Chapter 22Chapter 22

International Social Work PracticeInternational Social Work Practice

INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WELFAREWELFARE

• Social Work with Refugees: A Growing International Crisis: (www.unhcr.ch)

• International Social Development: • The Environment and Sustainable Growth: • (www.iaia.org• Women’s Rights: • Health• Employment and training• CULTURAL EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES• “The India Experience”, see

www.csuohio.edu/india_experience).

Professional organizationsProfessional organizations

• The International Federation of Social Workers (www.IFSW.org)

• The International Council on Social Welfare (www.icsw.org)

United Nations’ AgenciesUnited Nations’ Agencies

• United Nations Children’s Fund (www.UNICEF.org)

• World Health Organization (www.WHO.int/en)

• U.N. Fund for Population Activities (www.un.org/popin/)

• U.N. High Commission for Refugees (www.UNHCR.ch/)

U.S. government agenciesU.S. government agencies

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (www.HHS.gov)

• The Agency for International Development (www.usaid.gov)

• The Peace Corps (http://www.peacecorps.com)

VOLUNTARY INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMSPROGRAMS

• The Council on International Programs USA (www.CIPUSA.org)

• The alumni of the CIPUSA have now formed their own organization, the Council of International Fellowship, (www.cifinternational.com).

• Hundreds of religious institutions of all denominations provide support throughout the world.

• InterAction (www.InterAction.org) is a coalition of more than 150 U.S. NGOs that coordinate their work in disaster situations.

NGOs in different countries:NGOs in different countries:

• The Amrita Organization (www.amrita.org)

• The Alliance for Arab Women (www.allianceforarabwomen.org)

• The Centre for the Development of People (http://cedepghana.tripod.com

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESVOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESwww.volunteerinternational.orgwww.volunteerinternational.org

• . It has a list of important questions that you should consider in determining which volunteer organization is right for you:

• 1. What do you hope to get out of the experience?• 2. What are you able to contribute as a volunteer

e.g., knowledge, skills?• 3. How long are you able to volunteer abroad? At

what time of year?• 4. Where do you want to volunteer?• 5. Is there a language requirement?• 6. What type of volunteer organization are you

interested in: health,

• environmental, educational, religious, other?

• International Red Cross.

• Care International

• Global Citizens Network

• Operation Cross Roads Africa

FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING

ABROADABROAD

• Developing the Right Mental Attitude:

• Health and Safety

• Consider these questions:

• 1. What role, if any, does religion and spirituality play in the work and style of the organization?

• 2. What level of skill is required that may or may not match your particular skills?

• 3. Are there costs for volunteering or working (airfare, room, and board) that need to be factored in?

• 4. Will the experience help you grow as a person and as a professional?

• 5. Will you accept a physical environment that has less than modern comforts?