International Field Placement Application (PDF)
Welcome to The University of Alabama School of Social Work International Field Placement Program!
International field placements can serve as one of the most transformative learning opportunities that a student can experience.
Helping students access and process these experiences serves as one of the central aims of the School’s Coordinator of International Programs. The School of Social Work works closely with The Capstone International Center to help provide students with a rewarding experience that gives them a global perspective of the social work profession.
Placement Opportunities
Our international placement opportunities evolve depending on many factors, agency availability, supervisor availability and safety. We have established successful placements in:
- Cuernavaca, Morales, Mexico
- Accra/Tema, Ghana
- Dublin, Ireland
- Kochi, Kerala, India
- Melbourne, Australia
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Murcia, Spain
- Valencia, Spain
The coordinator of International Programs works with students to create additional international field placement possibilities. Currently in planning are placements in India and Australia.
Steps to Obtain an International Field Placement
- Meet with Coordinator of International Programs, Dr. Debra Nelson-Gardell, to begin the exploration process at least two semesters in advance of the semester in which the placement will take place.
- Determine if you meet the following preferred qualifications:
- Honors or Honors eligible undergraduate student
- Well-qualified Advanced-Standing or 60-Credit-Hour student planning for Concentration Year Placement
- Be ready to describe your rationale for seeking an international placement.
- Consider issues of finance. The costs of an international placement include The University of Alabama tuition, program fees (depending on which placement you choose, but this could include things like accommodations, cultural liaison and placement services, supervision, etc.), and transportation (airfare and ground transportation) along with other miscellaneous living expenses (e.g., meals not included in program fees, in-country data plans and/or mobile phone services, in-country personal travel, etc.). Financial assistance may be available through scholarships and stipends, depending on scholarship requirements, need, and availability of funds.
How to Apply
Admitted BSW and MSW field students who have completed the School’s field application through SWIS and passed a background check must also apply directly to the International Field Program. A final step in the process entails completion of an online study-abroad application to the Capstone International Center Education Abroad office.
For questions about the international application process and international field placements, contact Debra Nelson-Gardell, associate professor and coordinator of international programs, at (205) 348-2990 or dnelsong@sw.ua.edu.