The Global Activities Scholars Program (GASP) is a unique opportunity for students interested in working with individuals, communities, and organizations in a global context as part of their On-Campus MSW program. Up to ten incoming students will be selected each year to complete a global field placement during the spring/summer term (May - August). The purpose of the program is to provide students committed to global social work practice an opportunity to live in a foreign country while completing a part of their field placement requirement.
Applicants must select the Global Social Work pathway. Please note that placements that focus on the following topics are very limited abroad: interpersonal practice, mental health, substance abuse, older adults, policy, and political social work. In addition, dual degree Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health students are not eligible for this program.
Awards are based primarily on previous academic work, recommendations, human services employment experience, previous global experience, engagement in global issues, the applicant's written supplementary statement, and scholarship application materials.
**A one-time award of $6,000 is given for costs associated with the global field placement
* = Arabic or Hebrew fluency will greatly increase field placement options
** = Requires Spanish fluency
*** = Cantonese or Mandarin language skills are highly preferred
Note: Field placement locations are subject to change. Applicants may indicate site preferences on their application, but ultimately the Office of Global Activities and the Office of Field Education will make the final decision about placement sites based upon fit and availability.
The Global Activities Scholars Program includes all MSW requirements and an intensive global summer field placement.
Each Global Activities Scholar must:
Completing a global field placement is contingent on maintaining good academic standing before departure. Failure to remain in good academic standing may result in a student completing their final term of Field Instruction locally instead of abroad.
Due to course and field requirements for the Global Activities Scholarship Program, MSW/MPH students are not eligible to participate in this program.
If you have questions please contact the Office of Global Activities at (734) 936-1964 or ssw.oga@umich.edu.
University of Michigan
School of Social Work
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106