India and Us: Student Development of Professional Social Work Identity through a Short-term Study Abroad Program

Abstract

This paper highlights ways in which a two-week international study abroad program to India contributed to professional identity development for a group of participating Australian social work students. A mixed methods approach was used to assess the impacts of the program overall. Pre-program and post-program evaluation surveys along with reflective workshops were used to explore students' perceptions of social justice, human rights, gender, environment, international social work and professional identity. Focusing on a sub-set of these data on professional identity, this paper explores the rich descriptions of experiences and how students' understanding of their own professional identity was influenced as a result of participation in the two-week program. The paper concludes by highlighting some implications for social work educators and students interested in the potential value of short-term study abroad programs.

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