Community and social work abroad: what is it, why should you do it, and where is the best place to go?

Community and social work abroad: what is it, why should you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is community work or social work?
Why would you do social work abroad?
What are the core competencies you need, or can strengthen, for social work abroad?
Where is the best place to work for in community and social work?

What is community work or social work?

Social work and community work are often used interchangeably. In English, people often simply refer to 'social work' or 'community work'.
In social work abroad, you help other people with one or more aspects of life that they could use help with. For example, think of projects on loneliness, (financial) self-reliance, language skills, hygiene, preventive care or exercise/sports.
You can also consider your commitment to an organization that focuses on certain social themes as social work. For example, think of helping in a museum or other cultural institution.

Why would you do social work abroad?

Your involvement with others can take on a new dimension by helping abroad. You will experience a deeper layer in the culture and the specific challenges that people deal with.
By sharing your experiences in and with other cultures, you not only strengthen your own capacities, but you can also help with the transfer of knowledge.
By working abroad, you often encounter new sides of yourself and give those sides the opportunity to develop.

What are the core competencies you need, or can strengthen, for social work abroad?

Adaptability
Involvement
Empathy
Flexibility
Collaboration

Where is the best place to work for in community and social work?

Bonaire
Curacao
Brazil
Philippines
Ghana
Guatemala
India
Indonesia
Madagascar
Nepal
Vietnam
South Africa

Tip category:

Paid work & Work for board and lodging

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Organizations: for civil society and social work abroad

Community service, social work and advocacy organizations

External links

Maatschappelijk dienstverlener en sociaal werk in het buitenland via betaald werk, stage of vrijwilligerswerk

Maatschappelijk en sociaal werk in het buitenland: wat is het, wat heb je nodig en waar kan je het beste heen?

Related subject

Get involved and help another person and your environment

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Get involved and help another person and your environment

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Activities & Vacancies

Tip: date of posting

15-10-2024

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