Social Work Abroad
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
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Location |
Program |
Notes |
Available Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
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Summer 2026 Faculty-Led programs will be announced in August of 2025 |
SEMESTER AND ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
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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) |
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|
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. |
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Czech Republic |
For more information or to apply, check out the ISA Prague program brochure |
Provider |
ISA Prague, Czech Republic: Charles University: History, Culture & Politics Charles University |
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Greece |
For more information or to apply, check out the ISA Greece program brochure |
Provider |
ISA Athens, Greece: The American College of Greece: Arts, Business, Liberal Arts & Sciences + Honors Courses - Semester/Academic Year |
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London |
For more information or to apply, check out the Kingston University program brochure |
Exchange |
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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. |
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|
Thailand |
For more information or to apply, check out the TEAN Thailand program brochure |
Provider |
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) |
SUMMER PROGRAMS
|
Location |
Program |
Program Type |
Notes |
Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Greece |
For more information or to apply, check out the ISA Greece program brochure |
Provider |
ISA Athens, Greece: The American College of Greece: Business & Liberal Arts + Honors Courses |
|
|
London |
For more information or to apply, check out the Kingston University program brochure |
Exchange |
||
|
South Korea |
For more information or to apply, check out the GVSU in South Korea program brochure |
Provider |
Korea University (KU) |
|
|
Thailand |
For more information or to apply, check out the TEAN program brochure |
Provider |
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) |
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 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.
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:
IMPORTANT: You can also complete your General Education requirements abroad.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The McFadden International Child Welfare Scholarship
Explore more scholarship opportunities through our scholarship page.
