Social Work Exchange

In June 2023, five NTU students enrolled in the BA (Hons) Social Work course were invited to The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam (FHP) as part of our ongoing international exchange programme with their Social Work courses.

This exchange trip built upon previous COIL activities which NTU and FHP have collaboratively developed. During the four-day visit, students participated in seminars at the Potsdam university campus with German social work students and visited various German social care agencies, including a local school, a “safe use” centre and an art gallery which employs vulnerable adults.

German social work students also had the opportunity to visit NTU in April 2023. Sarah Askin, Senior Lecturer from the School of Social Sciences, had been leading the programme with the support of students and colleagues.

The diverse range of social care agency visits in Potsdam and Berlin provided NTU students with an international perspective on effective support and intervention strategies for vulnerable communities and individuals. This experience sparked professional curiosity and enabled them to critically assess and compare German social work practices with UK policies.

Meeting German social work students, beyond the social aspect, allowed NTU students to engage in professional conversations with their international counterparts, gaining a deeper understanding of German social work policies.

In addition to the professional insights gained, all participating students felt the experience contributed significantly to their personal growth. The international travel fostered independence, and participating in the exchange boosted their confidence immensely.

Students expressed pride in challenging themselves by stepping into an unfamiliar environment and pushing beyond their comfort zones. One student mentioned that the trip increased her confidence in social interactions, while another described the trip as the highlight of her university experience.

The Social Work exchange programme continued in 2024, with FHP students visiting NTU at the end of April and NTU students travelling to Berlin in June. Social Work Apprentices also participated, along with the BA students.