The International Placement Program (IPP) provides social work students the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. Students are immersed in a cross- culture experience and gain a unique perspective on social work practices while completing an advanced field placement and coursework. This opportunity focuses on engaging in different ways of knowing and approaching social challenges.
Our international placements are at either the University of Greenwich in London, England or the Rajagiri College of Social Sciences in Kalamassery, Cochin, India. Students are required to live in campus housing with our partnering universities.
IPP applications will become available during the fall semester. Students must meet the following minimum requirements for an international placement:
- Currently enrolled at the SSW
- Fulfilled all foundation year requirements
- Complete at least one additional semester at the SSW after the semester abroad
- Have a minimum 3.3 GPA in the foundation MSW program
- Have a U.S. passport with at least one year remaining
- Meet all program timelines
- Have no history of referrals to the Student Review Committee
- Provide two letters of reference: one from a current or former field instructor, along with a second professional reference
- Complete an interview with program staff and be accepted
Placements vary from year to year and have included a variety of projects focusing on child rights, micro-credit and entrepreneurship, natural resource management, women’s empowerment, homelessness, substance use, mental health, community development, and health.
For more information, contact:
Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos, AM, PhD
Director of Global Initiatives
Associate Professor
University of Maryland School of Social Work
410-706-3605
Lynn.michalopoulos@ssw.umaryland.edu