International Social Work in Practice A Case Study from Northern Uganda

Abstract

International social work is gaining recognition as a distinct field of study and practice, and in this process, its meaning continues to be delineated. In this paper, I describe a series of experiences during a summer field practicum coordinating the final phase of a year-long qualitative research study on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Lira, northern Uganda. While not a conclusive statement on the nature of all international social work, this paper presents personal experiences to illustrate how the psychosocial skills, practices, and theory of the social work profession can lend themselves well to the emotional and managerial demands of international work in a post-conflict, developing country context.