International Field Experience The social work program offers an international field experience in India, Ecuador, or Uganda to junior or senior social work students. Students work in a variety of social service agencies in the host country, supervised by an on-site social worker. While in country, students will take courses to expand their understanding of the host country and participate in planned activities to further enhance the cultural experience. Students receive academic credit for the coursework as well as the internship, allowing them to complete their Cedarville degree within the traditional four years. Cedarville University's International Field Coordinator supports the student throughout the entire process — pre-departure, during the international experience, and after the student’s return to campus. Students interested in pursuing the international field experience should meet with their advisor as early as possible to discuss feasibility and scheduling needs. International field experience is available during the academic year. A good candidate will demonstrate emotional and spiritual maturity, strong critical thinking skills, and excellent problem-solving skills. The student must go into this experience with a flexible and teachable spirit. If the student obtains approval from their academic advisor, the student should then meet with the International Field Coordinator to initiate the application process. Fees The student will pay block tuition pricing and associated field experience fees to Cedarville University. The student is responsible for covering their own airfare, immunizations in preparation for departure, passport fees, CU Study Abroad fees, and travelers insurance. The amount of spending money needed is highly dependent on the individual student. Application Requirements Early application is advised. Students should check with the International Field Coordinator for the application deadline for their choice of country and desired semester. Students must be granted full admission into the social work program prior to international experience. Applicants are required to have a GPA of at least 2.75 within their core social work courses. The student is required to complete the international interest essay; instructions will be provided by the International Field Coordinator. Once approved to complete an International Internship, the student will coordinate with the host country program and follow their application procedures as well. There is an application fee. Check with the individual program for further cost and application instructions. Pre-Departure Requirements The student will be required to meet with the International Field Coordinator for a minimum of four times during the semester prior to departure. Meetings will focus on preparing the student for a cross-cultural experience. Topics will include the country's culture, people, climate, and other pertinent topics. The student is to complete assigned readings and come prepared for discussion. Questions of concern or interest will also be discussed during the sessions. In addition to program requirements, the student must fulfill all orientation obligations within the CU Study Abroad department. Re-entry Requirements It is recommended the student keep their return semester as light as possible. The student and the International Field Coordinator will meet for re-entry at a minimum of four times during the return semester. Topics of discussion will include re-adjusting to American culture and pace, managing "elevator speeches", sharing memories and insights from their experience, and social work practice application. In addition to program requirements, the student must fulfill all re-entry obligations within the CU Study Abroad department. Social Work Advisory Council The Social Work Advisory Council consists of social work professionals, agency administrators, clergy, and educators representing public, private, and church-related service agencies. Through semi-annual meetings, these experts advise the program and evaluate its plans for training skilled social work professionals with a commitment to core values and a biblical world and life view. Pamela Bailey, Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio Anna Beckloff,Violence Free Futures, Xenia, Ohio Chris Bernstein,Trinity Church, Dayton, Ohio Melissa D. Brown, Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio James Cooper,Author and Youth Worker, Springfield, Ohio Brittany Cowart, Choices, Inc., Dayton, Ohio Wendy Doolittle, McKinley Hall, Inc., Springfield, Ohio Jane Eckels, United Senior Services, Springfield, Ohio Susan Fiegl, Beavercreek City Schools, Beavercreek, Ohio Sharon Guenther, Premier Health Network, Dayton, Ohio Debbie Holt, Pathways of Hope Grief Counseling Center, Dayton, Ohio Kevin Howells, Good News Jail Ministry Ohio George Huff, Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio Suk-hee Kim, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Kentucky David King, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana Esther Lanham,Advisory Council Secretary, Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio Alisha Murray, Daybreak, Dayton, Ohio Lynn Roper, Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio Michael E. Sherr,Advisory Council Chair, Cedarville University Steven Throop, Legacy Village, Xenia, Ohio Barry Wideman, Dayton VA Medical Center, Dayton, Ohio Sophia Brunk, Cedarville University Student Representative Xaria Johnson, Cedarville University Student Representative Page 142 2025–26 Undergraduate Academic Catalog School of Education and Social Work Social Work
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