Cross-cultural learning in a domestic and family violence agency in Papua New Guinea

Reflections from a Field Placement

Abstract

With a growing interest in international social work in the tertiary sector, an increasing number of social work students seek field placements overseas to gain cross-cultural experience (Harris et al., 2017). This article reflects on a successful overseas placement of an Australian social work student from James Cook University with the local non-government organization, Femili Papua New Guinea, a case management centre providing support for women and children survivors of family and intimate partner violence based in Lae. The role of partner- ships between agencies, including an external supervisor, a medical social worker at the Port Moresby General Hospital Family Support Centre, contributed to a rich learning experience. The article gives perspectives from the key stakeholders – the student, the field educator (an external supervisor) and the university liaison person and placement coordinator. The main learning contexts for this placement included a review of the organisation’s policy and guide- lines and adding value to service delivery. This provided learning in social justice and the challenges of inequities, injustice and oppression in relation to gender. The importance of prior preparation; the availability of quality supervision by the field educator, support and the personal resilience and resourcefulness of the student are key elements in the placement’s success – are all factors to consider when considering overseas placements.