Foreign-Born Students in Baccalaureate Social Work Programs: Meeting the Challenges
As a result of changes made in U.S. immigration policies in 1965, the number of immigrants and refugees entering the country has exploded, and many of them are now enrolled in baccalaureate social work programs. Social work educators have a dual responsibility to provide help and support for these foreign-born students while upholding the standards of the profession and preparing students to pass licensing examinations. Departments must discuss needs, expectations, challenges, and policies regarding academic requirements. Classroom strategies that ensure individual learning styles are enhanced by context-rich classroom exercises, a liberal use of writing, and a sensitive use of paraphrasing and collaborative learning. Advisors need to be aware of community resources available. Institutions should provide language and economic supports and culturally sensitive counseling centers. Baccalaureate social work educators must examine the unjust economic and social policies and lead the way in addressing barriers placed in the way of immigrant and refugee students.