Internationalization And Localization Of Social Work Education In Papua New Guinea

The Experience From The University Of Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The article discusses internationalization and localization as responses to and as embodiments of globalization and how these processes affect social work education in Papua New Guinea. The discussion focuses on internationalization and localization of social work curriculum as principal responses to the effects of globalization.

The key themes of internationalization and localization in the PNG experiences in Social Work education were presented.    The main approach is on how to operationalize internationalization and localization of the aspects of social work education, which are common across different contexts.

This argues that localisation and internationalisation are both important for the development and progress of a culturally relevant and strong social work education and practice globally. Therefore, internationalisation enhances international solidarity and joint action to make the social work profession visible and strong. Localization on the other hand enables internationalization to be relevant and meaningful in specific contexts. It is in this context both local and global discourse must coexist for a credible, consistent, and relevant social work education, practice, and research to evolve.