Social Work Program: Study Abroad

With an increase in globalization and awareness of and involvement in international issues, the social work profession has been moving toward infusing international content in its program curricula nation wide. As a part of this trend, the Social Work program at the University of Portland is developing and including more international-focused content in its courses. The course, International Welfare: Health Systems in Mexico, taught by Drs. Rogers and Gallegos in Morelia at Centro Universitario de Michoacan, is the primary course that addresses international issues for the social work students. It also allows students to develop their Spanish speaking skills and vocabulary in the context of social services. Because social work students travel to Morelia with students from the Spanish Department as part of the Morelia Study Abroad Program, this course does not require the addition of another study abroad program and will serve to increase student numbers of the existing program, helping to ensure its success. The course is also cross listed with Sociology, Spanish, and Social Justice and Peace Studies.

This course is taken in conjunction with an advanced Spanish course. Students spend six weeks in Mexico living with a Mexican family while learning advanced Spanish and participating in brief clinical and social services experiences in Morelia, Mexico and in surrounding towns and villages. Students earn 3 credit hours of Spanish and 3 credit hours of social and behavioral sciences credit. Two years of Spanish (or equivalent) are required. Cultural competence, cultural sensitivity, and greater awareness of the global and international interrelationship with local social service issues are a focus of this course. Social Work courses are offered at other locations such as London. Please see the Study Abroad Office or the Spanish Department for further details and admission requirements.