How do we prepare students for the challenges of social work? Examples from six countries around the world

In this paper we provide a descriptive comparison of the similarities and differences between social work education at six different universities situated in Australia, England, Finland, Northern Ireland, Sweden, United States. The aim was to begin an international conversation by examining these examples, around admissions recruitment processes, professional training, field practicum prepare students for practice consider any implications that differing models training might have students’ preparedness challenges work. findings reflect common characteristics relating curriculum, such as skills reflective application theory into practice. Differences include range approaches regulation, selection, duration courses during training. complexities trying measure across diverse are recognised, including difficulties stemming from factors being relevant geographic regions contexts. authors suggest starting discussion allows us learn one another may serve catalyst future progress area.