Global Course Extension
The 2-credit Global Course Extension (SW785) builds off a 1-credit on-campus Advanced Global Topics in Social Work course (SW789). These courses focus on a specific global social work-related topic, such as migration, displacement, poverty, climate change, indigeneity, etc. The Global Course Extension involves a 2-3 week trip to an international location that will allow students to further engage and explore the themes and topics introduced in the classroom-based course. Participation in the Global Course Extension requires that students satisfactorily complete the associated 1-credit Advanced Global Topics in Social Work course (SW789) during the same term. Additionally, students must apply and be accepted to participate in a Global Course Extension course through an M-Compass application process.
2025 Application Deadline
Applications for the 2025 Global Course Extension faculty-led trip are due on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. The application portal will open in November 2024. The location of the 2025 Global Course Extension will be announced in November 2024.
Eligibility
The Global Course Extension is open to online and residential MSW students from all pathways and curriculum tracks, including pre-MSW students in the Ph.D. program. Preference will be given to students in the Global Social Work Practice Pathway.
Students who have already participated in or committed to an OGA-funded international experience (e.g., the Global Activities Scholars Program, Global Independent Study Grant, etc.) are not eligible to apply.
Students who have limited or no previous international travel experience are encouraged to apply. The Office of Global Activities offers a Passport Grant of $165 per person to MSW students who have never held a passport before. Students are automatically considered for the Passport Grant once they complete the Global Course Extension application.
Funding
A program fee is required of all participants. The cost of the Global Course Extension trip is subsidized by the Office of Global Activities to cover in-country transportation, accommodations, and most meals. Students will be responsible for the cost of their plane ticket and any discretionary spending.
A need-based financial aid scholarship is available to reduce the cost of the program fee. Students apply through a separate application process after they have been accepted to the program.
Application Requirements
All applications must be submitted through M-Compass. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The application process includes:
- CV or resume upload
- One (1) recommendation letter
- Statement of interest
- Brief responses detailing:
- Previous travel experience
- Personal preparation and potential challenges
2024 Global Course Extension in Chennai, India
Based at the Madras Christian College in Chennai, India, the 2024 course drew on the Social Work Grand Challenges. Themes for the course encompassed a broad range of issues, including , family violence, closing the health gap, eliminating racism and caste, and reducing extreme economic inequality.
The course was both locally grounded and explicitly comparative, and combined practical fieldwork experiences with coursework and structured, critical reflection at the Madras Christian College. This course provided students with an intensive introduction to the ways in which the social work profession is organized in India, key issues confronting vulnerable populations, and how key issues in India compare with the United States.
Travel for this course took place from August 6-21, 2024. Dr. Ashley Cureton and Dr. Katie Lopez co-lead the experience abroad.
Apply
All applications must be submitted through M-Compass. Applications for the Global Course Extension are due on Sunday, January 19, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST. The application portal will open in November 2024.
If you have questions, please contact OGA at (734) 615-0012 or [email protected].