1. Critical Reflections on International Exchange from a Student Perspective Lauren Donnelly Claire Doherty

2. Overview:  Introductions  Background of International Exchange and inherent power struggles  Practice example: overview of our project  3 Key themes:  Student-lecturer power dynamics  Mutual Learning and Cultural Competency  Setting the Agenda  Conclusions and implications for the future 2

3. 3  Global citizenship  Cultural competency  Personal and professional development  Travel  Experience to add to our CVs

4.  Pilot Exchange – QUB/KInSS  Format:  Classroom based studies  Practice exposure  Presentations  Central Aim – Development of bilateral exchange – mutuality between all parties  Objectives - peer to peer learning, development of research, developing student/practitioner exchange, increased understanding of globalisation within the profession.

5. Issues of Power in International Exchange:  Increasingly mainstream activity – benefits – cultural competency, global citizenship, global interdependency (Midgley, 1990; Tsang, et al. 2000; Pinkerton, 2006)  Professional imperialism (Dominelli, 2010; Haug, 2005)  Who benefits? (Midgley, 1990; Haug, 2005)  Exportation of a 'powerful' Western discourse being undisputed (Haug, 2005; Razack, 2009) 5

6. 6 Power is given substance in groups through human interactions, authority and resistance  Roles and Responsibilities  Peer to peer learning  Breaking down hierarchies  Returning home Theme 1: Student /Lecturer Power Dynamics

7.  Power is given substance through social interactions:  Importance of dialogue.  Barriers to communication.  Avoiding “McDonaldisation” of social work.

8.  The amount of power that one holds is dependant on their role and status, this influences various aspects:  Funding  Planning  Personal objectives  Implementation  But power can be redistributed to others through empowerment  Is this mutuality if we assume we own the power to give?

9. Implications for the future:  Equal involvement at the planning process  More opportunities for peer to peer learning  Use of a variety of communication portals  Internationalization to be a greater part of the degree partnership  More integral to teaching in BSW course  Opportunities for international placements

10.  Dominelli, L. (2004) Social Work: Theory and practice for a changing profession Cambridge: Policy Press  Haug, E. (2005) 'Critical Reflections on the Emerging Discourse of International Social Work', International Journal of Social Work 48(2): 126-135  Midgley, J. (1990) 'The Challenge of International Social Work' Profiles in International Social Work (13-27) Washington: NASW Press  Razack, N. (2009) 'Decolonizing the Pedagogy and Practice of International Social Work', International Journal of Social Work 52(9): 9-21  Tsang, et. al., (2000) 'Negotiating Multiple Agendas in International Social Work Practice'Social Work and Globalization Toronto: CASW  Pinkerton, J. (2006) 'Developing a Global Approach to the Theory and Practice of Young People Leaving State Care, Child and Family Social Work, 11: 191-198  Smith, R. (2008) Social Work and Power Basingstoke: Macmillan

11. Any questions?