Exploring the impact of international exchange on the learning of social work students

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Askin, S, 2025. Exploring the impact of international exchange on the learning of social work students. In: 14th European Conference for Social Work Research, Katholische Stiftungshochschule München, Munich, Germany, 12-14 March 2025.

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Abstract

This poster presentation evaluates the impact of an international exchange programme between Social Work students at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam / Fachhochschule Potsdam (FHP). The poster will showcase findings from a small-scale study in which I obtained information about the experiences of six NTU students who took part.

Data was collected from students via questionnaires. The study participants were studying on either the BA Social Work course, or Social Work Apprentice course at NTU. The sample reflected students from years 1, 2 and 3 of the programmes of study and also comprised students of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. The data obtained from the questionnaires was then thematically analysed.

Findings of the study were very encouraging, and identified themes relating to both the general, and sub-themes of the ECSWR 2025 conference, particularly in exploring the impact of and effectiveness of social work practice. All students who took part found a visit to a social enterprise supporting people with mental health issues very useful. Participants were all impressed by the efficacy of the strengths-based ethos used there, which focuses on supporting service users to develop practical skills and engage in meaningful paid work. All reflected on how this effective approach could be incorporated into their own practice as a means for change.

Moreover, the exchange presented an opportunity for education across national, social, and professional boundaries. All participants gave excellent examples of professional learning taken from the group work with their German colleagues, such as comparing the more “paternalistic” nature of social care law in the UK and discussing issues and approaches in social work which they had not considered before. Opportunities to discuss politics, contrasting legal frameworks, and key social issues such as immigration and mental health with their international colleagues impacted all participants. All stated that the trip had exposed them to new ideas and perspectives which they would go on to use in their practice. One student in particular stated that their confidence had been greatly enhanced by taking part. Co-creation of knowledge was a key area of impact for students, which is so important in maintaining and bolstering democratic participation in the international Social Work community.

The data collected indicates that international exchange opportunities for social work students allows for the development of key professional skills needed in contemporary practice. This includes wider political knowledge, greater skills in inter-cultural communication, and enhanced awareness of different perspectives and alternatives to addressing social issues in both national and international contexts. The positive impact that this exchange had on student learning indicates that international exchange opportunities cab be a great asset to social work education and should be implemented wherever possible. The design of the exchange trip itself will be shared as part of my poster to showcase how this opportunity to enhance contemporary social work education can be replicated.

Item Type:	Conference contribution
Alternative Title:	Exploring the impact of international exchange programmes on the learning of social work students
Creators:	Askin, S.
Date:	12 March 2025
Identifiers:	Number Type 2445062 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	05 Jun 2025 15:37
Last Modified:	05 Jun 2025 15:37
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53696