI advisor to plan and make appropriate course selections for study abroad.
- As juniors and seniors, students may wish to consider taking SW 354 abroad on Faculty-led program in Ghana. CECI encourages them to begin looking at these programs as early as possible for planning purposes.
- Students interested in completing their Field Practicum abroad must discuss this possibility well in advance with Dr. Robin Smith-Colton [email protected] and their field coordinator. While rare, it may be possible.
- Students interested in earning Social Work elective credits abroad can have their study abroad program reviewed for potential SW 100, SW 380, and/or SW 499 credit. Prior planning is strongly encouraged so CECI advisers can figure out where these best fit into overall student degree goals.
IMPORTANT: You can also complete your General Education and Issues requirements abroad.
EXPLORE OTHER PROGRAM OPTIONS
There are other program options available. Schedule a study abroad advising appointment to learn more or browse our other program options:
Search courses in your major in the Course Approval Database to see other Pre-Approved Courses. If a course is not Pre-Approved, you can get it approved by following the Course Approval Process.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The McFadden International Child Welfare Scholarship
Explore more scholarship opportunities through our scholarship page.
