21.02.2019

German social workers take on internships in the USA

Three months’ practical experience

What challenges do American social workers face? How is their day-to-day work different to that of their German colleagues? And what can they learn from one another? German professionals in the child and youth welfare sector can find out the answers to these questions by completing an internship in the USA. During the three-month internship, participants gain hands-on experience by looking after children from difficult family backgrounds, supporting immigrants in integrating into American society, and assisting unemployed young people. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is enabling committed social workers to gain valuable practical experience and providing a platform for a transatlantic exchange of expertise.

A grant from the ministry helps cover travel expenses and accommodation in the USA, where German professionals will live with host families and get to experience everyday life in an American home. GIZ organises the internships, which will start in August/September 2019, and are expected to take place in Arizona, Illinois, Michigan and West Virginia. There is no age limit for this programme. If you work in the private or public sector, have completed a training course in social work and have good English skills and professional experience, you can apply to GIZ by 14 March 2019 to take part.

Further information: CIP – Council of International Programs  (in German)