School social work: A transformative international placement model – Insights from practice

Abstract

This paper examines the development of international social work placements for postgraduate pre-registration students, highlighting a collaborative initiative between Sheffield Hallam University (UK), North-West University (South Africa), and Khula Development Group – a community development organisation based in Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa. The initiative promotes global participation by facilitating the exchange of social work practices, skills, and methodologies in diverse cultural and professional contexts. A key innovation of this collaboration lies in its interdisciplinary approach, which integrates students with occupational therapy, social work, auxiliary social workers, and local primary schools to address critical issues such as school attendance, student well-being, and early identification of learners at risk of disengagement. The 70-day placement offered the students immersive exposure to school-based social work in South Africa, underscoring the importance of multi-agency collaboration, child protection, and the role of non-governmental organisations in community support. Through this experience, the students developed core professional competencies in areas such as power dynamics, social justice, diversity, and organisational leadership, all grounded in community strengths, resilience, and resource assets. The placement also fosters cultural competence and holistic practice, as the students engage with educators, parents, administrators, and community members. The support services provided included counselling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and psychoeducation, which addressed challenges related to adaptation, stress, and identity formation. Ultimately, this international placement model demonstrates both the benefits and the complexities of cross-border social work education. Furthermore, it highlights the value of shared learning, contextual responsiveness, and global partnerships to enrich student development and advance community-based inclusive social work practice.

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