Social Work and Social Science from a Global Perspective

Social work has become a global profession. The transnational nature of issues such as poverty, immigration, violence, and environmental degradation require a global perspective.

Social workers need to look beyond their communities and national borders and find ways to connect with colleagues around issues of common concern. This program provides such opportunities.

What is International Summer School?

The International Summer School in Rovaniemi, Finland is an annually organized tradition that enables students and professionals in social work and related human service fields to explore the meanings, practices and implications of social work from a global perspective. A multinational cohort of students and faculty create an enriching environment for expanding and deepening understanding of global issues and how social workers can work collaboratively to address them. Participants engage in lectures, small group discussions and informal interaction. They learn about how globally relevant social phenomena occur in local contexts as well as the ways social work responds and approaches social problems in different parts of the world. 

Since 1998, more than 1 000 students from approximately 45 countries have participated in the summer school. Student evaluations consistently rate the program as a highly meaningful and valuable educational experience, in some cases even life changing!

We invite you to participate in this unique educational experience.