German social workers spend time in America

Three months gaining experience

Which challenges must American social workers meet? What are the differences compared with the day-to-day work of their German colleagues? What can they learn from each other? After completing an internship in the USA, professionals working in the child and youth welfare sector will be able to answer all these questions. Over the course of their three-month placement, they will gain experience on the ground through looking after children from broken homes, supporting immigrants in integrating into American society, and looking after unemployed young people. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH makes this important experience possible. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, GIZ offers dedicated social workers the opportunity to undertake further training in the USA.  

A grant from the ministry helps cover travel expenses and accommodation in the USA, where German professionals live with host families and can experience everyday life in an American family. GIZ organises the placements, which will start in August/September 2018 and take place in one of the following four states: Arizona, Illinois, Michigan or West Virginia. There is no age limit for this programme. If you are interested in taking part and are trained in this area, have a sound command of English and professional experience, you can apply through GIZ until 8 December 2017.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with worldwide operations. We support the German Government in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. We are also engaged in international education activities around the globe. Through our work, we assist people and societies in shaping their own future and improving living conditions.