Thirteen social work undergraduate and graduate students spent their 2026 Spring Break experiencing international social work in the East Caribbean. For more than a decade, the College of Social Work has offered an Alternative Spring Program that introduces social work students through collaborations with organizations in Grenada, West Indies.
The College of Social Work has had a special international partnership with Jönköping University in Sweden since 2012, offering an exchange opportunity for both universities’ undergraduate students. Students participating in the exchange can take a full-time course load for a full semester at their host university.
With educational, research and social work practice experience across three continents, including Africa, Europe and North America, Gashaye (Gash) Melaku Tefera considers himself an international social work researcher with a mission to improve the lives and representation of underserved populations. His research addresses concerns of immigrant, refugee and indigenous populations, focusing on underserved women and older adults.
Kathryn (Katie) Gerber (MSW, 2008; MPA 2008) has always had a passion for social justice. This natural interest in providing equal access to rights and opportunities drew her to social work early on. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida. Further interest in international work drew her to an opportunity to study abroad as an undergraduate to Valencia, Spain through Florida State University to gain a greater understanding of the Spanish language.
As a first-generation college student, Richard Brito wanted to make the most of the opportunity at Florida State University. Richard stated that upon arriving from his hometown of Miami, Florida, in 2016, he made a commitment to himself to strive for continued personal growth and self-discovery. Inspired by his mother and their lived experiences, he immersed himself in campus life and its opportunities.
As the director of International Programs at the FSU College of Social Work, I make frequent site visits to agency sites around the world to create and sustain international field placements for social work students. This year, my trip happened to coincide with Brexit Day, January 31st, the day the United Kingdom (UK) officially withdrew from the European Union.
“An international study abroad experience can be both intimidating and exhilarating,” said Pam MacDill, coordinator of the Exchange Programs at the FSU College of Social Work, as well as the Director of the BSW and Professional Development Programs. “Getting out of your comfort zone and being exposed to cultures, languages, and foods that are so different from home is an enriching experience.”
As a first-generation college student, Samiah Bansal has experienced a wide range of new challenges, along with innumerable opportunities, in the university setting. One of her biggest dreams was to study abroad, but the challenge of funding such an adventure seemed insurmountable until she followed the example of other FSU students.
“I decided to apply for the Gilman Scholarship because I witnessed many student leaders at FSU become Gilman Scholars. It motivated me to apply,” she explained.
Pay FSU tuition, and use your summer financial aid for this experience of a lifetime!
This course provides knowledge and understanding of global situations related to health and welfare. Elements included in the course: UN Sustainable Development Goals in relation to health and welfare, culture, complexity and impact of social determinants of health in different countries, International Classification on Functioning Disability and Health.
Dr. Vishanthie Sewpaul will visit Florida State University as a guest of the College of Social Work to speak across campus and the university during her visit from January 22 through January 30. She is a Professor Emeritus at the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban, South Africa, and is a Professor II at the University of Stavanger, Norway.
