International Social Work: Problems and Solutions in a Global World
International Social Work: Problems and Solutions in a Globalized World will introduce you to international perspectives on contemporary issues in child welfare, aging and migration. Lectures from the international faculty will provide a foundation for discussions focusing on recent advances in social work practice and research in the United States, Italy and China. The initiative aims to provide a space of study and debate on these contemporary themes and the related problems and opportunities of social worker practice and research in an increasingly globalized world. As an MSW candidate in the UAlbany School of Social Welfare, you will have an option to select either the Advanced Practice option OR the Advanced Policy Option [see details in the overview of the International SW course].
Application Deadline
Program Start
Program End
Program Details
Academic Program
Course Description and Syllabus
As stated by Campanini (2013: 643) “the interest in the international dimension has been present in social work since the beginning, but in recent decades it has had an incredible expansion, especially in the most industrialized countries that have faced the challenges produced from the phenomenon of globalization.” This phenomenon has increased and has become more complex also because of the emergence and spread of social workers in countries where they were not, such as – to name only the most extensive in territory and population – Russia (since the 90s) and China (since the beginning of this century).
International Social Work: Problems and Solutions in a Globalized World will provide review of contemporary issues in child welfare, aging and migration. Lectures and discussion will focus on recent advances in social work practice and research in the United States, Italy and China. The initiative aims to provide a space of study and debate on these themes and the related problems and opportunities of social worker practice in an increasingly globalized world.
This short-term faculty-led program will engage professors and students in a series of lectures and field visits to social services in the Trentino area.
Course Equivalency Information for UAlbany MSW Students
Successful completion of this course will fulfill the UAlbany Social Work Advanced Practice elective OR the Advanced Policy Option (3 credits) for MSW students. If you are not an MSW student, you must seek approval from your home academic department and Dr. Morano prior to applying.
Transcript
All courses taken abroad count towards UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
Your Instructors
UAlbany professor Dr. Carmen Morano from the School of Social Welfare is the instructor of record for this program.
Other professors who will contribute to this course include:
- Alessandro Sicora: University of Trento
- Teresa Bertoli: University of Trento
- Peter Boccagni: University of Trento
- Silvia Fargion: University of Trento
- Yu Bing: Normal South China University, Guangzhou (Canton)
Housing
Student housing is available in single rooms with private bathrooms at the Studentato di San Bartolameo Student House (Address: Via della Malpensada, 140, Trento).
You will be responsible for reserving your own housing in Trento and paying for it directly.
Additional details regarding accommodation options will be available after acceptance to the program.
Meals
Lunch and Dinner are available at the Studentato di San Bartolameo cafeteria.
Estimate of Costs
The Summer 2020 Estimate of Costs is forthcoming.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
Academic Requirements
You must be enrolled in the UAlbany MSW program and have approval from UAlbany professor Dr. Carmen Morano to be eligible for this program. If you are not an MSW student, you must seek approval from both your academic department and Dr. Morano prior to applying. Non-MSW students must also schedule an interview with Dr. Morano.
Experiential Learning
As part of the program, there are expected to be 2-3 visits to local social service agencies.
Funding Opportunities
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
In Their Own Words
As this is the first year of the program, there are no testimonials at this time.
About the City
Trentino (the name of the area around Trento) is in the northeast of Italy, a short distance from Austria and Switzerland. Thanks to its position, Trentino has always been a meeting point between the Mediterranean world and Central Europe. Frequent trains connect Trento to Verona (1 hour), Milan (3.5 hours), Venice (3.5 hours), Florence (2 hours and 40 minutes with high-speed trains) and Rome (4 hours with direct high speed trains). The railway station is about 10-15 minutes walking distance from the university.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. U.S. citizens do not need to obtain a visa for this program. If you are a permanent resident or international student, a visa may be required. More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Summer programs: December
Program Dates
Summer 2020
07/18/2020 to 07/24/2020
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The summer pre-departure orientation is typically conducted the Saturday before the end of Spring UAlbany classes.
You will also have an on-site orientation upon arrival to your host country.
Support Services
Your Faculty Leader is responsible for guiding all aspects of the program and will be available throughout the on-site portion of the course to manage any concerns or questions you may have while abroad. The faculty accompany you on all program activities and outings.
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.