Module 2:

HOW TO BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORKER

Written by Dr. Alyssa Middleton – Last updated: December 22, 2022

International social workers are concerned with addressing inequalities of disadvantaged

individuals and communities around the world. The field works to ensure the basic needs of
each individual are met, communities are equipped to be sustainable and provide services
equitably, and that systems of oppression are dismantled.

An international social worker is a trained social worker providing services and support at the
micro, mezzo or macro level. Their work can be done domestically working for an international
organization that serves populations around the world, or as is most often the case, working
directly with individuals and communities in small villages and communities globally.

The day-to-day work for an international social worker varies, depending on the focus of their
position and the organization by whom they are employed. This could range from disaster
relief to health education/disease prevention to child protection to gender equity in education
initiatives.

How to become an international social worker

Many social workers are drawn to international social work for an opportunity to live abroad,
immerse themselves into a new culture, and to make a difference in some of the poorest and
most disadvantaged regions of the world. Entering the field of international social work can be
quite difficult and extremely competitive. Read on to learn about the steps needed to become
an international social worker.

The education requirements are straightforward:

Obtain a bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or a related field such as sociology or psychology is
necessary. The BSW degree provides coursework and field education opportunities to practice
social work at a generalist level.

Earn a master’s of social work (MSW) degree

A master of social work (MSW) degree is required for entering the field of international social
work. This level of education teaches advanced clinical and case management skills, in addition
to policy analysis and community organizing. Many MSW programs offer courses related to
intercultural communication and social justice advocacy.

For those intent on working globally, some schools of social work offer opportunities for
specialized international social work education. For example, the University of Pennsylvania
offers a certificate program in Global Human Rights in conjunction with their MSW degree and
the University of Denver offers MSW courses, learning abroad and field education opportunities
set in four countries around the world. The University of Chicago has incorporated an
international social welfare agenda throughout their entire curriculum. This program includes
cross-national content in their classes, student exchanges and study abroad programs and
international internship placements.

Other steps that may not be required, but are certainly helpful in preparing
applicants for international social work:
Select field education opportunities wisely
Selecting practicum settings that provide opportunities to serve refugee populations or specific
cultural groups will be beneficial in developing cultural competency, which is a necessity in
international social work. The more opportunities you have to learn about a specific culture,
including the language and norms, the better prepared you are to work overseas with that
population.

Study abroad
Nothing prepares you for working internationally better than living abroad. Study abroad
programs can provide a unique, layered, and rich experience to fully immerse yourself into a
culture, learn the language quickly and learn firsthand about the issues facing the people and
communities of that area. Even if you decide to work with a different population or cultural
group as an international social worker, the experiences gained from studying abroad will make
it that much easier to adapt to a new environment overseas.

Learn a foreign language

If you have an idea of the region of the world you’d like to work in, take some time to learn the
language. Applicants who have at least a basic understanding of the primary language in that
area will be much more competitive when applying for an international social work position.

Earn a social work license

While a social work license isn’t necessary for international social work, as private therapy is
considered a luxury in most parts of the world, the years it takes to complete licensing
supervision and pass the licensing exam provide valuable hands-on experience working directly
with clients.

Gain post-MSW work experience

Prior to applying for an international social work position, candidates will ideally have a
minimum of 2 years’ experience beyond the masters’ degree. This provides the opportunity to
grow personally and professionally and develop some of the skills critical to international social
work. This time can also be spent developing connections and building relationships with those
already working overseas that may be beneficial when the time comes to apply for global
positions.

Volunteer internationally
This can be through multiple short-term projects, or through longer volunteer commitments
through the Peace Corps, for example.

International social worker knowledge and skills

Background knowledge critical for international social work:

1. Grief, loss and bereavement

2. Trauma, including PTSD
3. Community development
4. General knowledge of the history of the country/region including ethnic and religious
groups, conflicts, and any current instabilities

Skills that are critical for international social work:

1. Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and cultural humility
2. Communication, both written and verbal
3. Foreign language
4. Understanding of the culture in which you’ll be working including norms, customs, and
non-verbal communication
5. Patience as the process of change in foreign countries can be cumbersome and slow
6. Resourcefulness to think outside the box to solve problems
7. Cooperation and collaboration
8. Leadership
9. Self-awareness and ability to implement self-care, especially when working in
overwhelming environments, seeing devastation, poverty, and injustice regularly
 10. Grant writing and/or fundraising

International social worker career outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that domestic social work employment opportunities
will grow 13% over the next decade. As large swaths of the global population ages and
countries around the world continue to struggle with providing necessary resources and equal
opportunities to their people, a need for international social workers will remain. It could even
be argued that the need for international social workers will grow even faster than the domestic
rate, particularly as decades-long civil wars continue and certain ethic groups remain
oppressed, numerous refugees flee their homelands in search for a better life. International
social workers will be needed to assist refugees and asylum seekers in adjusting to a new
country and providing services to these individuals and families. Thus, the outlook for
international social work appears to be very positive, indeed.

Where are international social workers employed?

There are many well-known NGOs that employ social workers. The links in this section go
directly to each organizations’ employment opportunities page.

1. United Nations (UN) The UN was established in 1945, after 51 countries committed
to maintaining international peace post-World War II. Now comprised of 193 member
states, international social workers assist in areas of political, humanitarian, emergency
relief, sustainable development, and peacekeeping missions. Many well-known NGOs are
under the UN umbrella, including:

2. International Labor Organization (ILO) – Focused on promoting rights at work and

labor opportunities and standards for men, women and children, the ILO gives equal
voice to governments, employers and workers to shape policies and programs to
support the population of its 187 member states.

3. World Health Organization (WHO) – WHO is dedicated to global health and safety.
WHO works with its 194 Member States to achieve the highest level of health for all
people.

4. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – works in 170 countries to

reduce inequality and eradicate poverty. Their areas of focus include sustainable
development, democratic governance and peace-building and climate and disaster
resilience.

Numerous non-UN NGOs exist, but there are far too many to list in this career
profile. Some other well-known NGOs that may be of interest to social workers
pursuing international work include:

Human Rights Watch investigates and reports on human rights abuses in more than 100
countries worldwide. They expose injustices and meet with governments and community
leaders to work to change policies and laws.

Save the Children – this international NGO works in 120 different countries to save and
improve the lives of children around the world. Areas of work include health, nutrition,
education, housing, and child protection services.

How much do international social workers make?

Salaries for international social workers may mirror those of domestic-based social workers,
with an average annual salary of around $50,000. The United Nations lists social work positions
with base salaries ranging from $37,000 to $80,000, depending upon required leadership and
other specialized experience. In addition, some of the larger organizations may assist with the
costs of moving overseas and pay an additional salary adjustment to cover additional costs of
living abroad. Salaries for smaller organizations or those more dependent on fluctuating funding
from grant applications will likely be lower and not include salary adjustments.

How can I learn more about international social work opportunities?

NGO Abroad is a social worker-led company that assists social work students and graduates in
learning about and preparing for volunteer and work abroad opportunities. Career consulting,
résumé development and job boards help streamline the application process.

International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) The IFSW represents 3 million social
workers and 141 professional social work associations across the globe. This organization
consults with the United Nations and other global humanitarian organizations. Job boards,
international conferences and events are available for review on their website.

Summary
International social work is an exciting career field with numerous opportunities to assist the
most disadvantaged populations around the globe. It can be difficult to break into the field, but
even beginning students can take the steps necessary to develop pertinent skills and make
connections that can lead to a future in this arena. With continued education and experience,
opportunities abound to help improve the lives of others worldwide.

Source: https://mastersinsocialworkonline.org/careers/international-social-worker/