Social Work Students

The NASW International Chapter gets calls from time-to-time from individuals who would like to begin or continue their education as a professional social worker.  because of  the requirements of social work education , particularly for closely supervised student field experience,  this can be difficult. Within the jurisdiction of the International Chapter, only Canada has social work schools that are much like those in the States.  This situation  has been  a source of  frustration for several of our members, who, in most cases, are wives of uniformed military personnel .  Those who haven’t completed their course work are “out-of-luck” for continuing their pursuit of an MSW or BSW while resident overseas.  Their quest must be put on hold until their spouse’s overseas tour is over (may be at least two years.)

For those students, who only have to complete their practicum , help can be found overseas among the many NASW members who are qualified to act as field work supervisors.  Often these students have found a mentor among chiefs of social work services in armed forces clinics and have been able arrange their schools’ approval.  These chiefs and clinics have been able to offer excellent training in clinical work with involvement in very demanding cases.  Many such students, thanks to these generous mentors, have been able to  finish the requirements for their degree without having to return to the States.

The International Chapter of NASW would like to hear from social work students.  We invite you to join and participate in Chapter activities.  We believe that  networking together can be mutually beneficial.  Contact us and let us hear about your current concerns.  Most Stateside Chapters have a student on the governing  board . A student member is one who attends a  Masters or Baccalaureate degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).  Student membership is also open to anyone who attends a social work school under review by the CSWE Site Team or who is matriculating in a CSWE accredited social work degree program , or a program approved for candidacy.  The student membership fee in those classes is $40.00 annually.  Candidates in social work doctoral programs are in a different class and pay $49.00 per year .

All these classes receive the same membership benefits.

Contact us and join your professional organization today.  Should you already hold membership, transferring it to the International Chapter will benefit both you and the International Chapter.

Article made possible thanks to the help of Mr. Sandy Perry, former Board Member of the International  Chapter, Nacy Tait, President and Genevieve Dhainaut, Ex. Dir.