In an effort to expand the USC School of Social Work's global outreach and to give students a different perspective on social work, the school has recently introduced a post-graduate study-abroad program in London.

The MSW Post-Graduate Certificate Program in International Social Work Practice in the United Kingdom is geared toward students who have already earned their MSW degree – or will have earned it by the start of the program – and who want to gain a new viewpoint on how social work systems operate in other parts of the world.

"The idea of establishing this program was to broaden our students' understanding of a different system that has a lot of similarities but certainly a lot of differences," said Dan Hester, director of international programs. "We're really trying to develop programs that have sustainability to them for our students, as well as the partners at the organizations that they'll be working with."

The program runs from June through December and consists of four components: a two-week orientation, a six-month professionally supervised and paid practice placement with a social welfare agency, a comparative research study to be completed in consultation with a USC social work faculty member and regularly scheduled tutorials with an in-country advisor. After successfully completing the program, students will receive 15 hours of continuing education units and a post-graduate certificate in international social work practice from the USC School of Social Work.

Hester and Cherry Short, assistant dean for global and community initiatives, collaborated on the project with a shared desire to create a program that extends beyond the few weeks other international study opportunities typically last. The six-month London program will allow students to establish solid connections and networks.

"You'll be gaining a practical link to theory in social work," Short said. "Students are able to work in the social services organizations and network with other social workers. Also, [students will] gain the experience of how social policy and other factors work in legislation in the U.K. to do comparative research around it as well. It's a dual learning process."

U.K.-native Short chose London not only because she is familiar with Britain's social work system but also because of its diversity. "You're engaging in a different culture and different cultural norms and expectations in social care organizations in the U.K.," she said. "It gives you an experience that is very unique. You've seen how other countries work. You can think outside the box and become a good social worker."

Students will need to register with the General Social Care Council in London to be able to practice in the United Kingdom. The registration process can take up to four months, so those accepted to the program should start the process as soon as possible. The School of Social Work is accepting applications now.

For more information, contact Cherry Short at (213) 821-4223 or cshort@usc.edu.