International Days in Social Work Program
Summary
The 2026 International Days in Social Work will provide an opportunity for students from Social Services programs to travel to Linz, Austria to participate in a two-week opportunity in June 2026. NSCC is offering this program in partnership with the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria – Linz Campus.
The first week will have students participating in the International Days in Social Work conference facilitated by the Linz Campus and other partners around the world. This first week includes lectures/workshops by international guest lecturers, site visits to social work organizations and cultural activities. During the second week, the program will consist of sessions related to various social work areas presented by local experts, site visits to local support organizations, and cultural experiences. NSCC will be joined by students from other universities/colleges in the United States and Europe.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge, skills and attitudes from tasks and projects in an international setting;
- Outline the benefits of cross-cultural collaboration for work-related projects and tasks;
- Build evidence of experiences and new learning (both personal and industry related) for portfolio development and the education of others;
- Assess safety and risk pertaining to international travel to make informed decisions about traveling abroad;
- To identify and reflect on the differences and similarities between Canada and Austria.
Timeline
** Subject to Change
November 14, 2025 - Applications launched
November 28, 2025 - Application deadline
December 8 - 12, 2025 - Employee interview & Selection
February 2026 - Online pre-departure course begins
April 2026 - Pre-departure conference
June 8 - June 19, 2026 - International Days in Social Work program in Austria
July 2026 - Evaluation and debrief
Fall 2026 - Celebration of Learning
Employee Role
Employees will provide mentoring and support to the students during the pre-departure phase of the program which will include frequent project meetings, some training modules and other duties required by NSCC International, and will accompany the students during the on-site phase. Employee leads will have the option of being mentored by those who have led similar projects in the past. Employees will be required to submit a report/feedback on the program upon return to Nova Scotia.
Selection Criteria:
• Must be an employee from any NSCC program with a background in social services/social work or related fields
• International experience considered an asset.
• Must have a valid passport or the ability to get one.
• Commitment to applying learning that is gained in future work with NSCC.
• Have permission from the employee's manager to participate in the project.
Travel advice and advisories
The Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories will help you make informed decisions about safe travel while you are outside of Canada.